Pet Nutrition Counseling in Burnaby, BC

What your pet eats directly affects their energy, weight, immune system, and long-term health. At Edmonds St. Animal Hospital in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Maan provides pet nutrition counseling for dogs and cats at every life stage. Whether your pet needs a weight management plan, guidance on a therapeutic diet, or a feeding strategy tailored to their age and health status, we work with you to build a practical, evidence-based nutrition plan that fits your pet’s daily life.

Weight Management for Dogs and Cats

Excess weight is one of the most common and preventable health problems in pets, and it significantly increases the risk of joint disease, diabetes, heart conditions, and respiratory issues. Underweight pets face their own set of health challenges, including muscle loss and immune suppression. Dr. Maan evaluates your pet’s body condition score, reviews their current diet and activity level, and builds a realistic weight management plan. This includes calorie targets, feeding frequency recommendations, and a monitoring schedule to track progress. Weight management is most effective when approached gradually and consistently, and we are here to support you through every check-in.

Weight Management for Dogs and Cats

Certain health conditions respond well to specific dietary approaches. Therapeutic diets are formulated to support the management of conditions including kidney disease, urinary crystal formation, food allergies, inflammatory bowel conditions, liver disease, diabetes, and obesity. These diets require a recommendation from a veterinarian and are distinct from standard commercial foods. Dr. Maan evaluates whether a therapeutic diet is appropriate for your pet based on their specific condition and health history, and provides guidance on transitioning to a new diet safely and successfully. We carry several therapeutic diet options at the clinic and can advise on the most suitable formulation for your pet’s situation.

Therapeutic Diet Guidance

Certain health conditions respond well to specific dietary approaches. Therapeutic diets are formulated to support the management of conditions including kidney disease, urinary crystal formation, food allergies, inflammatory bowel conditions, liver disease, diabetes, and obesity. These diets require a recommendation from a veterinarian and are distinct from standard commercial foods. Dr. Maan evaluates whether a therapeutic diet is appropriate for your pet based on their specific condition and health history, and provides guidance on transitioning to a new diet safely and successfully. We carry several therapeutic diet options at the clinic and can advise on the most suitable formulation for your pet’s situation.

Custom Nutrition Plans

Every pet is different, and a general feeding guideline may not address your pet’s individual health needs, activity level, or food sensitivities. Dr. Maan builds custom nutrition plans for pets with complex dietary needs, including those recovering from surgery, managing chronic illness, or transitioning between life stages. A custom plan covers feeding amounts, meal timing, food selection, treat guidelines, and supplement recommendations where appropriate. We schedule follow-up consultations to review how your pet is responding and make adjustments as needed. Good nutrition is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time recommendation, and we are here to support you as your pet’s needs change over time.

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FAQ

How do I know if my dog or cat is overweight?
A healthy-weight pet should have a visible waist when viewed from above and ribs that can be felt but not seen. If your pet’s ribs are difficult to feel through a thick fat layer, or if they have lost their waist definition, they are likely overweight. Dr. Maan assesses body condition score at every wellness exam.
Therapeutic diets are formulated to manage specific health conditions and have a different nutrient profile from standard commercial foods. They are not simply premium foods. They require a veterinarian’s recommendation and should not be used without professional guidance, as they may not be appropriate for pets without the condition they are designed to support.
Most dogs and cats are considered senior at around seven years of age, though larger dog breeds age faster and may benefit from a senior diet earlier. Dr. Maan will advise on the right time to transition your pet based on their breed, weight, and overall health status at their annual wellness exam.
Feeding amounts depend on your pet’s weight, body condition, activity level, and the caloric density of the food you are using. Packaging guidelines are often a starting point but may not be accurate for your individual pet. Dr. Maan can provide specific feeding recommendations based on your pet’s current body condition score.

Nutrition questions? Book a pet nutrition counseling appointment at Edmonds St. Animal Hospital in Burnaby, BC.