As warmer weather arrives and routines shift toward outdoor activities, May is an ideal time to take a closer look at your pet’s nutrition. Diet plays a central role in your dog or cat’s energy level, weight, joint health, immune system, and longevity, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood aspects of pet care.
With countless food options, online advice, and marketing claims, many pet owners feel uncertain about whether they are feeding the “right” diet. At Applebrook Animal Hospital, we view nutrition as a cornerstone of preventive health—and spring is the perfect time to reassess your pet’s dietary needs before summer begins.
Why Nutrition Is a Preventive Health Issue
Nutrition is not just about feeding your pet enough food—it’s about feeding the right balance of nutrients for their life stage, size, and health status.
Proper nutrition helps:
Maintain a healthy body weight
Support joint and muscle health
Improve skin and coat quality
Strengthen the immune system
Reduce the risk of chronic disease
Pets fed an inappropriate or excessive diet are at higher risk for obesity, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and shortened lifespan.
Pet Obesity: A Common but Serious Problem
More than 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese, making this one of the most common veterinary health concerns.
Extra weight is not a cosmetic issue—it places strain on nearly every organ system.
Health Risks of Excess Weight
Joint pain and arthritis
Reduced mobility and endurance
Increased risk of diabetes
Heart and respiratory strain
Shortened life expectancy
Many owners don’t realize their pet is overweight because weight gain often happens gradually. May is a good time to evaluate body condition before summer heat limits activity.
Understanding Life Stage Nutrition
Nutritional needs change significantly as pets age, and feeding the wrong diet can create long-term health issues.
Puppies and Kittens
Young pets need:
Higher protein and calorie density
Proper calcium and phosphorus balance
Diets formulated specifically for growth
Feeding adult food too early can affect bone and joint development.
Adult Pets
Adult dogs and cats benefit from:
Balanced maintenance diets
Portion control
Monitoring activity level and body condition
Senior Pets
As pets age, they may require:
Fewer calories
Joint-supporting nutrients
Easily digestible protein
Diets tailored to medical conditions
Senior nutrition is especially important to maintain muscle mass while avoiding weight gain.
The Truth About Grain-Free, Raw, and Boutique Diets
Many pet owners search online for the “best” dog food or cat food and encounter conflicting advice.
Grain-Free Diets
Grain-free does not automatically mean healthier. In fact, some grain-free diets have been associated with diet-related heart disease in dogs. These diets should only be used when medically appropriate and veterinarian-recommended.
Raw Diets
Raw feeding carries risks including:
Bacterial contamination
Nutritional imbalance
Food safety concerns for humans
Raw diets are not appropriate for most households, especially those with children, elderly family members, or immunocompromised individuals. It is important to consider food safety and FDA guidelines on pet food safety can help.
Boutique and Homemade Diets
Many boutique diets focus on marketing rather than nutritional science. Homemade diets often lack essential nutrients unless formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, truly balanced diets require careful formulation—not just good intentions.
Your veterinarian can help determine whether a diet is complete and appropriate for your pet’s needs.
Portion Control: The Most Overlooked Factor
Even high-quality food can cause weight gain if portions are excessive.
Common portion mistakes include:
Free-feeding
Overestimating calorie needs
Excessive treats
Inconsistent measuring
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories. Measuring food accurately and adjusting based on body condition—not the feeding guide on the bag—is essential.
How Nutrition Affects Energy and Behavior
Diet influences more than just weight. Pets on well-balanced diets often show:
Improved stamina and endurance
Better focus and behavior
Reduced inflammation
Healthier skin and coat
Low-quality diets or excessive calories can lead to lethargy, digestive upset, and inconsistent energy levels.
Nutrition and Chronic Conditions
Many medical conditions benefit from nutritional management.
Diet plays a role in managing:
Arthritis and joint disease
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Food sensitivities
Skin and allergy conditions
Prescription diets are not “one-size-fits-all,” but they can be powerful tools when chosen appropriately and used under veterinary guidance.
Spring Wellness Exams and Nutritional Review
May is an excellent time to schedule a spring wellness exam, especially before summer travel and activity increase. During a wellness visit, your veterinarian can:
Assess body condition score
Review current diet and treats
Make portion recommendations
Identify early signs of nutrition-related disease
Small dietary changes now can prevent serious health problems later.
Practical Tips for Improving Your Pet’s Diet
Simple changes can make a meaningful difference:
Measure every meal
Limit table scraps
Choose veterinarian-recommended foods. For help with this, check out the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s global nutrition guidelines.
Adjust portions with activity changes
Schedule regular weigh-ins
Consistency is key. Crash dieting or frequent food changes often do more harm than good.
Helping Your Pet Thrive This Summer
Good nutrition supports your pet’s ability to enjoy summer activities—from longer walks to family vacations. A healthy diet helps maintain energy while preventing heat-related fatigue and obesity-related complications.
If you have questions about your pet’s weight, diet, or nutritional needs, the team at Applebrook Animal Hospital is here to help. We can provide personalized recommendations based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health history.
Contact us today to schedule a wellness exam and nutritional consultation, and help your pet head into summer healthier and happier.