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Mixed breed dog eating from bowl — veterinary nutrition counseling at Graber's Animal Hospital Toledo OH

Dog & Cat Nutrition

The pet food aisle is overwhelming, and the internet is filled with conflicting advice about grain-free, raw, and boutique diets. As your veterinarian, we have the medical training to understand your pet's unique metabolic needs. We can assess their body condition, interpret bloodwork results, and recommend a diet that supports their specific health status, from allergies and kidney disease to weight management. Don't trust a blog or a salesperson; trust the expert who knows your pet. We provide comprehensive nutritional counseling for every life stage and health condition.

Our Nutritional Services

Puppy & Kitten Nutrition: Setting the foundation for healthy growth. We'll help you choose the right food for your new pet's rapid development and high energy needs.

Adult Pet Weight Management: Creating a plan to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Over 50% of pets are overweight, which can lead to serious health issues. We can create a feeding plan and exercise regimen to help your pet lose weight safely.

Therapeutic & Prescription Diets: Managing disease with food as medicine. We carry a full line of therapeutic and prescription diets from trusted brands like Hill's, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. These are scientifically formulated to help manage conditions like kidney disease, allergies, urinary issues, and joint support.

Senior Pet Nutrition: Supporting graceful aging. We can recommend diets lower in calories but higher in fiber, with supplements like glucosamine, to support aging joints and changing metabolic needs.

Still Unsure of your Pet's Condition?

If something doesn't feel right, its always better to ask. Our team is here to listen, assess your pets symptoms and guide you on the next best steps. Whether its a sudden change in behavior or a visible injury, we’ll help you decide the appropriate level of care

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Calm dog resting on floor — Toledo OH veterinary care at Graber's Animal Hospital

Common Questions

 The best way is to have us perform a Body Condition Score (BCS) during a wellness exam. At home, you should be able to easily feel your pet's ribs with a light touch but not see them. They should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If you can't feel their ribs, they are likely overweight.

Absolutely. These are not just 'premium' foods; they are therapeutic tools formulated to help manage or treat specific medical conditions. Using a prescription diet can often reduce the need for medications, improve your pet's quality of life, and be more cost-effective in the long run.

Absolutely. Many pets do very well on high-quality commercial brands found at the store. However, if your pet is managing a specific health condition like kidney disease, skin allergies, or urinary issues we may recommend a therapeutic diet. These foods act more as food + medicine: they are formulated with precise nutrients to help manage illness. We’re happy to look at what you’re currently feeding, offer guidance on food brands and help you decide if a specialized diet is worth the investment for your pet’s unique needs.

Not necessarily. Recent studies have linked some grain-free diets (especially those high in peas, lentils, and potatoes) to a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Unless your pet has a diagnosed grain allergy, we typically recommend a high-quality diet that includes grains.

We understand that medical-grade nutrition is an investment in your pet's health, and we want to help make it as affordable as possible. To assist with the cost, we provide access to our Online Store, which offers several ways to save:

  • Auto-Ship Discounts: Most therapeutic diets qualify for a 5–10% discount when you sign up for automatic deliveries.

  • Never Run Out: Auto-ship ensures your pet’s "food + medicine" arrives at your door before the bag is empty, saving you a last-minute trip to the clinic.

  • Instant Rebates: Our store often features manufacturer coupons and seasonal rebates that aren’t always available in-clinic.

While they may seem natural, raw diets carry a significant risk of bacterial contamination (like Salmonella and E. coli) for both your pet and your family. They are also often nutritionally unbalanced.

This is a marketing term, not a regulated standard. We recommend foods that have undergone AAFCO feeding trials to prove they are complete and balanced for your pet's life stage.

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