Nutrition
In Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, NY

There are numerous types and brands of food that can provide a complete and balanced diet for your pet. The key is to choose food that is AAFCO certified for your pet's life stage and tailored to their size, whether they are 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 meaning, and "meat byproduct" may include organ meats, but not undesirable items like hair, horns, teeth, or hooves. Rather than overanalyzing the ingredients, a more reliable way to assess food quality is by checking for an AAFCO statement under the ingredients list and selecting a brand formulated by certified animal nutritionists. If you have concerns about any 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 more calories, fat, and a unique balance of vitamins and minerals. Puppy and kitten foods are specially formulated to meet these specific dietary needs for healthy growth and development.

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

The feeding instructions on pet food packaging provide a general guideline, but keep in mind that manufacturers may overestimate the amount needed (to encourage you to buy more food). 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 (like during recovery from an injury), they will need less food during that time.

No, grain-free diets are not recommended for pets. While they've gained popularity and are often compared to gluten-free diets for people, this comparison is misleading. Grain-free diets have been linked to an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition in dogs. While the exact cause is still unclear, it's best to avoid grain-free foods for your pet.

No, a raw diet is not recommended for pets. Despite its 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 show the risks, including nutritional imbalances, diet-induced hyperthyroidism, bacterial infections, and contamination from harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Due to these health and safety concerns, we do not recommend feeding raw diets to your pets.

Cats cannot be fed a vegan or vegetarian diet because they are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat to get essential nutrients like taurine, an amino acid crucial for heart health. While vegan and vegetarian diets may be less harmful for dogs, they can still lack sufficient protein.

Many pet owners prefer home-cooked diets because they know exactly what ingredients are being used. However, it’s challenging to create a nutritionally balanced diet that meets all of your pet’s needs. If you’re considering homemade food, it’s important to consult with our veterinarians to ensure your pet doesn’t have any underlying health conditions that could make certain diets unsuitable.