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Nutritional Health

Nutritional Health

Nutrition is an essential part of your pet’s overall health and longevity, and at the OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital, we firmly believe that proper nutrition is one of the most profound preventative steps you can take to ensure a healthy pet. The nutrition of your pet is covered in every wellness exam, so every time you bring your pet in to see us is an opportunity to discuss how your pet is doing with their diet!

Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of your pet’s overall health and well-being. At OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital, we understand that every pet is unique, and we’re here to help guide you in making the best dietary choices for your furry friend. Here are key aspects of pet nutrition that we focus on to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy:

1. Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet provides the essential nutrients your pet needs for energy, growth, and overall health. This includes the right mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals tailored to your pet’s life stage (puppy, kitten, adult, senior) and health status.

2. Age-Appropriate Nutrition

  • Puppies and Kittens: Growing pets have different nutritional needs compared to adults. High-quality puppy or kitten food supports their rapid growth and development.
  • Adult Pets: Maintenance diets for adult pets help maintain a healthy weight and support their energy levels.
  • Senior Pets: Older pets may require diets that focus on joint health, weight management, and supporting organs like the kidneys or heart.

3. Special Dietary Needs

Some pets may have specific dietary requirements due to health conditions like allergies, diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease. Our team will work with you to choose the best food and feeding schedule based on your pet’s medical needs.

4. High-Quality Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients in your pet’s food is just as important as the nutrients they provide. We recommend pet foods that use high-quality, easily digestible ingredients—free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

5. Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your pet’s long-term health. We can help you monitor your pet’s weight and provide recommendations for portion sizes and feeding schedules to prevent obesity and associated health problems like joint disease, diabetes, and heart disease.

6. Hydration

Proper hydration is often overlooked but is essential for your pet’s overall health. Always ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean water throughout the day, especially if they are on a dry food diet.

7. Supplementation

In some cases, adding supplements to your pet’s diet can help address specific health concerns, such as joint support (glucosamine), skin and coat health (omega-3 fatty acids), or digestive health (probiotics). Always consult with our team before adding supplements to your pet’s diet.

8. Feeding Behavior and Routine

Consistent feeding schedules help establish a routine and prevent overeating or digestive issues. We can help you determine the best feeding times and habits for your pet’s age, size, and lifestyle.

9. Food Allergies and Sensitivities

If your pet is experiencing gastrointestinal upset, skin issues, or itching, they may have food allergies or sensitivities. We can help identify the cause and recommend suitable food options or specialized diets to alleviate symptoms.

10. Consultation and Ongoing Support

At OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital, we provide ongoing nutritional consultations to ensure your pet’s dietary needs evolve with age, lifestyle, and any changes in health. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources to make informed choices about your pet’s nutrition.

A healthy diet is one of the best investments you can make for your pet’s long-term health and quality of life. If you have questions about your pet’s nutrition or need help selecting the right food, our team is here to provide expert guidance and support.

We offer several brands of pet foods to ensure your pet receives the proper nutrition including:

  • Hill’s Prescription Diet
  • Royal Canin Diet
  • Purina Veterinary Diets
  • Other veterinary diets

For more information on your pet’s nutrition, please visit the following articles to learn more!

Body Condition Scoring for Health
https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2021/10/25/scoring-for-health/

Probiotics 101
https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2021/11/22/probiotics-101/

Beyond the Label
https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2022/04/29/beyond-the-label/

How do you feed your pets?
https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2022/07/12/how-do-you-feed-your-pet/

For the Love of Bones
https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2023/08/11/for-the-love-of-bones/

Dermatitis: Nutrition’s Role in Itchy Pets
https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2022/06/24/dermatitis-nutritions-role-in-itchy-pets/

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