Silverado Veterinary Hospital carries a comprehensive selection of pet food in Calgary. We have foods in stock for all types of pets from trusted brand names such as Royal Canin and Prescription Diet (part of the Hill’s brand.) Finding the right brand for your pet can really have a positive effect on their happiness and health. You can talk to us about the options and find out what is best for your pet in terms of their overall health and what they enjoy the most.
Call us today or fill out the form provided to find out about our stock, or drop by and see us with your four-legged friends.
Why Your Pet's Nutrition Matters
Food is one of the few things that affects your pet's health every single day. A complete and balanced diet supports a healthy weight, strong muscles and joints, a shiny coat, good digestion, and a resilient immune system. The wrong diet, or simply too much of the right one, can contribute to obesity, dental disease, skin problems, and digestive upsets.
Because we already know your pet's medical history, we can recommend a food that fits their health needs rather than a one-size-fits-all option. Nutrition is part of every wellness visit at our veterinary hospital, and you are always welcome to ask questions about what is in your pet's bowl.
Veterinary Therapeutic Diets
Some health conditions can be managed, and sometimes improved, with a diet made specifically for that purpose. Royal Canin and Hill's Prescription Diet both offer veterinary therapeutic foods for cats and dogs, including options for:
- Weight management: Lower-calorie, high-satiety recipes that help overweight pets slim down safely and stay at a healthy weight.
- Urinary health: Diets formulated to support the urinary tract in cats and dogs prone to crystals or bladder stones.
- Kidney support: Recipes with adjusted protein and phosphorus levels for pets with reduced kidney function.
- Digestive care: Highly digestible foods for sensitive stomachs and pets recovering from a gastrointestinal upset.
- Skin and food sensitivities: Limited-ingredient and hydrolyzed-protein diets for pets with suspected food allergies or itchy skin.
- Dental health: Kibble designed to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up between dental cleanings.
- Joint and mobility: Foods enriched with nutrients that support joint health in older or large-breed pets.
Therapeutic diets work best when they are matched to a diagnosis and fed as directed, so please speak with one of our veterinarians before starting or stopping one.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Pet
No single food suits every pet. When we help you choose, we look at:
- Life stage: Puppies and kittens, adults, and seniors all have different energy and nutrient needs.
- Size and breed: Small, medium, and large breeds differ in calorie needs, growth rates, and even ideal kibble size.
- Activity level: A working or very active dog burns far more energy than an indoor cat or a relaxed companion.
- Health conditions: Allergies, weight concerns, dental disease, and chronic illness can all change what your pet should eat.
- Taste and texture: The best food is one your pet will actually eat, so preferences for wet or dry food matter too.
How to Switch Your Pet to a New Food
A sudden change in diet can upset your pet's stomach. Unless your veterinarian advises otherwise, introduce a new food gradually over about a week by mixing it with the current one:
- Days 1–2: 75% current food, 25% new food.
- Days 3–4: 50% current food, 50% new food.
- Days 5–6: 25% current food, 75% new food.
- Day 7 onward: 100% new food.
If your pet develops vomiting, diarrhea, or refuses to eat during the change, slow the transition down and let us know.
Pet Food Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription to buy a veterinary diet?
Veterinary therapeutic diets are formulated to manage specific health conditions, so they should only be fed on a veterinarian's recommendation. If your pet has not been seen recently, we may ask to examine them first to make sure the diet is still the right fit.
How do I know how much to feed my pet?
The feeding guide on the bag is a starting point, not a rule. The right amount depends on your pet's age, weight, body condition, and activity level. Our team can work out a daily portion for your pet and adjust it at follow-up weigh-ins.
Should I feed wet food, dry food, or both?
Both can provide complete and balanced nutrition. Wet food adds moisture, which can help cats and pets with urinary or kidney concerns, while dry food is convenient and can support dental health. Many pets do well on a combination of the two.
How often should I review what my pet eats?
We recommend reviewing your pet's diet at every wellness exam, and any time their weight, appetite, energy, coat, or stool changes. Nutritional needs shift as pets grow, age, or develop health conditions.
To schedule an appointment, call us today.