What your pet eats every day shapes their weight, energy, organ health, coat quality, and lifespan. At Bowness Animal Hospital, our nutrition counseling services in Calgary help you make the most informed choices for your dog or cat, whatever their life stage, breed, or health status. Our team takes a practical, personalized approach, drawing on your pet’s current condition, activity level, and any medical factors to give you clear and actionable guidance. We serve dogs and cats in Bowness and across NW Calgary, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Puppies have distinct nutritional needs that differ significantly from adult dogs. A carefully balanced diet supports rapid growth, bone development, and immune system maturation without promoting excessive weight gain. Over-feeding or nutrient imbalances during the puppy stage can contribute to developmental orthopedic problems, particularly in larger breeds. Our team will guide you through appropriate portion sizes, feeding frequency, and food choices for your puppy's breed, size, and growth stage. We also address common questions about raw versus commercial diets, grain-free foods, and how to transition foods safely when needed.
Kittens require higher protein and caloric density than adult cats to support their rapid development in the first year of life. Feeding an adult cat food during this stage does not provide the right nutritional profile for healthy growth. Our team will help you select a kitten-appropriate diet and establish healthy feeding habits from the start. We discuss the transition to adult food around one year of age, body condition scoring so you can track your kitten's growth at home, and the pros and cons of wet versus dry food from a dental health and hydration perspective.
Adult pets have reached their full size but still require consistent, balanced nutrition to maintain a healthy weight, support organ function, and sustain their energy levels. One of the most common nutritional issues in adult pets is weight gain, which contributes to joint stress, metabolic conditions, and reduced lifespan. Our team helps you assess your pet's current body condition, review their food and treat intake, and make practical adjustments where needed. We can help you interpret pet food labels, identify hidden caloric sources in treats and table scraps, and develop a feeding routine that supports long-term health.
As dogs and cats age, their metabolism slows, muscle mass declines, and organ function changes in ways that affect how they process nutrients. Senior pets often benefit from adjusted protein levels, joint-supportive nutrients such as omega fatty acids and glucosamine, and calorie profiles that reflect their reduced activity. At Bowness Animal Hospital, senior nutrition counseling is integrated with our wellness and diagnostics services, so dietary recommendations are based on actual findings rather than general assumptions. Our goal is to help your senior pet maintain a healthy weight, preserve muscle mass, and continue to enjoy food for as long as possible.
Giant breed dogs have unique nutritional requirements that set them apart from smaller dogs at the same life stage. Controlled growth rates during puppyhood reduce the risk of developmental orthopedic conditions, and appropriate calcium and phosphorus ratios are critical during the first two years of life. In adulthood, giant breeds benefit from joint-supportive nutrients and careful weight management to reduce the load on their skeletal system. Our team has experience guiding giant breed owners through the specific feeding approaches that support these dogs from puppyhood through their senior years.
Not all pet foods are created equal, and navigating the enormous variety available can be overwhelming. Our team at Bowness Animal Hospital can recommend veterinary-grade foods and supplements appropriate for your pet's age, health status, and goals. This includes specialized dietary options for pets managing weight, gastrointestinal health, kidney concerns, and skin sensitivities. We can also advise on supplements such as omega fatty acids, joint support products, and digestive aids. Products available through our clinic have been selected for quality and clinical appropriateness.
Our team assesses body condition at every visit. A healthy weight pet should have ribs that are easily felt but not visibly prominent, and a visible waist when viewed from above. Ask our team to assess your pet’s current body condition at your next visit.
The evidence on grain-free diets is still evolving. Our recommendation is to choose a diet based on quality ingredients and your pet’s individual health status rather than marketing trends. We can help you evaluate your current food choice at a nutrition counseling visit.
No. Cats and dogs have fundamentally different nutritional requirements. Cats require taurine and other nutrients found specifically in cat food. Long-term feeding of the wrong species food can lead to nutritional deficiencies and serious health consequences.
Good nutrition starts with the right guidance. Book a nutrition counseling appointment for your dog or cat at Bowness Animal Hospital in Calgary. Call (587) 391-3911 or book online at bownessvet.ca/make-an-appointment/.
