Nutrition & Weight Management

Are your animal companion’s nutritional needs truly being met?

Let’s face it: the topics of nutrition and weight control can be confusing, even for the most seasoned pet parent. If you could use a little guidance in this area, you’re certainly not alone. More importantly, the dedicated team at Sibley Animal Hospital is here to help!

A Balanced Diet

Your pet’s diet can mean the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving. Our experienced professionals will develop the perfect plan based on your pet’s unique nutritional requirements. 

The Right Weight

A few extra pounds for a human may not be a big deal, but for a pet, it can lead to serious health concerns. To address this, we’ll determine your pet’s ideal weight range and develop a strategy for achieving that goal. 

Ongoing Maintenance

As companion animals age, their nutritional and weight control needs change. At certain life stages, such as the transition from youth into adulthood, we’ll evaluate our plan and make any necessary adjustments. 

Give Sibley Animal Hospital a call today to get started. We can design a customized diet and exercise plan that will bring out the very best in your animal friend.

🐾 NUTRITION MATTERS

How to Choose the Right Food for Your Pet

Helpful tips from your veterinarian

🥣 1. They Have to Like It

Even the best diet doesn’t work if your pet refuses to eat it.

🩺 2. Watch for Digestive Issues

✅ Normal stools
✅ Occasional gas is okay
⚠️ Excess gas or diarrhea = the food may not be right for them.

🛒 3. Start Small

Before buying large bags:

• Buy a small bag to test first.
• Larger bags from big stores may have short shelf lives or even pest contamination.
• Order direct from the company when possible.

🔍 4. Choose Trusted Brands—But Read the Label

An example of brands include but are not limited to:

• Purina
• Blue Buffalo
• Natural Balance

Store-brand foods often carry the store’s name on the bag.

💡 Note: Even big-name brands offer different levels of quality, often reflected in:

• Price
• Ingredient quality

📋 5. The Ingredient List Is Key

Skip the front-of-bag marketing. Check the first 5–7 ingredients—they make up the bulk of the diet.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to feed my pet whole meat, meat by-products, or meat meal?

🌿 6. Explore Holistic Options

More owners are choosing:

• Diets with real meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Homemade meals (with a high-quality kibble as needed)

🦷 Moist food diets need more dental care—but oral hygiene is always important.

⚠️ 7. Use Caution with Raw Diets

🚫 I do not recommend raw food due to the risk of parasites.
✅ Freeze-dried raw is a safer option if you’re exploring this path.

💊 8. Prescription Diets for Medical Needs

For issues like:

• Kidney disease
• Allergies
• GI problems
• Urinary issues

I may recommend a prescription diet specifically designed to support your pet’s condition. These diets should only be used under veterinary guidance.

🔄 Keep Researching

Formulas change. Companies don’t always notify consumers.
📅 Revisit your pet’s food choices regularly.
💬 Have questions? Bring them up during your next appointment.