The right diet supports digestion, steady energy, skin and coat health, joint comfort, and immunity. It can also reduce risk for obesity and chronic disease.

At Parkside, our team uses veterinary nutrition principles and on site testing to fine tune each plan. Puppies and kittens need balanced growth. Adult pets need weight stability and complete nutrients. Senior pets benefit from careful protein, phosphorus, and calorie adjustments. 

Pet nutritional counseling is a wellness service that evaluates your pet’s current food, treats, supplements, body condition, lifestyle, and medical history. At Parkside, we may review lab work, weight trends, and breed specific risks. Then we outline a plan that fits your goals, your pet’s tastes, and any clinical priorities. Follow up visits or quick telehealth check ins help us track progress and adjust the diet for pets as needed.

Yes. Vet nutrition advice is grounded in science and tailored to your pet’s health. Retail recommendations rarely consider allergies, GI sensitivity, heart or kidney status, or medication interactions. Dr. Rebecca Parker and Dr. José Hernandez bring strong diagnostics and compassionate communication to every consult, so your pet diets are safe, effective, and realistic at home.

Our recommendations depend on your pet’s needs. Options may include:

• Prescription veterinary diets for allergies, urinary care, kidney support, GI health, or diabetes
• Balanced home prepared plans with veterinary oversight
• Limited ingredient diets for suspected sensitivities
• Life stage formulas for puppies, kittens, adults, and seniors

We personalize every plan, including treat guidelines, portion sizes, and a simple feeding schedule.

Absolutely. We calculate your pet’s resting energy needs, set a safe weekly weight loss target, and create a feeding plan that includes measured meals and approved pet diets for satiety. Rechecks on our in clinic scales, photo logs, and accountability check ins help keep progress on track. Small changes, consistent habits, real results.

Yes. Senior pets often need adjusted protein quality, calorie control, joint friendly nutrients, and careful sodium or phosphorus levels. We pair veterinary nutrition planning with biannual wellness labs to monitor kidney, liver, thyroid, and glucose values, then refine the plan so your pet stays comfortable and engaged.

Targeted veterinary diets are central to managing chronic conditions.

• Diabetes: controlled carbohydrates, consistent feeding times, and weight management
• Kidney disease: moderated protein, phosphorus control, hydration strategies
• Pancreatitis: low fat, highly digestible nutrition and careful treat choices

Our in house CBC and chemistry testing, plus ultrasound when indicated, guide the plan and help reduce flare ups over time.

Most pets do well with a 7 to 10 day transition.

• Days 1 to 3, 75 percent old food, 25 percent new
• Days 4 to 6, 50 percent old, 50 percent new
• Days 7 to 10, 25 percent old, 75 percent new, then 100 percent new

Call us if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat, or itching. We can slow the transition, adjust the formula, or add GI support as needed.

Please bring:

• Current food label or brand and flavor
• A list of treats, table foods, and supplements
• Recent records or lab results, if from another clinic
• A typical daily schedule and exact portion sizes
• Any goals you want to achieve, such as weight loss or improved skin

This information helps us build a precise pet nutrition plan the same day.

Every pet’s nutritional needs change over time. Growth, aging, medical conditions, and even seasonal activity levels can all affect what your pet requires from their diet. At Parkside Pet Hospital, we recommend that most healthy pets have a diet recheck every 6 to 12 months, typically during their routine wellness visit. This allows our team to assess your pet’s body condition, weight, and overall health to ensure their current food is still the right fit.

For pets with special needs, such as allergies, chronic illnesses, or weight management goals, more frequent evaluations may be necessary. We use these appointments to review lab results, adjust caloric intake, and monitor progress. By tracking your pet’s nutritional plan consistently, we can prevent small imbalances from developing into long-term issues and keep your companion feeling their best.

At Parkside Pet Hospital, we understand that every family’s budget and every pet’s health situation are unique. The cost of a pet nutrition consultation depends on the level of assessment required and whether additional diagnostic testing is recommended. Some pets may only need a basic dietary review and portion adjustment, while others may require bloodwork or imaging to evaluate conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.

Before any service begins, our team provides a clear and detailed estimate so you can make an informed decision. We believe in transparent pricing and open communication at every step. 

• Two compassionate veterinarians with strong diagnostic training and a personal, relationship based approach
• Personalized, science backed pet nutrition counseling for every life stage
• Same day and telehealth availability for timely guidance
• Convenient Liberty Park location with easy parking and a calm, softly lit environment
• Customized treatment plans, transparent communication, and follow through