Common Conditions
Skin & Allergy Issues
Section titled “Skin & Allergy Issues”- Food allergies are less common than environmental allergies — proper diagnosis is needed before diet changes
- Multiple overlapping causes: environmental, food, infections, thyroid, genetics
- Recommend a structured elimination trial prescribed and supervised by their vet — not DIY
- Elimination trials take 8-12 weeks for meaningful results
- Randomly switching proteins without structure makes identification harder
- Never promise that food changes alone will cure skin issues
Pancreatitis
Section titled “Pancreatitis”- Prescribed diet exists to reduce pancreatic stress (very low fat) during recovery
- Never recommend deviating from a prescribed diet during active pancreatitis
- Deviating during an active episode can cause serious setback
- Palatability issues should be addressed with their vet, not by switching diet independently
- Fat content matters critically during recovery
Kidney Disease
Section titled “Kidney Disease”- Key factors: phosphorus levels, protein quality, hydration, and palatability
- Fresh, moisture-rich food is beneficial for water intake
- Recommend a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN) for diet formulation
- Each case is individual — no one-size-fits-all diet recommendation
Puppy Nutrition
Section titled “Puppy Nutrition”- Precise requirements for calcium and phosphorus — off-balance can affect bone and organ development
- AAFCO adequacy for “growth” life stage is essential
- DIY diets for puppies are risky without professional nutritional guidance
- Commercially prepared options with AAFCO growth adequacy are safer than DIY
GI Issues (Loose Stool, Chronic GI)
Section titled “GI Issues (Loose Stool, Chronic GI)”- Suggest consulting their vet to rule out underlying conditions
- Gradual food transitions (7-14 days) reduce GI upset
- Easily digestible proteins and limited ingredient diets may help
- Probiotics may be beneficial — but recommend vet guidance on specific strains
Overweight Dogs
Section titled “Overweight Dogs”- Feeding guidelines on packaging are starting points, not exact requirements
- Caloric needs vary by breed, age, activity level, and metabolism
- Recommend working with their vet to determine ideal body condition score
- Measure food precisely — “scoops” are unreliable