What your pet eats every day has a direct and lasting impact on their health, energy, and longevity. Avon Animal Hospital offers nutrition counseling for dogs and cats at every life stage, from puppies and kittens through to adult and senior pets. Our veterinary team provides practical, evidence-informed guidance to help you navigate the wide range of food options available and make choices that match your pet's individual needs, health history, and body condition.
Puppies have distinct nutritional requirements compared to adult dogs, including higher protein levels, greater caloric density, and specific mineral ratios to support bone development and muscle growth. At Avon Animal Hospital, we guide new puppy owners through selecting a food type, understanding portion sizes, and establishing a feeding schedule appropriate for their puppy's breed and projected adult size. Large and giant breed puppies have specific needs around calcium and phosphorus that differ from small breed puppies. A well-matched nutritional plan in puppyhood supports healthy development and reduces the risk of growth-related problems.
Kittens grow rapidly and require food formulated specifically for their developmental stage. Kitten-specific diets are higher in protein and caloric density than adult formulas, and feeding the right amount at the right frequency is important for supporting healthy weight gain and organ development. At Avon Animal Hospital, our team guides kitten owners through food selection, wet versus dry considerations, and transitioning between food types. We also address common questions about how long to feed kitten food and when to transition to an adult formula. Getting nutrition right in kittenhood supports a healthy foundation for life.
Adult pets have nutritional needs that shift away from the high-energy demands of growth and toward long-term maintenance of lean muscle, organ health, and a healthy weight. At Avon Animal Hospital, we assess adult dogs and cats for body condition, review their current diet, and discuss whether adjustments would be beneficial. Many adult pets benefit from a review of portion sizes, feeding frequency, and food quality. We also address common questions about switching foods, reading pet food labels, and choosing between commercial and home-prepared diets.
Senior dogs and cats have changing nutritional requirements as their metabolism slows, digestive efficiency decreases, and organ function shifts with age. Senior-formulated diets are often lower in calories but designed to support lean muscle, cognitive health, and joint comfort. At Avon Animal Hospital, we assess body condition and review current dietary habits at every senior wellness visit, making nutritional adjustments where appropriate. We discuss the role of specific nutrients such as omega fatty acids and antioxidants in supporting senior pet health, and guide owners through transitioning to a senior-appropriate diet at the right time.
Obesity is one of the most common preventable health concerns in pets and is linked to joint disease, reduced mobility, and a shortened lifespan. At Avon Animal Hospital, we take a practical and supportive approach to weight management, starting with an honest assessment of your pet's current body condition. We work with you to set realistic targets and adjust feeding plans to support gradual, sustainable weight loss without compromising nutrition. Follow-up weight checks help keep the plan on track and allow for adjustments as needed.
Good nutrition starts with the right guidance. Book a nutrition consultation for your dog or cat at Avon Animal Hospital in Surrey. Call (604) 532-7600 or book online at avonanimalhospital.ca/make-an-appointment/.
