For all my patients, I quantify current intake of nutrients and set nutritional targets according to clinical diagnoses and dietary history. This is why it is so important that I have an accurate dietary history, and I may ask that you complete a food diary. On this page, I have highlighted examples of conditions where a clinical meal plan is often involved in long-term management and how it is put into practice.

Keep in mind that the information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Every patient is unique, and nutritional recommendations are always made with clinical assessment and veterinary collaboration.

Overweight condition and obesity

The clinical nutrition plan for these patients involves safely reducing energy intake and encouraging appropriate exercise appropriate for the condition of the patient. Diet solutions decrease daily caloric consumption while meeting essential nutrient requirements and accommodating concurrent medical conditions.

Each patient embarking on a weight loss diet plan will have a tailor-made bodyweight tracker to map out healthy weight loss progression. Tips and tricks to help with weight loss that fit your lifestyle will be discussed and included in the meal plan report.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) cannot be reversed, but a carefully tailored diet has been shown to slow its progression and promote overall wellbeing. For patients with CKD, the phosphorus content of the diet is typically restricted while encouraging water intake. Oftentimes, these patients will experience some loss of appetite so energy intake is closely monitored. Dietary protein may also be adjusted according to diagnostic results and taking dietary history into account. Meal plans are formulated in consideration of other clinical conditions of the patient as well.

Enteropathy and suspected adverse food reactions

Enteropathy and suspected adverse food reactions are features of several gastrointestinal diagnoses for cats and dogs; inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) being two examples. In these cases, a hydrolysed protein source or a novel source of protein (one that your cat or dog has never eaten) may be considered as the main dietary protein for the new diet. Some other primary nutrients of concern in these cases can include dietary fat and fibre, both of which may be adjusted based on clinical symptoms and dietary history.