Veterinary Nutritional Counseling in San Francisco
Good nutrition is the foundation of lifelong health. At SF Vet Hospital, we offer customized veterinary nutritional counseling for dogs and cats of all ages, focusing on breed-specific, age-appropriate, and medically informed dietary guidance to help pets thrive.
Expert Pet Nutrition Guidance
Whether you have a bouncy puppy, a senior cat, or a pet with food allergies, their nutritional needs are always evolving. Our veterinarians provide tailored nutrition plans that account for lifestyle, medical conditions, and your pet’s unique preferences — because feeding your pet isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Dog Nutrition: Fueling Health at Every Stage
Dogs rely on their owners to make informed choices about food, treats, and supplements. We’ll guide you through:
- Selecting high-quality canned or kibble diets
- Creating balanced homemade meal plans or additive-safe toppers
- Choosing healthy snacks and avoiding toxic foods
- Life-stage adjustments from puppy to senior
- Recognizing food sensitivities and transitioning diets safely
For dogs with allergies, digestive conditions, joint issues, or weight management needs, we can also prescribe therapeutic diets or recommend safe supplements like omega-3 fatty acids.
Cat Nutrition: Meeting Feline-Specific Needs
Cats are obligate carnivores with unique protein and amino acid requirements. Through veterinary nutrition counseling, we help you support your cat’s well-being by:
- Recommending AAFCO-approved cat foods formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- Addressing common food allergens like fish or poultry
- Monitoring hydration needs (especially in senior cats)
- Advising on feeding schedules and enrichment
- Adjusting caloric needs as your cat ages
Cats can be picky eaters, but their long-term health depends on consistent, high-quality nutrition. Whether you’re raising a kitten or supporting an older cat with kidney concerns, we’ll help you feed with confidence.
How We Evaluate Pet Nutrition
During routine wellness exams, our team assesses nutritional health through:
- Body condition scoring (weight and waistline checks)
- Coat and skin quality
- Muscle tone and energy levels
- Stool consistency and digestion
- Nail and dental condition
If needed, we may recommend pet nutrition counseling sessions focused on specific issues, such as obesity, gastrointestinal disease, urinary conditions, or chronic illnesses.
Prescription Diets & Supplements
Some medical conditions benefit significantly from therapeutic diets. We may recommend a prescription diet in cases of:
- Food allergies or inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney or liver disease
- Urinary crystals or bladder stones
- Dental disease or tartar control
- Cognitive support for aging pets
Supplements are only recommended when needed — our goal is to provide science-based, measurable benefits, not marketing hype.
Personalized Nutrition Plans for San Francisco Pets
At SF Vet Hospital, we treat nutrition as preventative care. Through individualized plans and evidence-based advice, our veterinary team empowers you to make the best choices for your pet’s health, because every bowl matters.
Preventative Pet Care
Veterinary Diagnostics
Nutritional Counseling
Spay and Neuter