FurWell at Barkingham provides personalized pet nutrition counseling to help you make informed feeding decisions for your dog or cat. The right diet supports healthy weight, strong organ function, joint health, and a longer, more comfortable life for your pet.
Nutrition is one of the most influential factors in your pet's long-term health — and one of the most frequently misunderstood. Commercial pet food marketing, popular trends like raw diets, and conflicting online information can make it difficult to know what is actually best. Our veterinarians evaluate your pet's individual needs — including age, breed, weight, activity level, and any existing medical conditions — and provide practical, evidence-based guidance on diet selection, portion sizes, feeding schedules, and appropriate supplement use.
We review what your pet is currently eating, including treats, table food, and supplements, to get a complete picture of their caloric intake and daily nutritional profile.
We assess your pet's body condition score and weight relative to ideal ranges for their breed and size. This assessment informs portion recommendations and any weight management plan we develop together.
Based on your pet's health status and goals, we recommend appropriate food types, formulas, and feeding amounts. For pets with medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal disorders, we discuss therapeutic diet options and how nutrition supports treatment outcomes.
What your pet eats directly affects their energy, immune function, weight, coat quality, organ health, and lifespan.
Obesity is one of the most common and preventable health conditions in pets. Appropriate diet selection and portion control reduce the risk of diabetes, joint disease, heart problems, and the shortened lifespan associated with excess weight.
Therapeutic and prescription diets play a critical role in managing conditions including kidney disease, urinary tract disease, liver disease, food allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders. In many cases, nutrition is as important as medication in managing these conditions effectively.
Nutritional needs change significantly as pets age. Puppies and kittens require different nutrient profiles than adults, and senior pets often need adjusted caloric density and targeted support for aging organ systems. We guide feeding decisions at every stage of your pet's life.
Signs that a diet may not be meeting your pet's needs include unexplained weight gain or loss, poor coat quality, low energy, frequent digestive irregularities, or recurring skin and ear issues. Our veterinarians can evaluate your pet's body condition and current diet and let you know whether changes are warranted. Bringing the name of your pet's current food to your appointment is helpful.
Raw diets carry risks including bacterial contamination — such as Salmonella and Listeria — that can affect both pets and the people in the household who handle the food. They can also be nutritionally incomplete if not carefully formulated. We are happy to discuss the evidence around raw feeding and help you make an informed decision based on your pet's individual needs and your household situation.
Safe weight loss in pets requires a controlled caloric reduction plan — not simply switching to a "light" food label. We assess your pet's current body condition, calculate a realistic target weight, and recommend a specific food, portion size, and feeding schedule. Gradual, monitored weight loss is safer and more sustainable than rapid caloric restriction.
Most pets eating a complete and balanced commercial diet do not require additional supplements. However, specific supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, joint support formulas, or probiotics can be beneficial in certain situations. We recommend supplements on a case-by-case basis after reviewing your pet's diet and overall health status.
Nutrition questions can be addressed during any wellness or exam visit. Call us at (864) 458-8500 or visit 1240 E Butler Rd, Greenville, SC 29607. We are open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm.
If you have questions about your pet's diet, weight, or feeding routine, our team is glad to help. Call (864) 458-8500 or visit 1240 E Butler Rd, Greenville, SC 29607. Open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm.
