Pet Nutrition Counseling in Mission, BC

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.

Puppy and Kitten Nutrition

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 Dog and Cat Nutrition

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 Nutrition

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.

Senior Pet Nutrition

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.

Explore More

Wellness exams including body condition scoring

On-site dispensing of therapeutic pet foods

Puppy nutrition guidance in the first-year guide

FAQs

What should I feed my large-breed puppy in Mission, BC?

Large-breed puppies need a diet specifically formulated for large-breed growth. These diets control calcium and phosphorus ratios and calorie density to support steady, controlled bone development and reduce the risk of joint problems. Avoid adult formulas or high-calorie puppy diets not designed for large breeds. Our veterinarians can review your current food choice and make a recommendation at your puppy’s first visit.

How do I know if my pet is at a healthy weight?

Your veterinarian assesses body condition score at every wellness exam using a standardized scale. At home, you can feel for your pet’s ribs: they should be palpable without pressing hard, but not visible. A visible waist when viewed from above and an abdominal tuck when viewed from the side are positive signs. If you are unsure, bring your pet in and we can assess together.

Can nutrition affect my senior cat’s kidney health?

Yes. Nutritional management plays a meaningful role in supporting kidney health in senior cats. Diets designed for kidney support control protein quality, phosphorus levels, and sodium content to reduce the workload on the kidneys and slow the progression of decline. If your senior cat has been assessed with kidney concerns, our team will discuss appropriate dietary options based on the specific findings.

How often should I feed my adult dog or cat?

Most adult dogs do well with two measured meals per day. Adult cats can also be fed twice daily or through measured portion feeding across the day. Free-feeding, where food is left out constantly, makes it difficult to monitor intake and often contributes to weight gain. We will discuss a feeding schedule and portion size that fits your pet’s needs and your daily routine.

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.