What Should I Feed My Dog or Cat? Pet Nutrition and Weight Advice in Middle Sackville

Quick answer: The best food for your dog or cat depends on their age, breed, size and health condition. At Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre, our veterinarians give tailored nutritional advice to help you choose the right food, and may recommend supplements or a specialized diet when your pet has a particular health concern. If your pet's weight, appetite or thirst changes, book an exam, because these can be signs of a medical problem.

With so many pet foods available, choosing one can feel overwhelming. A balanced diet is an important part of your pet's preventive care, and our team is here to help you make the right choice for your pet.

How to choose the right food for your pet

Step 1: Start with a wellness exam. During a wellness exam, we look at your pet's age, breed, size, activity level and medical history. Your pet is weighed at every visit, which helps us track changes over time.

Step 2: Tell us what your pet eats now. Bring information about your pet's current diet, along with any medications and supplements. This helps your veterinarian give advice that fits your pet.

Step 3: Get a recommendation for their life stage and health. Our veterinarians offer tailored nutritional advice to help you choose the most suitable food for your pet's age, breed, size and health condition. If your pet has a specific health concern, we may recommend dietary supplements or a specialized diet.

Step 4: Pair diet with activity. We also provide lifestyle recommendations, including exercise plans and environmental enrichment, based on your pet's age, breed, activity level and medical history. For older dogs with stiff joints, our article on therapeutic exercise for arthritis explains how tailored exercise can improve mobility.

Step 5: Recheck and adjust. Your pet's needs change as they age. We continue to monitor their health and adjust recommendations at follow-up visits.

When weight or appetite changes are a warning sign

Changes in weight, appetite and water consumption can be signs of an endocrine (hormone) disorder. For example:

• Diabetes mellitus involves insufficient insulin production or resistance to its effects and requires careful management.
• Hyperthyroidism, often seen in cats, means the body has too much thyroid hormone.
• Hypothyroidism, frequently diagnosed in dogs, means there is not enough thyroid hormone.

Other signs of hormone problems include excessive panting, hair loss or a dull coat, and changes in behaviour, energy levels or urination. If you notice these, contact us. We may recommend blood tests, urinalysis or imaging, and treatment can include medication, hormone replacement therapy or dietary changes. Learn more about diabetes and thyroid disease in pets and our endocrinology services.

A decrease in appetite, along with rapid breathing, coughing or tiring easily, can also be a sign of heart disease. Dental pain can make eating uncomfortable too, so a reluctance to eat is worth having checked. Read about dental care for dogs and cats.

Frequently asked questions about pet nutrition

Do you sell pet food?

Yes. Browse our products and supplies, including food, or ask our team about the options that fit your veterinarian's recommendation.

Should I give my pet supplements?

It depends on your pet. Our veterinarians may recommend dietary supplements to address particular health concerns. Always let us know about any supplements your pet already takes.

My pet is losing weight but eating normally. Should I be worried?

Unexplained weight changes are worth an exam. Changes in weight, appetite and water consumption can be signs of hormone disorders such as diabetes or thyroid disease.

Get nutrition advice from our Middle Sackville vets

Want help choosing the right food for your dog or cat? Request an appointment online or call us at (902) 864-2882. Learn more about our wellness care services, or visit our new clients page if you are new to the clinic.

Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre is a veterinary-owned, CVMA- and NSVMA-accredited animal hospital at 1622 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A8. This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination of your pet by a veterinarian.