Nutrition counseling
Good food choices help your dog or cat stay at a healthy weight at every age. Bring your questions about diet, portions, and treats to our Woodbridge vets.
What we talk about
Nutrition questions come up at almost every visit. Pet food aisles are crowded, labels can be confusing, and advice online often conflicts. We can help you sort through it. A nutrition talk is usually part of your pet’s wellness exam, and you can also book a visit just for diet and weight concerns.
Common topics include:
- How much to feed and how often.
- Choosing a food that fits your pet’s age and health.
- Weight loss or weight gain plans.
- Treats, table scraps, and chews.
- Switching foods without upsetting the stomach.
Healthy weight
Extra weight is one of the most common problems we see in dogs and cats. Even a few extra pounds can strain joints, make breathing harder in hot weather, and raise the risk of diabetes and other conditions. At each visit we weigh your pet and score its body condition by feeling the ribs, waist, and belly. If your pet needs to lose weight, we will set a realistic goal, give you a daily amount to feed, and recheck progress every few weeks. Slow, steady loss is safest, especially for cats.
Feeding for each life stage
Puppies and kittens
Growing pets need food made for growth. Large-breed puppies often do best on a diet designed for their size, which supports steady bone growth.
Adults
Most healthy adults do well on a complete and balanced adult food. Portions matter more than many owners think, and the guide on the bag is a starting point, not a rule. Pets who have been spayed or neutered often need fewer calories than before.
Seniors
Older pets may need fewer calories, or more if they are losing muscle. Some health conditions call for a therapeutic diet. Lab work from our in-house laboratory helps guide those choices.
Treats and table food
Treats are fine in moderation. A good rule is to keep them to about a tenth of your pet’s daily calories. Small pieces of plain cooked vegetables work well for many dogs. Avoid cooked bones, fatty scraps, and heavily seasoned food, which can upset the stomach or cause more serious problems.
If your pet eats something unsafe
Call right away at (703) 680-4646 if your pet eats something that may be toxic, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, or sugar-free gum. If we are closed, visit our after-hours emergencies page.
To talk through your pet’s diet with a veterinarian in Woodbridge, request an appointment.
Common questions
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
You should be able to feel the ribs easily with light pressure and see a waist from above. If you are unsure, we can score your pet's body condition at the next visit.
Is grain-free food better for my dog?
Not necessarily. Diet choices should be based on your dog's needs, and some grain-free diets have raised health questions. Ask the veterinarian before switching.
How should I switch my pet to a new food?
Mix the new food in gradually over about a week, adding a little more each day. This helps prevent an upset stomach.
Can I feed my pet a homemade diet?
It is possible, but homemade diets are often missing key nutrients. Talk with the veterinarian first so your pet gets a complete and balanced diet.
My cat is a picky eater. Is that a problem?
Some cats are simply choosy, but a sudden drop in appetite can signal illness. A cat that stops eating for more than a day should be seen, so call (703) 680-4646.
Do senior pets need special food?
Many do well on a senior diet, but not all. The right choice depends on weight, muscle, and lab results, which we review at senior checkups.
How many treats are too many?
Aim to keep treats to about 10 percent of daily calories. Cutting the daily meal a bit on high-treat days helps keep weight steady.
Questions, or ready to book?
Call us during open hours or send a request online and we will call you back to set a time.