What your pet eats directly affects their energy, immune function, joint health, organ function, and how well they age. At Norgate Animal Hospital in North Vancouver, our nutrition counseling service provides personalized guidance for every life stage and health situation. We help pet owners move past generic feeding instructions and build a practical nutrition plan that fits their pet's actual needs, health history, and household. Whether you are managing a health condition, adjusting for a new life stage, or simply want to make sure your pet's diet is right for them, we are here to help.
Obesity is one of the most common preventable health conditions in pets, contributing to joint disease, diabetes, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan. We assess your pet's body condition score at every visit and provide clear, practical guidance on portion control, food selection, and feeding frequency to achieve a healthy weight. Weight management plans are realistic and sustainable, factoring in your pet's current food, activity level, and any health conditions that affect their metabolism. Slow, steady weight loss is safer and more effective than rapid restriction.
Growing puppies and kittens have significantly higher energy, protein, and micronutrient requirements than adult pets. Choosing the right food for this stage is particularly important for large-breed puppies, where inappropriate calcium and phosphorus levels can contribute to developmental orthopedic problems. We guide you on choosing an appropriate puppy or kitten food, portion sizes based on expected adult weight, feeding frequency, and how to transition foods safely. Supplements are generally not needed when a complete and balanced growth formula is used.
Adult pets between one and seven years of age require a balanced diet that supports healthy weight, coat quality, digestive health, and energy levels. The right food depends on breed, activity level, whether your pet is spayed or neutered, and any existing health conditions. We review your current food, discuss alternatives where appropriate, and help you understand how to read pet food labels and evaluate nutritional claims. Feeding two measured meals per day rather than free-feeding supports weight management and digestive regularity.
Senior dogs and cats, generally those aged seven and older, have different nutritional needs than younger adults. Muscle mass tends to decrease with age, and organ function, particularly kidney and liver function, should be considered when selecting a diet. Senior pets benefit from diets with highly digestible protein, joint-supporting nutrients, and appropriate caloric density. We assess your senior pet's bloodwork and overall health to guide diet selection rather than simply recommending any food labelled for seniors, as the quality and suitability of these products varies widely.
Certain health conditions including kidney disease, diabetes, urinary crystals, food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease are significantly improved with the right dietary approach. We guide you through therapeutic diet options that are appropriate for your pet's specific condition and explain how they work. For giant breed dogs, nutrition management throughout life is particularly important due to their predisposition to orthopedic conditions, bloat, and cardiac disease. Giant breed puppies require diets formulated specifically for their growth rate, and adults benefit from joint-supportive nutrients and controlled caloric intake.
Unsure if your pet's diet is right for them? Call Norgate Animal Hospital at (604) 980-2222 or book a nutrition counseling appointment online. We will help you build a feeding plan that actually fits your pet's needs.
