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What your pet eats has a direct impact on their energy, weight, coat health, immune function, and long-term wellbeing. At Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver, we provide personalized nutrition counseling for dogs and cats at every stage of life. Pet owners from Dunbar, Point Grey, and Dunbar-Southlands rely on us for practical, evidence-based feeding guidance tailored to their individual pets. Whether you are choosing food for a new puppy or managing a senior cat’s weight, we take time to understand your pet’s full picture before making any recommendations.
The first year of life is the most nutritionally demanding period for both puppies and kittens. Puppies require diets formulated for growth with appropriate levels of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Large and giant breed puppies need food specifically designed to support controlled skeletal development and reduce the risk of orthopedic problems. Kittens are obligate carnivores with high protein requirements and specific needs for taurine and arachidonic acid that only animal-based foods can provide. We review your puppy or kitten’s current food at every wellness visit and guide you through any adjustments as they grow.
Adult dogs and cats between approximately 1 and 7 years need a diet that maintains a healthy body weight, supports organ function, and provides appropriate energy for their activity level. We assess body condition score at every visit and adjust feeding recommendations accordingly. Common concerns we address in adult pets include weight gain, picky eating, food sensitivities, and coat quality. We recommend diets meeting AAFCO standards and discuss the differences between commercial dry, wet, and raw feeding options in relation to your pet’s specific needs.
As pets age, their caloric needs often decrease while their requirements for joint-supportive nutrients, digestive enzymes, and hydration increase. Senior dogs and cats benefit from diets formulated for their life stage, with adjusted protein quality, phosphorus levels for kidney support, and added antioxidants. We discuss senior nutrition as part of every twice-yearly senior wellness visit at Alma Animal Hospital, reviewing current intake, body weight trends, and any condition-specific dietary adjustments that may improve your pet’s comfort and energy as they age.
Obesity is one of the most common and most preventable health conditions in companion animals. Overweight pets are at higher risk for diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and reduced life expectancy. At Alma Animal Hospital, we develop individualized weight management plans that include a target weight, a calorie-controlled feeding plan, feeding frequency guidance, and regular weight check-ins. We work with you on sustainable, practical strategies that fit your household routine and ensure your pet loses weight at a safe, steady rate without unnecessary restriction.
Some pets require specific nutritional support for ongoing health conditions. Therapeutic diets are available for pets with kidney disease, diabetes, urinary crystal formation, food allergies, liver disease, and gastrointestinal conditions. We guide you through the selection of appropriate diets and explain how each formulation supports your pet’s specific condition. Transition protocols are provided to ensure a smooth dietary change. We carry a selection of veterinary-grade nutritional products at our clinic and can assist with ongoing refill and ordering questions.
Great nutrition builds a healthier, happier pet. Book a nutrition consultation at Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar. Call (604) 229-5564 or book at almavets.ca/make-an-appointment/.
