Pet Nutrition Counseling in Abbotsford, BC
Pet Nutrition Counseling at Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital in Abbotsford, BC takes the guesswork out of feeding your dog or cat. What your pet eats at each life stage significantly affects their immune system, weight, coat quality, joint health, and energy levels. Our veterinary team provides evidence-based nutrition guidance for puppies and kittens, adult pets, seniors, giant breeds, and pets with specific health concerns requiring therapeutic diets. We serve families throughout Abbotsford, Mission, Clearbrook, Aldergrove, and Chilliwack.
Puppy and Kitten Nutrition Counseling
Puppies and kittens have distinct nutritional requirements that differ significantly from adult pets, and meeting those needs in the first year sets the foundation for lifelong health. Puppies need diets formulated specifically for growth, with appropriate levels of protein, calcium, and phosphorus to support bone and muscle development. Large and giant breed puppies require controlled-growth formulas that prevent excessively rapid skeletal development, which can contribute to joint and bone problems later in life. Kittens are obligate carnivores with higher protein needs than dogs, and they benefit from a diet that includes a significant proportion of high-quality canned food to support hydration and urinary tract health from an early age. At Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital, we discuss portion sizes, feeding frequency, food selection, and how to transition between foods without causing digestive upset.
Adult Dog and Cat Nutrition Counseling
Adult dogs and cats between approximately 1 and 7 years of age benefit from a maintenance diet that supports a healthy weight, optimal coat and skin condition, and steady energy levels. Adult dogs have broad variation in nutritional needs depending on size, activity level, and breed. A large, active working dog has significantly different requirements than a small, sedentary companion. Adult cats continue to benefit from a diet that prioritizes high-quality protein and adequate moisture. Cats that eat primarily dry food face a higher risk of urinary tract concerns over time. Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital helps you choose an appropriate diet for your adult pet based on their current body condition, age, activity, and any known health factors.
Senior Pet Nutrition Counseling
Senior dogs and cats, generally 7 years and older, have changing metabolic needs that often require dietary adjustments as they age. Many senior dogs benefit from reduced-calorie formulas as activity levels decline, along with joint-supporting nutrients such as omega fatty acids. Others may need higher-calorie diets if weight loss is becoming a concern. Senior cats are particularly prone to muscle mass loss with age, and maintaining adequate high-quality protein intake becomes increasingly important even as caloric needs shift. Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital assesses your senior pet's body condition and blood work findings at each visit to guide nutrition adjustments that support energy, mobility, and comfort through their later years.
Giant Breed Nutrition Counselling
Giant breed dogs such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands have unique nutritional needs that require careful management from puppyhood through their adult and senior years. Giant breed puppies must be fed controlled-growth formulas that prevent excessive skeletal development speed, reducing the risk of joint and bone conditions. Adult giant breeds benefit from diets that support joint health and maintain lean muscle mass. Giant breeds tend to enter their senior years earlier than smaller breeds, and nutritional adjustments should begin earlier accordingly. Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital creates nutrition plans specifically designed around your giant breed dog's current life stage.
Therapeutic Diets
Therapeutic diets are veterinary-grade nutrition formulas designed to support the management of specific health conditions including kidney disease, urinary tract concerns, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, liver conditions, allergies, and diabetes. These diets are not the same as over-the-counter weight management or sensitive stomach foods. They are formulated with precise nutrient profiles for specific clinical goals. Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital stocks and recommends therapeutic diets and will walk you through how to transition your pet to a new formula safely and effectively.
On-Site Pet Nutrition Products
Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital offers on-site access to vet-recommended pet food, supplements, and wellness products selected for quality and clinical relevance. Our team can guide you on appropriate supplement choices for your pet's age and health status, including omega fatty acid supplements for skin and joint health, dental health products, and weight management options. Having access to recommended products at the clinic simplifies maintaining your pet's nutrition plan without requiring additional shopping trips.
Puppies and kittens should eat a diet specifically formulated for growth, with a named protein source as the primary ingredient. Large and giant breed puppies need formulas with controlled calcium and phosphorus levels. Kittens benefit from high-quality canned food as a significant part of their daily intake. Our team at Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital can give you a specific recommendation tailored to your pet’s breed and expected adult size at their first visit.
A pet at a healthy weight should have ribs that are easy to feel but not prominently visible, a waist visible from above, and an abdomen that tucks slightly when viewed from the side. We assess body condition score at every visit and provide clear feeding guidance if adjustments are needed. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of joint problems, diabetes, and other weight-related concerns over time.
Therapeutic diets are veterinary-grade formulas with precise nutrient profiles designed to support specific health conditions. They are not the same as standard senior, weight management, or sensitive stomach foods available in grocery stores. Therapeutic diets for conditions such as kidney disease, urinary stones, and allergies are available through Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital and are only recommended when clinically appropriate for your pet’s situation.
Book a nutrition counseling appointment at Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital in Abbotsford. Open Monday to Saturday 8 am to 8 pm, Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Call (604) 852-3030 or book online at glennmountainvet.ca/book-an-appointment/.