Prescription Diets
For pets whose health depends on the right food
When food is part of the treatment plan, getting the right diet matters as much as any medication. We recommend therapeutic diets based on your pet's specific diagnosis, then help you transition smoothly and track how well it's working over time.
Who Needs This?
- Pets managing kidney disease, urinary issues, or digestive conditions
- Dogs and cats with food allergies or sensitivities
- Pets who need to lose or gain weight under supervision
- Any pet whose current diet isn't supporting a diagnosed condition
Signs It's Time to Schedule
- Your pet has been diagnosed with a condition that diet can help manage
- Frequent digestive upset, gas, or soft stool
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Skin or coat issues that may be diet-related
- Your vet has recommended a diet trial to identify food sensitivities
What to Expect
- 1
Diagnosis first
Prescription diets are recommended based on a specific health condition or diagnosis, not guesswork, so we start with an exam and any needed testing.
- 2
Diet selection
We match a therapeutic food to your pet's condition, size, and preferences from options carried in our in-house pharmacy.
- 3
Transition plan
We walk you through how to switch foods gradually to avoid stomach upset.
- 4
Recheck and adjust
We follow up to confirm the diet is working and make changes if your pet's needs shift over time.
Recovery & Aftercare
Most pets adjust to a new prescription diet within a week when the transition is done gradually. Improvement in the underlying condition, weight, or digestive symptoms is typically monitored over several weeks to months, depending on what we're managing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just buy a similar food at the pet store instead?
Over-the-counter foods aren't formulated the same way as therapeutic prescription diets, and using the wrong one can delay managing your pet's condition. We'll help you find the right fit.
How long will my pet need to stay on a prescription diet?
It depends on the condition. Some diets are lifelong management tools, like for kidney disease, while others, like an allergy elimination diet, are used temporarily to identify triggers.
Will my pet actually eat a prescription food?
Palatability varies by pet and brand. We carry multiple options and can help you find one your pet will readily eat if the first choice isn't a hit.
Can I mix prescription food with regular food?
This depends on the condition being managed — for some diets, even small amounts of regular food can undo the benefit. We'll give you specific guidance for your pet.
What Does It Cost?
Prescription diets are priced by bag or case and vary by brand and formula. We'll help you choose an option that fits your pet's needs and your budget, available directly through our in-house pharmacy.
