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Pet Nutrition Counseling in Surrey, BC

Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools available for supporting your pet’s long-term health. What your dog or cat eats directly affects their weight, joint health, coat condition, energy levels, and the management of many medical conditions. At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital in Surrey, BC, we provide veterinary-guided nutrition counseling for dogs and cats at every life stage, from puppies and kittens through to seniors.

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Weight Management for Dogs and Cats

Excess body weight is one of the most common and impactful health concerns in companion animals. Overweight dogs and cats are at elevated risk for joint disease, diabetes, heart and respiratory conditions, and a shortened lifespan. Our weight management program begins with an accurate body condition assessment and an honest conversation about current feeding habits and activity levels. We develop a realistic, individualized weight loss or maintenance plan that includes target caloric intake, appropriate food selection, and scheduled rechecks to monitor progress. We work with you at a pace that keeps your pet healthy and satisfied while moving consistently toward a healthier weight.

Adult Dog and Cat Nutrition Counseling

Once your dog or cat has reached physical maturity, their nutritional needs shift toward maintenance. The right diet for an adult pet depends on their size, breed, activity level, and any existing health conditions. We provide guidance on selecting a nutritionally complete and appropriate diet, evaluating pet food labels, managing feeding portions to maintain a healthy body weight, and identifying early signs that a dietary change may be needed. Regular body condition assessments at wellness visits allow us to catch weight creep early and make adjustments before significant health impact occurs.

Therapeutic Diet Guidance

Certain medical conditions respond well to specific dietary adjustments. Pets with kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract disease, inflammatory bowel conditions, and food allergies often benefit significantly from diets formulated to support their specific condition. We provide guidance on selecting appropriate therapeutic diets, introducing new foods gradually, and monitoring your pet's response over time. Therapeutic diets recommended at our clinic are selected based on current veterinary nutritional evidence and your pet's individual needs.

Puppy and Kitten Nutrition

Puppies and kittens have very different nutritional needs from adult pets. They require higher caloric density, appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratios to support bone development, and DHA for neurological development during the critical early growth period. We recommend a diet specifically formulated for puppies or kittens during this stage, not an all-life-stages formulation. At your first puppy or kitten visit, we discuss appropriate feeding frequency, portion sizes, and transitioning schedules as your young pet moves through the growth stage. Feeding the right food in the right amount during this period sets the foundation for lifelong health.

Senior Pet Nutrition Counseling

Aging dogs and cats have evolving nutritional requirements. Senior pets often benefit from diets with modified protein levels to support kidney health, added joint support ingredients such as glucosamine and omega fatty acids, and adjustments in caloric density to accommodate changes in metabolism and activity level. We perform a comprehensive nutritional review as part of every senior wellness visit and discuss any dietary changes that may improve comfort, maintain lean muscle mass, or support the management of age-related conditions. Senior nutrition counseling is an important part of maintaining quality of life in aging pets.

Giant Breed Nutrition Counseling

Giant breeds such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and similar large dogs have unique nutritional needs that differ significantly from smaller dogs. They require carefully controlled calcium and phosphorus levels during growth to prevent developmental bone disease. They also benefit from controlled caloric density during puppyhood to support slow, steady growth rather than rapid weight gain. We provide specific guidance on giant breed puppy diets, transitioning schedules, and adult maintenance nutrition to support long-term joint and cardiovascular health.

Explore More Services

Wellness Program including nutrition guidance at every life stage
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Medical Services for pets with nutrition-related health conditions
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Pet Care Services including puppy and kitten wellness care
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How do I know if my dog or cat is overweight?

You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily without pressing hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If the ribs are hard to feel or there is no visible waist, your pet may be carrying excess weight. We perform a body condition assessment at every visit and are happy to evaluate your pet at any time.

Is grain-free food better for dogs and cats in Surrey, BC?

Not necessarily. Grain-free diets are not appropriate for all pets, and certain grain-free formulations have been associated with a specific type of heart disease in dogs. We recommend choosing a diet based on your pet’s individual health status and a veterinarian’s recommendation rather than marketing claims. We are happy to review any diet you are considering.

How much should I feed my adult dog each day?

The right daily amount depends on your dog’s weight, activity level, and the caloric density of the food you are using. Feeding guidelines on packaging are starting points, not precise recommendations. We provide individualized portion guidance based on your dog’s current body condition at wellness visits.

Do cats need a special diet as they get older?

Yes. Senior cats often benefit from diets with modified protein levels to support kidney function, added omega fatty acids for coat and joint health, and adjusted caloric density to prevent muscle loss or weight gain. We review nutritional needs at every senior cat wellness visit and discuss any changes that may be beneficial.

Get expert nutrition guidance for your dog or cat at 108 Avenue Animal Hospital in Surrey, BC. Open 7 days a week. Call (604) 581-1108 or book at 108aveanimalhospital.com/contact/.

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