Pet nutrition counseling at McCurdy Animal Hospital in Kelowna helps families make informed feeding decisions for their dogs and cats at every stage of life. Good nutrition is one of the most direct ways to support long-term health, and the right feeding plan varies significantly based on your pet's age, breed, health status, and activity level. Our team takes time to understand your pet's individual situation and provides practical, evidence-based guidance on food selection, portion sizes, feeding schedules, and dietary adjustments.
Weight management is one of the most common nutritional concerns we see at McCurdy Animal Hospital in Kelowna. Excess body weight increases the risk of joint problems, cardiovascular conditions, and other chronic health concerns in dogs and cats. Our approach to weight management begins with an accurate body condition assessment, an honest discussion of current feeding habits, and a realistic plan for gradual, sustainable improvement. We set calorie targets, recommend appropriate food options, and schedule follow-up visits to track progress. A healthy weight makes a measurable difference in how your pet feels and moves day to day.
Puppies and kittens have nutritional requirements that differ significantly from adult pets. Growth stages demand higher protein levels, specific mineral ratios, and calorie-dense formulations to support rapid development without causing the joint problems that can result from over-supplementing. We provide guidance on selecting a food appropriate for your pet's species, breed size, and current age. Giant breed puppies in particular need specially formulated food that moderates calcium and calorie intake during growth to protect joint development. We also discuss meal frequency and transition strategies for new foods.
Adult dogs and cats benefit from consistent, balanced nutrition tailored to their lifestyle, activity level, and health history. We help families evaluate food quality, understand ingredient labels, and set portion sizes that maintain a healthy body condition without under or overfeeding. Whether your adult pet is highly active, tends toward weight gain, has specific food sensitivities, or is transitioning off a puppy or kitten formula, we can help you find the right approach and adjust it as your pet's needs change over time.
As dogs and cats age, their metabolism, digestive function, kidney health, and muscle mass all shift in ways that affect their nutritional needs. Senior pets often require fewer calories but higher protein to maintain muscle, along with adjustments for conditions like kidney disease, arthritis, or dental issues that affect their ability to eat comfortably. Our senior nutrition counseling begins with an assessment of your pet's current health status and builds toward a feeding plan that supports their quality of life and addresses age-related changes proactively.
Giant breed dogs have growth and health considerations that require specific nutritional planning from puppyhood through adulthood. Controlled calorie and mineral intake during the growth phase is critical for reducing the risk of developmental orthopedic disease. In adulthood, joint support, appropriate protein levels, and weight management become priorities. We provide guidance tailored to your giant breed dog's current life stage and individual health status, and can recommend products that are formulated specifically for large and giant breeds.
Therapeutic diets are specially formulated veterinary foods that support the management of specific health conditions including kidney disease, urinary crystal formation, food allergies, gastrointestinal conditions, and metabolic disorders. These diets are available through our on-site dispensing service and require veterinary recommendation to ensure they are appropriate for your pet's specific condition. We explain what the diet is designed to do, how to transition your pet onto it, and how to monitor whether it is achieving the intended effect.
Choosing the right food, supplement, and treat products for your dog or cat can be challenging given the volume of options available. Our team provides objective guidance on evaluating commercial foods, understanding when supplements are beneficial versus unnecessary, and selecting treats that complement rather than undermine your pet's overall nutrition. We also advise on reading ingredient labels, understanding life-stage claims, and making product transitions without causing digestive upset. Treats should account for no more than 10% of your pet's daily calorie intake.
A simple way to assess your pet’s weight at home is the rib test. You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs with light pressure but not see them prominently. If you have to press firmly to feel the ribs, or if your pet lacks a visible waist when viewed from above, they may be carrying excess weight. Our team uses a standardized body condition score at every wellness visit and can advise on appropriate targets and feeding adjustments. Call (778) 484-9446 to book an assessment.
Regular commercial pet food is formulated for healthy pets at various life stages. Therapeutic diets are designed to support the management of specific health conditions, such as kidney disease, urinary crystal formation, or food allergies, and contain modified nutrient profiles that would not be appropriate for all pets. Therapeutic diets are recommended and monitored by a veterinarian. We stock several options through our on-site dispensing service and can guide you through the right choice for your pet’s condition.
Many pets eating a complete and balanced commercial diet do not require additional supplementation. However, supplements can be beneficial for specific conditions, including joint support for older dogs with arthritis, omega fatty acids for skin conditions, and probiotics for digestive health. We recommend discussing any supplements with our team before starting, as some can interfere with other aspects of your pet’s health plan or be harmful in certain doses. Call (778) 484-9446 to discuss your pet’s situation.
A gradual transition over 7 to 10 days helps most pets adjust to a new food without digestive issues. Start with roughly 75% of the current food and 25% of the new food for the first few days, then shift to 50/50, then 25/75, and finally 100% of the new food. If your pet develops soft stools or vomiting during the transition, slow the process down. Contact McCurdy Animal Hospital at (778) 484-9446 if the digestive upset persists.
Book a nutrition counseling appointment for your dog or cat at McCurdy Animal Hospital in Kelowna. Our team provides practical, evidence-based feeding guidance tailored to your pet's individual needs. Call (778) 484-9446 or book online at mahvet.ca/book-an-appointment/.
