Pet Nutrition

You are what you eat, and that’s true for animals as well. Here at East Longmeadow Animal Hospital we strongly believe in the impact that a proper diet has on an animal. We provide nutritional counseling during every stage of your pet’s life. Diet can affect growth, weight, performance, and geriatric well-being. Not only can weight be a nutritional issue, but many other body functions can also be affected as well.

Here are a few examples of other body functions that can be affected by a pet’s nutrition:

• Food allergies/intolerances
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic disease management
• Preventing urinary crystal and stone formation

At East Longmeadow Animal Hospital, we encourage you to ask us which pet food is right for your pet. The description on cat and dog foods doesn’t always accurately describe what’s in your pet’s food. Our staff and veterinarians are experienced in pet nutrition and are dedicated to helping pet owners find the best fit for their pets. Here at ELAH, we carry full lines of prescription pet foods including:

• Hill’s
  
• Purina
  
• Royal Canin

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that over 54% of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight. To help prolong the life of your cat or dog, diet plays a crucial role. An overweight pet is at risk for a number of health problems including the following:

• Osteoarthritis
• Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart and Respiratory Disease
• Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
• Kidney Disease
• Many Forms of Cancer
• Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)