Proper Diet & Nutrition for Healthy Pets at Every Stage of Life

As part of your pet's wellness visit, Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center includes a nutrition assessment. The veterinarian can determine whether your pet is overweight, underweight, or whether a special diet may be in order for optimal performance and health. The veterinarian can recommend the right balanced diet to promote good health and longevity. For certain diseases, a prescription diet may be recommended as part of your pet's treatment plan. These diets are only available from a veterinarian by prescription.

Diet & Weight

Young pets need proper nutrition and exercise to build strong bones and develop healthy muscle tone. Adult pets may gain weight as their metabolism and activity levels slow down, especially in seniors. Therefore, at every age and stage of development, food consumption must be balanced with the activity level of the pet. At the regular wellness visit, we assess nutritional health and recommend appropriate exercise and proper diet to meet your pet's specific needs.

Regular exercise is important to your pet in maintaining bone strength, muscle tone, and stamina. Daily walks and play are excellent methods of promoting physical activity and enjoyment of your companion. Start early, including your pet into the daily activities of your life for a healthy, happy companion.

You Are What You Eat

Generally, most of our healthy canine patients can be fed a good quality commercial dry food kibble, in the correct amount for breed of dog and activity level. Large active adult dogs seem to thrive on this type of diet. Sometimes owners supplement the dry food with table food, canned food, or meat as a special treat for their best friend.

Our veterinarian can determine whether the dry diet, plus or minus the offerings, is meeting the nutritional requirements for your animal companion. Special nutritional needs can also be identified as well, including special or prescription diets for:

• Diabetic patients
• Pets with kidney disease
• Pets with bladder or urinary tract problems
• Pets with food-based skin allergies
• Pets with gastrointestinal sensitivities or allergies
• Pets that are overweight or underweight
• Pets that are pregnant or lactating
• Extremely active pets such as hunters or obedience competitors