Nutrition & Weight Management

Deciding what food and treats to give to your pet can be overwhelming. With so many options, health claims, and special additives — it can be difficult to know what will work best.  

Our clinics offer Nutrition Consultations to help cut through the confusion and find the proper food fit for your pet. Book a wellness visit or nutrition counseling appointment with your local Thrive veterinarian to discuss everything food and diet today. 

Your pet’s diet plays a significant role in their overall health and longevity, so it’s important to understand what type of food is going to help your pet thrive the most through each stage of their life. 

Your pet’s food provides them with all the energy and nutrients needed to keep their body functioning properly. Slight deficiencies or excess nutrients can have long-term effects on their health and well-being. 

During a nutrition consultation, your veterinarian will conduct a physical exam of your pet and assess their medical history. From there, they will provide recommendations on the specific brands and types of food that properly fit your pet’s unique needs. 

As recently as 2018, around 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were classified as overweight or obese. Obesity continues to be one of the most common preventable diseases affecting pets across the country. Even a small amount of extra weight can greatly increase the risk of your pet developing severe health conditions and complications.  Some of the conditions pet obesity has been linked to include: 

During each visit to your veterinarian, your pet’s weight will be recorded and evaluated against pets of a similar age, breed, size, and gender. Your veterinarian will let you know if there are concerns over their weight, but between visits, you can gauge your pet’s health yourself. Simply run your hand along your pet’s side – if their ribs are difficult or not possible to feel, they are likely overweight.