Pet nutrition counseling at South Fraser Animal Hospital helps dog and cat owners in Abbotsford, BC make confident, informed choices about what and how much to feed their pets at every stage of life. Good nutrition is one of the most effective tools for maintaining a healthy weight, supporting organ function, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions. Our team provides individualized guidance, not generic advice.
Overweight dogs and cats are at significantly higher risk for joint disease, diabetes, heart conditions, and a shorter lifespan. We assess your pet's body condition score at every visit and discuss realistic weight goals and a feeding plan to reach them. For pets with a meaningful amount of weight to lose, we schedule follow-up weight checks and adjust the plan based on their progress. Weight management is a long-term commitment, and our team supports both you and your pet throughout.
Puppies need a diet formulated for growth, with appropriate levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus to support developing muscles, bones, and immune function. We recommend a diet labelled for growth or all life stages that meets AAFCO nutritional standards. For large and giant breed puppies, a breed-specific large-breed puppy formula is important for controlled, steady growth that protects developing joints. We discuss portion sizes, feeding frequency, and when to transition to an adult diet at your puppy's first visit.
Kittens are obligate carnivores with high protein needs during rapid growth. A combination of wet and dry kitten-specific food supports both nutrition and hydration. Wet food increases fluid intake, which is important for cats who have a naturally low thirst drive and are prone to urinary issues as adults. We help you choose appropriate portions and feeding frequency and discuss when to transition to an adult formula at around 9 to 12 months.
Adult dogs and cats need a balanced, life-stage-appropriate diet to maintain healthy weight, energy, and organ function. We review your pet's current diet at every wellness visit and discuss whether any adjustments are warranted based on their body condition, activity level, or health status. Dogs and cats with specific concerns, including food sensitivities, digestive issues, or joint disease, may benefit from targeted dietary changes that we can guide practically and accurately.
As pets age, their nutritional needs shift. Senior pets often need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight while still requiring high-quality protein to preserve muscle mass. Reduced sodium and phosphorus may be appropriate for pets with cardiac or kidney concerns. We review your senior pet's diet at every visit and suggest adjustments that support comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. Omega-3 supplements and joint support products can be part of a broader senior nutrition plan.
Giant breed dogs grow more slowly than smaller breeds and have specific dietary requirements during development to protect their joints and bone density. Overfeeding a giant breed puppy during growth accelerates skeletal development in a way that raises the risk of orthopedic problems. We guide you through the feeding plan during the growth phase and into adulthood, including appropriate portion management and transition timing.
Some dogs and cats benefit from specialized diets formulated for specific conditions, including kidney support, urinary health, weight management, digestive sensitivity, and joint support. We discuss whether a therapeutic diet is appropriate for your pet's current situation and how to transition to a new diet safely and gradually. These products are available through our clinic and our online store.
As pets age, their nutritional needs shift. Senior pets often need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight while still requiring high-quality protein to preserve muscle mass. Reduced sodium and phosphorus may be appropriate for pets with cardiac or kidney concerns. We review your senior pet's diet at every visit and suggest adjustments that support comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. Omega-3 supplements and joint support products can be part of a broader senior nutrition plan.
Giant breed dogs grow more slowly than smaller breeds and have specific dietary requirements during development to protect their joints and bone density. Overfeeding a giant breed puppy during growth accelerates skeletal development in a way that raises the risk of orthopedic problems. We guide you through the feeding plan during the growth phase and into adulthood, including appropriate portion management and transition timing.
A pet at a healthy weight has a visible waist from above and ribs that can be felt without prominent visibility. We assess body condition score at every visit using a standardized scale and provide you with a clear target if adjustment is needed.
Both can be part of a balanced diet. Wet food supports hydration, which is particularly important for cats prone to urinary issues. Dry food contributes to dental health through its texture. A combination is often recommended. We tailor the advice to your individual cat’s health history.
Yes. Diets formulated to support joint health, combined with appropriate omega-3 supplementation, can contribute to reduced inflammation and improved comfort in dogs with joint conditions. We discuss this as part of a broader care plan that may include other supportive measures.
Therapeutic diets are veterinary nutritional products formulated to support specific health conditions, such as kidney disease, urinary health, digestive sensitivity, or weight management. They are developed to precise nutritional standards and are different from over-the-counter foods. We guide you on whether one is appropriate and how to introduce it safely.
Get personalized nutrition guidance for your dog or cat at South Fraser Animal Hospital in Abbotsford. Book online at southfraseranimalhospital.com/make-an-appointment/ or call (604) 855-0770.
