Nutrition Clinic
Personalized nutrition planning for dogs and cats — weight management, kidney/heart/diabetes therapeutic diets, and DER-based home-cooked meal plans.
Conditions & Specialized Care
Even without an existing condition, dogs and cats can have a nutrition assessment to plan a diet suited to their life stage, size, activity level, and body condition. The veterinary team can help estimate a target weight, calculate daily energy needs, and recommend an appropriate food amount — reducing the risk of over- or under-feeding.
Diet can be part of the care plan for pets with conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, gastrointestinal problems, or suspected food-related issues. The veterinarian reviews the condition, test results, and current diet to plan nutrition that supports the primary treatment.
For dogs and cats that are overweight, obese, underweight, or showing abnormal weight changes, a Body Condition Score (BCS) and Muscle Condition Score (MCS) can be assessed alongside energy calculations. A weight-management program sets an individual target weight, food amount, and follow-up schedule, and can be adjusted as weight and body condition change.
The growth stage has different energy and nutrient needs than adulthood. The veterinary team can help plan the type and amount of food suited to age, weight, growth, and body condition, adjusting the amount as the pet grows.
For owners who want to feed home-cooked meals, a personalized recipe can be designed based on each pet's information — for both healthy pets and those with existing conditions. The veterinarian considers weight, health goals, underlying conditions, and dietary history before planning the recipe and portions.
Diagnostic Services
Body Condition Score & Muscle Condition Score Assessment
Assesses body condition and muscle mass to help determine whether weight and body composition are at an appropriate level. Weight alone may not be enough, since pets with similar weights can have very different proportions of fat and muscle.
Daily Energy Requirement (DER) Calculation
The veterinarian calculates energy needs based on the pet's information, such as body weight, target weight, age, activity level, neuter status, health condition, and underlying disease — then uses this to set an appropriate daily food amount.
Diet History
Assesses all food the pet receives each day — not just main meals, but treats, supplements, and any other extra food. Diet history information helps the veterinarian assess energy intake and eating patterns before planning a new diet.
Blood Tests & Health Data Review
For pets with underlying conditions or specific indications, the veterinarian may consider blood test results or other medical information alongside nutrition planning. Test results help select a dietary approach consistent with the pet's health status and primary treatment.
Medical Care & Treatment
Personalized Nutrition Plan
After assessment, the veterinarian plans a diet suited to each individual pet, considering food type, amount, weight goal, and health condition. Plans can differ even between pets of the same breed or similar weight.
Weight Management
For overweight or underweight pets, a target weight and appropriate energy amount are set, with periodic monitoring of weight and body condition changes.
Therapeutic Diet for Chronic Conditions
Pets with conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal problems may need diet adjustments suited to the disease and its treatment. The veterinarian determines case by case which diet is appropriate and how long it should be used.
Assisted / Tube Feeding
Some pets that cannot eat enough on their own — especially during illness or recovery — may need an assisted feeding plan. The veterinarian assesses energy needs and the feeding method suited to each patient's condition.
Tailor-made Home-cooked Diet
Designs a home-cooked meal plan based on the pet's specific information, considering health, weight, goals, and underlying conditions. The recipe and portions provided should be followed as planned, with follow-up to adjust the recipe as the pet's health or weight changes.
Follow-up & Nutrition Plan Adjustment
A diet plan doesn't need to stay the same for life. The veterinarian considers changes in weight, BCS, MCS, health test results, and the pet's response to food, adjusting the amount or type of diet as appropriate at each stage.
FAQ
Q : What kind of pets should see a veterinary nutritionist?
Healthy pets wanting nutrition guidance; pets that are overweight or underweight; pets with chronic conditions such as kidney, heart, diabetes, or liver disease; pets with food or gastrointestinal issues; and puppies/kittens, senior pets, or pets recovering from surgery can all have a nutrition assessment and individualized plan.
Q : Does a prescription diet need to be given for life?
It depends on the type of condition and the pet's health status. Some conditions may need an ongoing prescription diet, while others may use it for a period and then adjust based on follow-up results. The veterinarian assesses this case by case.
Q : What should I prepare before a nutrition consultation?
It's helpful to bring information on the current food type, brand, formula, and amount given, including treats and supplements, weight history, underlying conditions, and current medications. Recent blood test results should also be brought if available, along with food labels or photos of the food being used.
Q : Can the clinic calculate a personalized food amount for my pet?
Yes. The veterinarian can calculate Daily Energy Requirement (DER) and determine the food amount based on target weight, life stage, activity level, and health condition for each individual pet.
Q : Should an overweight dog or cat just be given less food right away?
Reducing food without assessing energy needs first may not suit every pet. A target weight, BCS/MCS assessment, and energy calculation should be done first to plan weight loss and follow-up appropriately.
Q : What kind of pets is a tailor-made home-cooked diet suitable for?
It can be planned for both healthy pets and those with underlying conditions. The veterinarian considers weight, life stage, health status, underlying disease, and nutrition goals before designing an individualized recipe.