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.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Pet Veterinary Nutrition Tips for Dog & Cat Owners

In today’s pet food market, there are countless options—and not all are created equal. Many foods are produced with minimal regulation, meaning ingredients and preservatives may not always be in your pet’s best interest.

As your veterinarian, I tailor recommendations to suit your pet’s unique needs and help you make informed choices.

1. Your Pet Must Like the Food

Even the most balanced food won’t work if your pet refuses to eat it.

2. It Must Agree With Their System

Look for signs of good digestion:

• Normal stools
• Minimal gas

Excess gas or diarrhea may indicate the food isn’t a good fit.

3. Start Small Before Buying in Bulk

Unless ordering directly from the manufacturer, avoid large bags. I’ve seen clients purchase food with short expiration dates or signs of contamination (like pests).

Test a small bag first—then buy larger once you’re sure it works.

4. Stick With Trusted Brands—But Read Closely

An example of brands include but are not limited to:

• Purina
• Blue Buffalo
• Natural Balance

These are distinct from store-brand foods, which typically have the store’s name on the bag.

That said, even name brands offer different levels of quality, often reflected in:

• Price: Less expensive formulas may contain more fillers or lower-quality proteins.
• Ingredients: Review the first several listed items to assess what your pet is truly consuming.

5. Look at the Ingredient List—Not the Front Label

The first 5–7 ingredients make up most of the food.

Ask yourself:

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

Understanding this can help you match the food to your pet’s nutritional needs.

6. Consider Natural or Holistic Diets

Many pet owners are choosing diets that include:

• Real meats
• Vegetables and fruits
• Whole, familiar ingredients

Homemade diets (with guidance) can work well when supplemented with a good quality kibble.

Note: Moist diets require extra dental care—but oral hygiene should be part of every pet’s routine.

7. Use Caution With Raw Diets

I do not recommend feeding raw food due to the risk of parasites, contamination, and food borne illnesses.

Freeze-dried raw is a safer alternative if you’re exploring that route.

8. When to Use Prescription Diets

If your pet is managing a specific health issue—like kidney disease, allergies, or digestive concerns—I may recommend a prescription diet. These formulas are designed to support healing and long-term wellness when used under veterinary supervision.

Final Tip: Keep Researching

Pet food formulas can change without warning. Make a habit of revisiting your food choices regularly—and feel free to ask questions during appointments. Your pet’s health is always evolving, and their diet should too.