Nutrition Counseling
A balanced diet can help prevent many health issues in cats and dogs. Sometimes even for us humans it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet, this is even more difficult if you do not understand the needs of your pet. Your loyal companion’s dietary needs can change due to their age, lifestyle and health status. At each stage of their life, it is important that they get enough nutrients from their diet to support their growth and healing. Our veterinary dieticians can help you create a suitable diet for your cherished pet. To learn more about nutrition for your cat or dog, please call us at 403-678-4425.
Why is nutrition counseling important?
Nutrition counseling is for the benefit of your pet. During counseling you can learn how often your pet should eat, what types of food should be in their diet and figure out if they have any food allergies. Your veterinarian can create a unique diet that meets their medical needs if they are suffering from diseases like diabetes, heart problems or weight issues. Nutrition counseling is important to promote healthier skin, reduce allergies, manage obesity and give your pet a longer life.
What food substances are toxic for my pet?
As pet parents you need to be careful with what you feed your pet as it can be dangerous to their health. Sometimes you may even need to be mindful of the plants or household items (cleaning products or human medications) that are within reach for your pet as they can be poisonous. Here are some food or ingredients that are toxic for your pet:
- Caffeine/coffee
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisin
- Garlic and onions
- Alcohol
- Macadamia nuts
- Sugar free candy containing xylitol
Weight Management
Excess weight can have a serious impact on your pet’s health. Through regular veterinary visits, our team can identify obesity and guide you through effective weight management strategies. While a cuddly, chunky pet may be adorable, they are at risk of developing conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and urinary bladder disease. If left untreated, obesity can even be fatal.
Are veterinary weight-loss diets necessary?
Yes, veterinary therapeutic diets are effective for overweight cats and dogs. Creating a weight-loss diet on your own without a veterinarian can be harmful for your pet. You need a veterinarian’s help to calculate how many calories your cat or dog needs to maintain a healthy weight. With this data we can create a daily calorie intake goal which is delivered at meals and snack times.
A veterinary therapeutic diet is guaranteed to be complete with the nutrients your pet needs. In some cases we may suggest over-the-counter (OTC) weight management after your cat or dog has reached a healthier weight. Remember a weight management plan should be tailored to the needs of each patient. To have our team assess your loyal companion and create a weight loss diet/plan, please call us at 403-678-4425.
How long will it take for my pet to lose weight?
In most cases it will take months for your pet to lose weight. A healthy weight loss plan is designed to work gradually. Sudden weight loss can be unhealthy for your cat or dog. Weight loss should be between 0.5% and 2% of the patient’s body weight per week.
Can I still give my pet treats?
Yes, low-calorie treats can be given to pets following a weight-loss plan. You can still reward your pet with treats but in moderation. Small treats for cats that provide 1 to 4 calories per treat are acceptable for your feline companion. For dogs, a low calorie treat contains less than 15 calories per treat. You may also consider frozen, fresh or plain cooked vegetables and fruits as treats for your pet.
What else can I do to help my pet lose weight?
In order for your pet’s weight loss plan to be successful there needs to be an overall change in their lifestyle. Even if their weight loss plan is for a certain time, some habits should be prolonged to keep your pet at a healthy weight. Here are some tips to follow:
- Encourage movement or activity. If your pet is not capable of doing much exercise such as short walks, you can place their food or water at the top/bottom of the stairs so they get some steps in.
- Use an automatic feeder to ensure your pet does not overeat.
- Use food puzzles to get your pet to work in order to get to their food. You can either make your own or purchase them from pet stores.