Primary Care
Specialty Care
Nutrition is an essential component of your pet’s overall health. Whether your pet is training to be a star athlete, dealing with a chronic illness, or just working on losing a few pounds, good nutrition is the key to achieving your goals. At VCA, our nutrition team is available nationwide to provide your pet with the best dietary recommendations and full support to help you succeed.
Our VCA nutrition team works in unison with your primary care veterinarian to ensure your pet receives the comprehensive care you've come to expect from VCA. Our goal is to partner with you and your veterinarian to help guide you through the often complex world of veterinary nutrition. As your pet's caregiver and best friend, you are an essential part of the healthcare team! We encourage you to ask lots of questions and share any concerns, so we can find the best dietary options to meet your goals.
Are you looking to start the nutrition consultation process?
For remote consultations nationwide and across Canada, click below:
*Please note that Dr. Prantil will not be available for consultations after February 2022.
For links to VCA South Shore (Weymouth) Animal Hospital's forms, please click on the links below.A veterinary nutritionist is a veterinarian with additional intensive training in the science of nutrition. These devoted veterinarians have completed an internship and a clinical nutrition residency, including at least two years of extensive clinical work, research, and teaching. They are also required to write up case reports, publish scientific research, and pass a rigorous examination to become board certified Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (DACVN). Our dedicated VCA nutrition team has spent years acquiring the skills and experience needed to provide your pet with the highest quality care and nutrition expertise.
Good nutrition is the foundation of your pet’s overall wellness. A complete and balanced diet is essential to provide the nutrients to support a healthy metabolism. Your veterinarian may recommend a referral to a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your pet’s diet is optimized to meet their needs. Even healthy pets can benefit from a nutrition consultation, particularly if they are highly active or eating a home-cooked diet. Many medical conditions can also be managed through diet, including:
A veterinary nutrition consultation starts with a thorough review of your pet’s health and dietary history. The nutritionist may ask you detailed questions about your pet’s current diet, including any treats, chews, supplements, or other foods your pet consumes. It can be helpful to include the whole family in this discussion to ensure nothing is missed. Your nutritionist will also review your pet’s medical records and may recommend additional testing with your primary care veterinarian if necessary. At the end of the consultation, you will receive a detailed report and recommendations to manage your pet’s dietary needs. The nutritionist may also schedule follow-up consultations with you so that your pet’s progress can be monitored. As always, the VCA team will be available to support you every step of the way.
