Pet Nutrition Counseling in Burnaby, BC

Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have for supporting your pet's long-term health. The right diet at the right life stage can prevent obesity, support organ function, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and improve recovery from illness or injury. At Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby, we provide personalized nutrition counseling for dogs and cats at every stage of life, from puppies and kittens to seniors and pets with complex medical needs. Call (604) 563-6170 or book an appointment to discuss your pet's nutritional needs.

Weight Management for Dogs and Cats

Excess body weight is one of the most common and preventable conditions affecting dogs and cats. Overweight pets are at significantly higher risk for joint disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and shortened lifespan. We assess your pet's body condition score at every visit and work with you to set a realistic weight goal and calorie target. A structured weight management plan includes a specific daily food amount, feeding schedule, guidance on treats and supplements, and regular weigh-ins to track progress. We adjust the plan as your pet loses weight to ensure continued safe, steady progress.

Therapeutic Diets

Some medical conditions are significantly improved or managed through targeted nutritional changes. We recommend and support the use of veterinary therapeutic diets for conditions including kidney disease, urinary tract disease, food allergies, gastrointestinal conditions, liver disease, and obesity. These scientifically formulated diets are not available over the counter and are designed to provide precise nutrient levels that support the management of specific conditions. We explain how the diet works, how to transition your pet onto it, and what signs to monitor as they adjust.

Puppy Nutrition Counseling

The first year of a puppy's life is a period of rapid growth that places significant demands on nutrition. Feeding the right diet in the right amount during this window has lasting effects on bone density, immune function, and metabolic health. We recommend high-quality, life-stage-appropriate puppy formulas and provide guidance on feeding frequency, appropriate portions, and how to choose between wet and dry food options. For large and giant breeds, controlled calcium-to-phosphorus ratios and calorie management are particularly important to support healthy skeletal development without driving rapid growth.

Kitten Nutrition Counseling

Kittens have distinct nutritional needs that differ meaningfully from adult cats, requiring higher protein, fat, and caloric density to support rapid development. We recommend kitten-specific formulas through the first 9 to 12 months of life and provide guidance on incorporating wet food to support hydration and urinary tract health, an important habit to establish early in cats. Portion guidance, meal frequency, and guidance on how to introduce new foods gradually without causing digestive upset are all covered as part of kitten nutrition counseling.

Adult Dog and Cat Nutrition Counseling

Adult pets between one and seven years have different nutritional needs than growing animals and benefit from a diet calibrated to their activity level, body condition, and any developing health concerns. We evaluate body condition, discuss current diet choices, and provide guidance on appropriate portions, treat limits, and how to read pet food labels for quality indicators. For pets with food sensitivities, we discuss hydrolyzed and novel protein options that may reduce skin and gastrointestinal reactions without requiring expensive specialized foods in every case.

Senior Pet Nutrition Counseling

Senior dogs and cats have shifting nutritional requirements as organ function changes with age. Kidney disease, dental disease, reduced mobility, and changes in metabolism are common in senior pets and may all require dietary adjustments. We review senior pets' diets at every visit and recommend changes as needed, including adjusted protein levels for pets with kidney concerns, joint-supporting options for arthritic dogs, and easily digestible formulas for pets with sensitive digestion. The goal is to support organ function, maintain muscle mass, and keep your senior pet comfortable and engaged.

Giant Breed Nutrition Counseling

Giant breed dogs such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, and Saint Bernards have distinct nutritional requirements from puppyhood through adulthood. Rapid growth increases the risk of developmental orthopedic disease, making it essential to feed a large-breed puppy formula with controlled calcium and phosphorus levels throughout the growth phase. As adults, giant breeds benefit from joint-supportive nutrients and caloric plans that prevent obesity without restricting muscle maintenance. We provide targeted nutritional guidance for giant breed owners at every stage.

Veterinary-Recommended Food, Supplements, and Treats

Not all pet foods and supplements are created equally, and the market is full of products with persuasive marketing that does not always reflect their nutritional value. We carry and recommend veterinary-grade foods, supplements, and dental chews selected based on quality, ingredient transparency, and suitability for the pets we see. When your pet has a specific health concern, we can recommend targeted supplements, such as joint support or omega-3 fatty acids, and advise on appropriate treat types and amounts to avoid undermining an otherwise solid nutritional plan.

Explore More Services

Book a nutrition counseling appointment in Burnaby

Learn about our wellness plans including life-stage care

Read our puppy first-year guide including puppy nutrition basics

FAQs

How do I know if my dog or cat is a healthy weight in Burnaby?

We assess body condition score at every visit using a standardized scale. A healthy-weight pet has a visible waist when viewed from above, ribs that are easily felt but not visibly prominent, and a slight tuck of the abdomen. If you are unsure about your pet’s weight, a brief weight check appointment is easy to arrange. Early intervention when weight gain begins is much more effective than addressing significant obesity later.

What is a therapeutic diet and do I need a veterinary recommendation?

Therapeutic diets are formulated to support the management of specific medical conditions through precise nutrient levels. They are available only through veterinary clinics and require a recommendation because the right choice depends on your pet’s individual condition and results. Using a therapeutic diet without a specific recommendation, or using the wrong one for your pet’s condition, can sometimes do more harm than good. We will guide you on whether a therapeutic diet is appropriate and which one suits your pet’s needs.

Is wet food or dry food better for my cat?

Both can be appropriate, but cats naturally have a low thirst drive and benefit significantly from the moisture content in wet food. Including wet food regularly supports hydration and urinary tract health, which is especially important in cats prone to urinary issues. A combination of wet and dry food works well for many cats. We can help you find the right balance based on your cat’s health history, age, and preferences at your next visit.

My dog always seems hungry. Should I feed them more?

Not necessarily. Many dogs appear hungry regardless of how much they are fed, while others have genuinely high energy needs that require a higher caloric intake. The right answer depends on your dog’s current body condition, activity level, and whether their current food is meeting their nutritional needs at the recommended amount. We recommend a body condition assessment before adjusting food quantities, as overfeeding a dog that is already at a healthy weight leads to weight gain and its associated health consequences.

Good nutrition is one of the most meaningful investments you can make in your pet's health. Book a nutrition counseling appointment at Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby. Call (604) 563-6170 or book online. We are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..