Prescription Pet Food

Prescription pet food is a specially formulated diet that is designed to help manage or treat specific medical conditions in pets. Unlike regular over-the-counter pet food, these diets are backed by research, including clinical trials, and developed with targeted nutritional profiles to support conditions such as kidney disease, urinary problems, allergies, and more. They also meet or exceed established nutritional standards and include an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement, confirming they provide complete and balanced nutrition for their intended use. They should only be used under a veterinarian’s guidance. Prescription diets are an important part of many treatment plans and can significantly improve a pet’s quality of life when used correctly.

The best way to know for sure is through a veterinary assessment. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s symptoms, medical history, and, if needed, run diagnostic tests to determine whether a prescription diet would be beneficial. If a specific diet is recommended, your veterinarian will guide you on the right choice and how to transition your pet safely. Regular follow-ups are important to ensure the diet is working effectively and to make any necessary adjustments.

No, prescription diets should be treated like medicine and only started after a veterinary consult. Feeding the wrong prescription food to a healthy pet, or to a pet with a different condition, can cause imbalances and new health issues. If you think your pet might benefit from a prescription diet, the best first step is to schedule a consultation.

Prescription pet foods are designed to support pets with specific health conditions by providing targeted nutrition as part of their overall treatment plan. Common conditions they can help manage include:

• Kidney disease

• Urinary tract issues (such as crystals, cystitis or bladder stones)

• Gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting, diarrhea, sensitive stomach)

• Food allergies and skin conditions 

• Obesity and weight management

• Diabetes

• Dental disease

• Joint and mobility issues (such as arthritis)

Each diet is carefully formulated to address the unique needs of these conditions—whether that means adjusting protein levels, controlling minerals, increasing fiber, or adding specific nutrients.

Prescription pet diets can be purchased in a few different ways—but all require a recommendation or authorization from your veterinarian.

• Directly from our clinic. We carry a selection of therapeutic diets in stock but can also

easily order from our supplier, which typically only takes 24-48 hours to receive.

• Through our online store. You can order directly through our secure online store anytime from our home page. From there, you’ll have two convenient options: home delivery or clinic pickup. For even more convenience, you can sign up for auto-order (subscription delivery). This allows you to set a schedule that works for you, so your pet’s food arrives automatically when you need it—no reordering required. As an added bonus, autoorders come with cost savings, helping you save money while staying consistent with

your pet’s nutritional plan.

In most cases, no. Prescription diets are balanced for very specific health needs and may not be appropriate for healthy pets or pets with different conditions. If you have multiple pets in the household, our veterinary team can help you come up with a feeding plan to keep everyone safe and properly nourished. In some cases, there may be overlap, but that decision should always be made under veterinary guidance.