Skip to content What your pet eats at every stage of life directly affects their bone health, organ function, weight, immune system, and longevity. At Lougheed Animal Hospital in Mission, BC, we provide nutrition counseling tailored to your pet’s species, life stage, size, and any current health conditions. Nutrition is not one-size-fits-all, and we work with you to develop feeding recommendations that are practical and evidence-based. Call (604) 826-7066 to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs.
Puppies and kittens have significantly higher caloric and nutritional needs than adult pets. Feeding the right diet during this rapid growth phase directly shapes bone density, muscle development, immune function, and adult body condition. Puppies require a diet formulated specifically for growth or all life stages and certified to AAFCO standards. Large and giant-breed puppies need a diet specifically calibrated for large-breed growth to support slower, more controlled skeletal development. Kittens are obligate carnivores and need a high-protein, calorie-dense kitten formula until approximately 9 to 12 months of age. We will review your current food selection and portion size at every early-life appointment and make adjustments as your pet grows.
Adult dogs and cats require a balanced diet that maintains their ideal body weight and supports organ health without the additional calories needed for growth. Portion control and consistent feeding schedules are important for adult pets, as free-feeding and high-calorie foods contribute to weight gain, which in turn affects joint health, cardiovascular health, and lifespan. Our veterinarians assess your pet’s body condition score at every wellness exam and adjust feeding recommendations based on what we find. We discuss food selection, portion size, feeding frequency, and the role of treats in your pet’s overall caloric intake. We recommend foods with clear, evidence-based nutritional standards.
Giant-breed dogs, including Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, and similar breeds, have unique nutritional requirements at every life stage. As puppies, rapid growth in giant breeds increases the risk of developmental orthopedic conditions including hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis. Giant-breed puppy formulas control calcium-to-phosphorus ratios and calorie density to promote steady, controlled growth. As adults, giant breeds have a slower metabolic rate relative to their body weight and are prone to obesity and joint disease. We provide targeted nutrition guidance for giant-breed dogs at both the puppy and adult stages, and we revisit recommendations as the dog’s size, age, and activity level change over time.
As dogs and cats age, their nutritional needs shift in ways that standard adult diets may not fully address. Senior pets often require fewer calories due to a slower metabolism and reduced activity, while at the same time needing higher-quality protein to maintain muscle mass. Kidney function, liver health, joint mobility, and dental health all influence what a senior pet should eat. Some senior pets benefit from therapeutic diet guidance formulated to support specific organ systems, which we can assess and recommend based on your pet’s bloodwork and clinical evaluation. We discuss senior nutritional needs at every twice-yearly senior wellness exam and adjust recommendations based on how your pet is doing.
Good nutrition is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your pet. Call Lougheed Animal Hospital at (604) 826-7066 or book online to schedule a nutrition consultation for your dog or cat in Mission, BC.
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For after-hours emergencies, contact Canada West Veterinary Specialists — 604-473-4882.
