Nutrition counseling at Homer Animal Hospital in Vancouver helps pet owners make informed, confident choices about what to feed their dogs and cats at every life stage. Good nutrition is one of the most powerful tools in your pet's long-term health, and the right feeding plan looks different for a growing puppy, an active adult dog, or a senior cat with changing metabolic needs. Our team provides personalized guidance rooted in current veterinary nutritional science.
Growing puppies and kittens have significantly higher calorie and protein needs than adult pets, and those needs must be met with balanced, species-appropriate food. For puppies, we discuss breed-appropriate formulas, with particular attention to large and giant breed puppies who require controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios to support safe bone development. For kittens, we emphasize the importance of high-quality protein, moisture content, and the transition to solid food from weaning. We set feeding targets at each early-life wellness visit and adjust them as your pet grows.
Adult dogs and cats have stable but individual nutritional requirements based on their activity level, body condition, breed, and any underlying health considerations. At Homer Animal Hospital, we assess body condition score (BCS) at every wellness visit and use it as a practical guide to whether your pet's current feeding plan is appropriate. We discuss portion sizing, the role of wet versus dry food, how to read ingredient labels, and whether any specific nutritional support is warranted based on health history.
As dogs and cats age, their metabolism changes, muscle mass may decline, and organ function can shift in ways that affect how they process nutrients. Senior pets often benefit from diets that support joint health, kidney function, and a healthy digestive system. We assess body condition and muscle condition score together in senior pets and discuss how to maintain lean body mass, support mobility, and address any conditions that require specific dietary management.
Excess weight is associated with a wide range of health problems in pets, including joint disease, cardiovascular concerns, and reduced quality of life. We assess body condition at every visit and develop a structured weight management plan when needed. This includes setting a target weight, calculating daily calorie intake, recommending appropriate food options, and scheduling follow-up weight checks to measure progress and adjust the plan.
Some health conditions are best managed in part through specific dietary choices. Pets with kidney disease, urinary crystal issues, gastrointestinal sensitivities, and certain metabolic conditions may benefit from therapeutic diets formulated to support those conditions. We discuss therapeutic diet options in the context of your pet's complete health picture and work with you to find an approach your pet will actually eat.
Giant breeds such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards have specific nutritional requirements during growth and throughout their adult lives. Overfeeding and unbalanced calcium levels during the puppy phase can increase the risk of orthopedic conditions. We provide targeted guidance for giant breed owners at every life stage, from puppy feeding schedules to adult weight management and senior nutritional support.
Book a nutrition counseling appointment at Homer Animal Hospital in Vancouver. Call (604) 416-4114 or book online. We are open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
