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Nutrition Counseling for Dogs and Cats in South Surrey and White Rock, BC
What your pet eats affects every aspect of their health, from their energy and coat condition to their immune function, organ health, and longevity. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital in South Surrey, we offer nutrition counseling as a dedicated service for families who want to make informed decisions about their pet’s diet. Whether you are navigating the confusing landscape of commercial pet food, looking for guidance on a therapeutic diet recommended for a specific health condition, or concerned about your pet’s weight or energy levels, our team is here to help. Call (604) 536-3131 to book a nutrition consultation.
Puppy Nutrition
The first year of a dog's life is one of rapid growth that places high nutritional demands on the body. Puppies require a diet specifically formulated for growth, with appropriate protein, calcium, and phosphorus ratios to support skeletal development without accelerating growth too quickly. Large and giant breed puppies have specific needs that differ from small breed puppies and require a large-breed puppy formula to reduce the risk of orthopedic complications. We help families select a diet appropriate for their puppy's breed size and projected adult weight, and we advise on feeding frequency, portion sizes, and foods to avoid throughout the growth phase.
Kitten Nutrition
Kittens have significantly higher protein and calorie requirements than adult cats and must eat a food specifically formulated for kittens or for all life stages until at least 12 months of age. Adult cat food does not provide sufficient calories or the right nutrient ratios for a growing kitten. We also discuss hydration during kitten consultations, as cats are not natural water drinkers and a diet that incorporates wet food from an early age supports kidney and urinary tract health throughout life. We advise on feeding frequency, transitioning between foods, and the role of wet and dry food in a kitten's daily routine.
Adult Dog and Cat Nutrition
Adult dogs and cats between one and seven years of age have stable nutritional needs, but this is the life stage where dietary mistakes most often take root. Overfeeding, excessive treats, and inadequate portion management lead to weight gain that compounds over years into significant obesity-related health problems. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, we assess body condition score at every wellness visit and provide specific feeding guidance when we see a pet trending toward an unhealthy weight. We also discuss the difference between marketing-driven dietary trends and evidence-based nutritional choices, so you can make decisions grounded in your pet's actual needs rather than popular claims.
Senior Pet Nutrition
Nutritional needs shift meaningfully as pets age. Senior dogs and cats often benefit from diets with adjusted protein, phosphorus, and calorie content to support aging kidneys, joints, and organ systems. Some senior pets need more protein to maintain muscle mass, while others with specific organ conditions benefit from a reduced protein intake. Cats with hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or dental limitations may need dietary adjustments as conditions are identified and managed. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, we evaluate senior nutrition in the context of each pet's current health picture and advise on foods that are appropriate and practical for their needs and appetite.
Weight Management
Obesity is one of the most common and most impactful preventable health conditions in dogs and cats. Excess body weight places strain on joints, increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and shortens life expectancy. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, we approach weight management practically and without judgment. We calculate an appropriate daily calorie target, review everything your pet is currently eating including treats and table food, and set realistic goals for gradual weight loss that can be maintained at home. We also discuss increasing activity in safe, appropriate ways for your pet's age and condition. Regular weight checks keep progress on track.
Therapeutic Diet Guidance
Some health conditions are best managed with a diet designed specifically for that condition. Therapeutic diets are available for kidney disease, urinary crystals and stones, gastrointestinal conditions, food allergies, liver disease, diabetes, and other conditions. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, we do not recommend therapeutic diets based on owner request alone. We recommend them when a specific condition has been identified that makes such a diet the most appropriate nutritional choice. We explain what the diet is designed to do, what to expect during the transition, and how to monitor your pet's response over time.
Giant Breed Nutrition
Giant breed dogs, including Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, and similar breeds, have nutritional requirements that differ meaningfully from standard large breeds. Their slower skeletal maturation means that appropriate calcium and phosphorus ratios during growth are critical to avoid developmental orthopedic disease. Giant breed puppies should remain on a giant-breed-specific growth formula until skeletal maturity at 18 to 24 months. We also discuss caloric requirements for adult and senior giant breeds, as these dogs often do well on fewer calories per kilogram of body weight than smaller breeds and are prone to obesity if fed by body weight alone.
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Raw diets carry real risks including bacterial contamination with Salmonella and E. coli, nutritional imbalance, and the potential for transmission of those bacteria to people in the household. Commercial raw diets vary enormously in quality and nutritional completeness. We recommend discussing raw feeding with our team before starting, particularly if you have young children, immunocompromised family members, or a puppy or kitten in the home.
A healthy weight cat should have ribs you can feel easily when you run your hands along the sides, a visible waist when viewed from above, and an abdomen that is slightly tucked when viewed from the side. If you cannot easily feel the ribs or there is no waist definition, your cat may be carrying excess weight. We assess body condition score at every wellness visit and can advise on a practical plan.
A healthy weight cat should have ribs you can feel easily when you run your hands along the sides, a visible waist when viewed from above, and an abdomen that is slightly tucked when viewed from the side. If you cannot easily feel the ribs or there is no waist definition, your cat may be carrying excess weight. We assess body condition score at every wellness visit and can advise on a practical plan.
Great Danes and other giant breeds need a giant-breed-specific puppy formula during growth, which controls calcium and phosphorus levels to support healthy bone development without excessive early growth that can lead to orthopedic problems. Avoid standard large-breed or generic puppy foods, as they may not be appropriate for the unique growth requirements of giant breeds. Book a nutrition consultation and bring your puppy’s current food information.
Make informed choices about your pet’s diet with guidance from our team. Call Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital at (604) 536-3131 to schedule a nutrition consultation. We are open seven days a week in South Surrey and serve pets from across White Rock and the Lower Mainland.