Preventative Care Starts with Food
Houston Pet Nutrition
A nutrition-rich diet is your pet’s first line of defense. Proper daily nutrition is vital for keeping your pet healthy, bolstering their immune system, and supporting normal development in younger animals.
Every pet’s nutritional needs are different, making feeding them more complicated than it seems. Pet food education is a great way to learn important facts about beneficial nutrients, food safety, and breed-specific feeding requirements.
Your pet depends on you to make the right nutrition choices—we can help you learn how.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss your pet’s nutrition, call us at 713-659-0650 or book online.
Nutrition Services We Offer
We offer various nutrition services designed to give your pet the long, healthy life they deserve. Our qualified veterinarians can create customized pet nutrition plans, considering your pet’s breed, age, activity level, and medical condition.
Additionally, we can recommend specific brands and products that optimally support your pet’s health. There is no shortage of unreliable information out there, and we are happy to discuss any tips or tricks you have read about and tell you whether or not they are safe and effective.
If you want more specific information regarding our services, please contact our team.
Why Is Good Nutrition Important for Pets?
Proper nutrition is crucial for your pet’s overall health and well-being. Just like humans, pets need a diet that includes a variety of nutrients to maintain good health and prevent disease.
Here are some of the reasons why nutrition is so vital for pets:
- Development and Growth: Puppies, kittens, and growing animals require a balanced and appropriate diet to ensure proper development. Nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals are essential for healthy growth, brain development, and strong bones.
- Robust Immune System: A healthy and balanced diet can help boost your pet’s immune system, making them less susceptible to infection and disease. Proper nutrition can also help pets recover faster after an illness or surgery.
- Weight Management: Obesity is a common issue among pets, and it can lead to several health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and more. A well-balanced diet helps to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
- Better Digestion: Proper nutrition ensures your pet’s digestive system functions correctly. This can help prevent stomach problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.
- Healthy Skin and Coat: A balanced diet that includes nutrients such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 helps to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Dental Health: Nutrition can affect your pet’s dental health too! Feeding a diet that is high in carbohydrates can lead to dental issues such as tartar buildup and gum disease.
When Should You Consult a Veterinarian About Your Pet’s Nutrition?
We recommend that you consult with a member of our team about your pet’s nutrition at least once a year. Seeking professional guidance is crucial if you are transitioning between different types of food or selecting a special diet, such as a prescription diet.
If you have a new puppy or kitten, discussing their nutrition with your veterinarian is essential, as young pets need specialized diets to support growth and development. Similarly, older pets may require specific nutritional support to help them cope with age-related changes.
Keep a lookout for some telltale signs of inadequate nutrition in your dogs and cats, such as:
- Coat Problems, such as hair loss and discoloration
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact us as soon as possible—they could indicate a more significant problem and early detection is vital to successful treatment.
A veterinarian’s guidance is critical in managing the nutritional needs of pets with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Garden Oaks Veterinary Center: Houston’s Choice for Pet Nutrition
At Garden Oaks Veterinary Center, we are committed to providing reliable pet nutrition services in Houston. We are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, which is an accolade that only 12% of veterinary hospitals in the US and Canada have earned. This means our office has met approximately 900 different rigorous standards of quality care, so you can trust that your pet is in good hands.
To schedule an appointment for nutritional pet services in Houston, call us at 713-659-0650 or book online.