At West Ridge Animal Hospital, we believe food is medicine. Providing proper and balanced nutrition is the biggest step you can take in caring for your pet. Food has the ability to promote optimal well-being in healthy pets by providing the correct balance of certain nutrients through all life stages. For example, puppies and kittens need energy-dense food to fuel their growing bodies. Diets are available that are tailored to specific breeds and sizes of cats and dogs. Managing chronic health problems can be as simple as scooping kibble into a bowl. Animals with conditions such as arthritis, renal disease, allergies, or those recovering from surgery can heal or manage their conditions with prescription diets containing precise amounts of nutrients. We have a team of veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and reception staff available to assist in selecting the right food to fit your pet’s specific therapeutic or wellness needs and provide support during their diet transition.

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We can provide weight loss support for your overweight or obese pet. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 54% of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Being obese puts them at risk for an array of additional health problems from arthritis to cancer. West Ridge Animal Hospital has therapeutic diets available for weight loss and the tools and advice to help your pet through their transition.

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Cats also have special dietary needs. As obligate carnivores, they have the inherent need for animal-sourced ingredients to ensure adequate intake of Vitamin A, Arachidonic acid, Taurine, and Arginine. They have very high protein requirements, twice that of an adult dog, and sometimes need encouragement to drink enough water. They have inherited the ability to survive on less water than their canine counterparts; however, not drinking enough can put them at risk of developing Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.

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Today there is a lot of information available from many different sources regarding what we should and should not be feeding our pets. Some of this information is conflicting. If you have questions regarding the proper diet for your cat, dog, or exotic pet, contact West Ridge Animal Hospital. Your trusted veterinarian and their team will be able to provide reliable information regarding nutrition.