THE VETERINARY WELLNESS CENTRE

Nutrition is vital to enjoying mental and physical health, for both humans and animals. We want our animals to get much more than the basics for survival from what they eat – we want food that nourishes and protects their mind, body and soul. There is so much conflicting advice about what our dogs and cats should be eating, and it is difficult to discern what sources of information are truly trustworthy. How can you find a pet food that is safe, balanced, convenient and delicious?

We have been using diets to treat pet medical conditions for several decades. You might have heard about protein and phosphorus restriction to help manage chronic kidney disease, restricted carbohydrates for diabetes mellitus, iodine restriction to manage hyperthyroidism, or the use of medium chain triglycerides in the management of epilepsy. For every physical, behavioural, or emotional condition there are dietary adjustments that can have a positive impact on the health of our pets.

The state of the microbiome (the aggregate of all microbiota that lives on or within animal tissues and biofluids) is a fascinating area of research. We are starting to understand how the balance of bacteria, fungi, and viruses can affect animal and human physiology in a huge number of ways – from autoimmune diseases, to anxiety and depression, to certain cancers. The microbiome is inextricably linked to diet, although much more research is needed for us to begin to understand this complex relationship.

Here at Botanical Veterinary Care we value and respect the healing power of food. Miriam uses a balanced, reasoned approach to look at the potential advantages and risks associated with different food choices. If you are interested in fresh food feeding (home cooked or raw food diets), Miriam can assist you to do this safely while maximizing the advantages of this type of feeding. She can audit an existing recipe you are using, formulate new recipes, or offer modifications that will suit your individual cat or dog. If you prefer commercially available diets (raw, cooked, or kibble), Miriam can help you find the best one for your pet, with a discussion about the risks and benefits of different options.

Dietary assessment is part of our integrated care veterinary consultation, which you can book here. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss diet only, Miriam can arrange a virtual consultation with you.