Nutrition and Weight Management

Veterinary Nutrition and Weight Management in Scottsdale, AZ

At Rio Verde Animal Hospital, we emphasize the importance of healthy nutrition and maintaining an ideal weight. Whether your furry companion is a playful newcomer or senior pet, diet plays a key role in their overall well-being and quality of life. Our dedicated team is here to provide expert nutrition guidance tailored to each life stage, weight management goals, and other considerations. Our goal is to help your beloved companion thrive.

Nutrition for Each Stage of Life

Proper nutrition is critical to supporting the unique needs of pets at the different stages of their lives. From energetic puppies to curious kittens, active adults, and mature seniors, your furry friend's nutritional requirements will vary to promote growth, maintain health, and support longevity.

Puppy and Kitten Nutrition: Growing puppies and kittens require diets rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals and higher calorie counts to support their rapid growth. We will discuss your pet’s nutritional needs and work with you to ensure your furry friend gets the nutrients needed for healthy growth and a strong immune system.
Adult Nutrition: Adult dogs and cats benefit from complete and balanced diets that provide sustained energy and support their overall health. Their foods are typically formulated with a healthy balance of animal-based proteins, carbs, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and fibers. If your loyal companion has a specific medical condition, we may recommend supplements or special diets.

Senior Nutrition: As pets age, their metabolism and dietary requirements change. They typically require senior-specific diets that promote joint health, help maintain a healthy weight, and promote vitality and well-being.

Weight Control and Management

Pet obesity is a significant problem with devastating impacts on a pet’s health and quality of life. It is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases and mobility concerns, including joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, and more. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to create a personalized weight management plan, promoting your furry friend’s overall well-being and setting the stage for a long, happy, and healthy life.

Creating a weight control and management plan starts with an assessment of your pet's weight and a health screening. Our team may recommend a diet low in calories but rich in necessary nutrients. We will outline feeding schedules, determine ideal meal portions, and help you develop an exercise routine to keep your pet active and at the perfect body weight.

Other Nutritional Considerations

Aside from age-specific nutrition and personalized weight loss plans, there are important considerations when it comes to your pet's diet.

Allergies and Food Sensitivities: Pets may be allergic to certain foods, which can impact their health and quality of life. We may recommend a specialized diet to help your loyal companion thrive.
Chronic Illnesses: Some pets with chronic health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal disorders may require specialized diets. We will help develop a custom nutritional plan to promote your furry friend’s health and overall wellness.
Grain-Free Diets: Grain-free diets continue to gain popularity, but they may not be ideal for all pets. We highly recommend consulting our experienced veterinary team before starting any diet plan.