Pet Prescription Diets in Tampa, FL

Just like humans, some animals have different dietary needs than others. Whether your pet has a medical condition, allergies, or is just a bit overweight, a prescription diet can go a long way to improving their overall health and quality of life. 

At Harbourside Animal Hospital, we believe in preventive care. Our experienced veterinarians can help you evaluate your pet’s diet, pinpoint problem areas, and come up with a prescription diet plan to ensure your best friend lives a long, happy life. 

We’ve helped hundreds of pet owners in Tampa, FL, address health concerns of all types in their cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, and more. Reach out to our friendly team to learn more about prescription pet diets today.

Why Choose a Prescription Pet Diet?

If you're using high-quality pet food from the store, you may be wondering why you should consider a prescription pet diet. The answer is that you may not need to. 

Prescription diets aren’t necessarily more nutritious than store-bought pet food. While they do provide a balanced diet, their purpose is to address specific health concerns or dietary needs that your standard pet food doesn’t. Not all pets need to be fed a prescription diet. Here are a few situations where it may be worth introducing prescription pet food to your pet’s diet:

Health Conditions

Prescription pet diets can ease the symptoms of a wide range of health conditions. For instance, dogs or cats with renal or liver disease can benefit from a lower protein diet, while those with poor mobility or arthritis can benefit from a diet higher in Omega 3 and antioxidants. We may recommend prescription diets for pets with: 

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Dental decay
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Neurological conditions
• Urinary disease

 Allergies and Skin Conditions

If your pet is struggling with hot spots, constant scratching, hair loss, or inflammation, their diet may be to blame. Digestive issues or weight loss can also indicate a food allergy or sensitivity. We can help you determine the culprit and find a prescription diet to help your dog or cat live a more comfortable life.

Advanced Age

Senior dogs and cats have unique dietary needs that are often exasperated by health conditions, such as arthritis. Store-bought pet food often can’t provide adequate nutrition nor the diet-specific formulas necessary to keep older animals in good health—but a prescription diet can.

The Fight Against Pet Obesity

Even if your pet is not at risk of severe health issues, providing them with well-rounded nutrition should be your priority. It’s common for dogs, cats, and other pets to overeat or have the wrong proportions of macronutrients in their diets, unbeknownst to their caring owners. If you notice your pet getting a little plump, your first instinct might be to cut back on their serving sizes or cut out treats, but that may not be the best solution. It may just be time to switch to a new food. 

Some animals are more predisposed to weight gain than others. Through nutritional counseling, we can help you customize your pet’s diet to suit its specific needs. That way, we can address the root cause of weight gain while ensuring your pet still feels satisfied.

Contact Us Today

The best way to find out if your dog or cat might benefit from a prescription pet diet is to consult with your veterinarian. Call our friendly team at Harbourside Animal Hospital in Tampa, FL, at (813) 229-3322 to find answers to more of your questions or schedule an appointment.