Pet Nutrition Counselling

Nutrition counseling at Cypress St. Animal Hospital helps ensure your pet's diet supports optimal health at every life stage. Our Vancouver veterinary team provides evidence-based dietary guidance for dogs and cats, covering weight management, therapeutic diets, custom nutrition plans, and feeding strategies for puppies, kittens, adults, and seniors. Proper nutrition is foundational to preventive care, and our Kitsilano team is here to help you make informed decisions.

Weight Management for Dogs and Cats

Weight management is one of the most impactful things you can do for your pet's long-term health. Excess weight increases the risk of joint disease, diabetes, heart conditions, and reduced lifespan. Our veterinarians assess your pet's body condition score, calculate ideal caloric intake, and create a structured plan that includes diet selection, portion guidance, and exercise recommendations.

Custom Nutrition Plans for Pets

Custom nutrition plans are designed for pets with specific health needs that require more than a standard diet. This includes pets recovering from surgery, those with food sensitivities, and animals with chronic conditions affecting digestion, kidneys, liver, or skin. Our team evaluates your pet's full health history to recommend diets that provide targeted nutritional support.

Therapeutic Diet Guidance for Pet Health

Therapeutic diets are formulated to support specific health conditions such as kidney concerns, urinary issues, gastrointestinal sensitivities, and joint health. Our veterinary team recommends therapeutic diets only when clinically appropriate and monitors your pet's response through regular check-ins.

Life-Stage Feeding Plans for Puppies/Kittens to Seniors

Life-stage feeding plans ensure your pet receives the right balance of nutrients at every stage of life. Each stage has distinct nutritional needs, and the right diet makes a measurable difference in your pet's health, energy, and longevity.

Puppies need calorie-dense diets rich in protein, calcium, and essential fatty acids to support rapid muscle and bone development. The right puppy food supports healthy growth without overloading joints in large breeds.

Kittens require high-protein diets with taurine and DHA to support brain development, vision, and immune function during their first year. Feeding a kitten-specific formula rather than adult food ensures they meet their unique growth requirements.

Adult dogs and cats benefit from balanced maintenance diets calibrated to their size, breed, and activity level. Proper portion control and nutritional balance during the adult years helps prevent weight gain and reduces the risk of chronic conditions later in life.

Senior pets — generally dogs over seven and cats over ten — often need reduced-calorie diets with added joint support, higher-quality protein for muscle maintenance, and kidney-friendly formulations. Our veterinary team monitors your senior pet's bloodwork and body condition to adjust their nutrition plan as their needs change.

Explore More Services

Wellness program plans with preventive nutrition guidance

Medical services for diet-related conditions

FAQs

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

A pet is likely overweight if you cannot easily feel their ribs, they have no visible waist, or their belly hangs below their chest line. Our team uses body condition scoring to assess your pet’s weight.

Should I feed my dog a grain-free diet?

Grain-free diets are not necessary for most dogs and have been associated with potential cardiac concerns. Our veterinary team can evaluate whether your pet has a specific need for a grain-free option.

What is a therapeutic diet for pets?

A therapeutic diet is a specially formulated food designed to support pets with specific health conditions such as urinary issues, kidney concerns, or gastrointestinal sensitivities.

Call Cypress St. Animal Hospital at (604) 734-2500 or schedule an appointment online.
Our Kitsilano team is here seven days a week.