Weight & Nutrition
Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is one of the most important things we can do together. The right diet improves mobility, reduces vet visits, and adds healthy years.
Try it
Calorie calculator
Estimate your pet's daily caloric needs based on weight and goal.
Food calorie guide
Knowing the calories in common pet foods and treats helps you make informed feeding decisions.
Dog food brands (per cup)
Cat food (per cup)
Treats & human foods
Red items may be unsafe or high-calorie for pets.
Quick calorie perspective
For a 20lb dog needing 600 calories daily, just 2 dog biscuits (80 calories) is 13% of their daily needs. A small piece of cheese (40 calories) is 7%. Treats add up fast.
Healthy weight management tips
What every pet owner should know about keeping a pet at its ideal weight.
Body condition scoring
Learn to assess your pet's weight by feeling for ribs and observing their waist from above and the side.
Dangers of excess weight
Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, and can reduce your pet's lifespan by 2+ years.
Common overfeeding mistakes
Free-feeding, too many treats, table scraps, and not adjusting portions as pets age or become less active.
Healthy treat alternatives
Try green beans, carrots, apple slices (no seeds), or freeze plain yogurt in ice cube trays for cats.
Life stage feeding
Puppies and kittens need 2-3x adult calories; seniors may need fewer calories but higher quality protein.
Interactive feeding
Puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys slow eating, provide mental stimulation, and help with weight control.
Prescription vs. OTC diets
Therapeutic weight loss diets are formulated differently than 'light' foods and may be more effective.
Food transition guidelines
Change foods gradually over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of new food with decreasing old food.
Downloadable resources
Tools and guides to support your pet's nutrition.
Common questions
Nutrition FAQ
How much should I feed my pet?
Feeding amounts depend on your pet's age, weight, activity level, and body condition. Use our calculator above as a starting point, but consult with us for personalized recommendations. Most pets do well with 2 meals per day.
How many treats can I give per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily calories. For a 50lb dog eating 1,200 calories daily, that's about 120 calories in treats. Always subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Is grain-free food better for my pet?
Grain-free diets aren't necessarily healthier. Recent FDA investigations have linked certain grain-free diets to heart disease in dogs. Choose foods based on your pet's individual needs, not marketing trends.
When should I switch to senior pet food?
Generally around age 7 for dogs (5 for large breeds) and 7-10 for cats. Senior diets often have adjusted protein, fat, and calories to support aging bodies. We can help determine the best timing for your pet.
Can I give my pet table scraps?
Occasional small amounts of safe human foods like plain chicken, rice, or vegetables are okay, but table scraps shouldn't exceed 10% of daily calories. Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and foods high in fat or salt.
Not sure what's best for your pet?
Every pet is different. Let's build a nutrition and weight plan that fits your pet's needs, lifestyle, and health goals.