Nutrition
In Hell's Kitchen, New York

There are many types and brands of food that offer a complete and balanced diet for your pet. The key is to select food that is AAFCO certified for your pet’s life stage and specifically suited to their size, whether they’re a large or small breed.

While the ingredient list can be helpful (look for a protein source listed among the top ingredients), it can also be confusing and sometimes misleading. Marketing terms like "human-grade" have no medical definition, and "meat byproduct" may include organ meats, but not undesirable items like hair, horns, teeth, or hooves. Instead of overanalyzing the ingredients, a more reliable way to assess food quality is by checking for an AAFCO statement under the ingredient list and choosing a brand formulated by certified animal nutritionists. If you have any concerns about specific ingredients, our doctors are happy to help clarify any confusing terms.

Yes, puppies and kittens require different nutrition than adult pets. Their growing bodies need extra calories, fat, and a unique balance of vitamins and minerals. Puppy and kitten foods are specially formulated to meet these specific dietary needs, supporting healthy growth and development.

Senior pets often benefit from specially formulated food. Senior pet food usually contains fewer calories to help prevent obesity, higher fiber for improved digestive health, and lower sodium content, among other adjustments. If your senior pet has specific health conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, or liver disease, they may require a prescription diet tailored to their unique needs.

The feeding instructions on pet food packaging offer a general guideline, but keep in mind that manufacturers may sometimes overestimate the amount needed to encourage more purchases. The best way to determine how much to feed is by monitoring your pet's weight and body condition. If they start gaining weight or becoming overweight, or losing weight, adjust their food intake accordingly. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to feel your pet's ribs, but not see them. Also, if your pet’s exercise routine decreases (such as during recovery from an injury), they will need less food during that time.

Grain-free diets are not recommended for pets. Despite their growing popularity and the comparison to gluten-free diets for people, this comparison is misleading. Grain-free diets have been associated with an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition in dogs. While the exact cause remains unclear, it's safer to avoid grain-free foods for your pet.

No, a raw diet is not recommended for pets. Although it has gained popularity, especially with the idea of treating dogs like wolves, there is no scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of raw diets. In fact, many studies highlight the risks, such as nutritional imbalances, diet-induced hyperthyroidism, bacterial infections, and contamination from harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Given these health and safety concerns, we advise against feeding raw diets to your pets.

Cats cannot be fed a vegan or vegetarian diet because they are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat to obtain essential nutrients like taurine, which is vital for heart health. While vegan and vegetarian diets may be less harmful for dogs, they can still lack enough protein to meet their nutritional needs.

Many pet owners opt for home-cooked diets because they can control the ingredients used. However, ensuring a nutritionally balanced diet that meets all of your pet's needs can be difficult. If you're considering homemade food, it's important to consult with our veterinarians to ensure your pet doesn't have any health conditions that could make certain diets inappropriate.