Veterinary nutrition

The veterinary nutrition is a fundamental pillar in maintaining the health, well-being and quality of life for dogs and cats at all stages of their lives. Proper nutrition can help prevent disease, support medical treatment and improve the management of chronic conditions.
At Benivet Benissa we provide veterinary nutritional advice personalisedadapting the diet to the age, body condition, state of health and lifestyle of each pet, always based on clinical criteria and scientific evidence.

Benivet Benissa - Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa -
M-F 9:30-18:30 - S 10:00-13:00

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Personalised nutritional plans for every stage of your pet's life

At Benivet Benissa we offer a specialised service of veterinary nutrition for dogs and cats, adapted to their needs according to age, breed, activity level and state of health. A proper diet is key to preventing obesity, allergies, digestive problems or nutritional deficiencies.

Our team carries out complete nutritional assessments and, depending on each case, designs personalised plans. We work with commercial, homemade and therapeutic diets, always supervised to ensure a balanced supply of nutrients. In addition, we integrate nutrition with other services, such as internal medicine and the general review to ensure complete monitoring of your pet's health.

Request a personalised nutritional plan in Benivet Benissa

Balanced nutrition to improve the quality of life of dogs and cats

A correct diet not only influences daily health, but also longevity and general well-being. At Benivet, we cater from growing puppies to senior pets, adapting their diet to each stage of life.

If your dog or cat requires a specific nutritional plan, either for a medical condition or for prevention, in our clinic in Benissa you will find the advice you need. In addition, we follow the recommendations of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)which establishes international nutrition guidelines to ensure safe and effective diets.

At Benivet BenissaWe combine experience, continuous training and commitment to animal welfare to help you improve your pet's quality of life through a healthy and balanced diet.

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When is it advisable to seek veterinary nutrition?

Veterinary nutrition makes it possible to adapt food to the real needs of each pet in order to improve its health and well-being.

Preventive veterinary nutrition

Proper nutrition is key to maintaining good health and preventing long-term problems.

  • Healthy growing or adult pets

  • Weight and body condition monitoring

  • Lifestyle-tailored nutrition

Nutrition as part of treatment

In many pathologies, diet is an essential part of clinical management and disease control.

  • Digestive, renal or endocrine diseases

  • Food allergies or intolerances

  • Nutritional support in chronic diseases

Nutrition adapted to each stage

Nutritional needs change throughout life and require specific adjustments.

  • Growing puppies

  • Senior pets

  • Recovery after illness or surgery

What does a veterinary nutrition consultation involve?

A veterinary nutrition consultation is not just about choosing a pet food. Its aim is to identify the actual needs of each dog or cat and to establish a diet tailored to their age, state of health, activity level and body condition.

At Benivet Benissa, we review patients’ current diets, assess them and set goals that can be maintained over time.

Review of current diet

To find out how much and what your pet is eating, we check:

  • Type and brand of the usual food.

  • Daily amount and how to measure portions.

  • Wet food, treats and snacks.

  • Left-over food or food offered at home.

  • Nutritional supplements and aids.

  • Medicines that are flavoured or taken with food.

  • Previous dietary changes.

  • Food preferences, refusal to eat or difficulties with eating.

It is advisable to bring photographs of the packaging and labels of all the food and supplements used. It may also be helpful to keep a record for several days of everything your pet eats, including small amounts given as treats.

Assessment of weight and body condition

Weight alone is not enough to determine whether an animal is in good condition. During the consultation, we can assess:

  • Current weight and recent trends.

  • Amount of body fat.

  • Muscle mass and condition.

  • Weight distribution.

  • Activity level.

  • Approximate energy requirements.

  • Goal: to maintain, lose or gain weight.

In overweight animals, the aim is not to achieve rapid weight loss, but to reduce weight gradually whilst trying to preserve muscle mass and maintain a nutritionally complete diet.

When being overweight exacerbates osteoarthritis, a limp or a mobility problem, the plan can be coordinated with veterinary orthopaedics and traumatology and with the Pain Unit.

Adapting to each stage of life

Nutritional requirements change with growth, age and activity levels.

The plan can be adapted to:

  • Growing puppies and kittens.

  • Adult dogs and cats.

  • Neutered animals.

  • Very active or less active pets.

  • Pregnant or lactating females.

  • Senior dogs and cats.

  • Patients who need to regain weight or muscle mass.

In older pets, we also look out for changes in appetite, weight, digestion and the ability to eat. You can find out what Veterinary services offered by Benivet Benissa for senior pets.

Diet and disease

Nutrition can form part of the management of various diseases, but the diet must be chosen once the patient’s diagnosis and clinical condition are known.

It may be necessary to adjust the diet in the following cases:

  • Overweight or obesity.

  • Kidney or urinary tract disease.

  • Digestive problems.

  • Diabetes.

  • Liver problems.

  • Food allergies or reactions.

  • Heart disease.

  • Cancer.

  • Recovery following surgery.

  • Loss of appetite or muscle mass.

Where there is a chronic condition or symptoms affecting several organs, we coordinate the plan with veterinary internal medicine.

If there is itching, recurrent ear infections or a suspected food reaction, the assessment can be carried out in conjunction with the veterinary dermatology.

For cancer patients, their diet is tailored to their symptoms, treatment and physical condition, in consultation with veterinary oncology.

Are tests necessary before changing one’s diet?

Not all pets need further tests. The decision depends on their age, symptoms, medical history and the aim of the nutritional plan.

In certain cases, the following may be recommended:

These tests help to ensure that a change in diet does not mask a problem that requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

Drawing up a nutritional plan

Once we have gathered the information, we draw up a recommendation tailored to the patient. The plan may include:

  • Recommended type of feed.

  • Daily amount and feeding schedule.

  • How to measure out portions.

  • Prizes that may be offered.

  • A strategy for changing your diet.

  • Target weight or body condition.

  • Recommendations for physical activity, where appropriate.

  • Date of the next check-up.

We can assess commercial pet food, therapeutic diets or a home-cooked diet formulated to meet the animal’s needs. Home-cooked diets should not be improvised, as excluding or combining foods without a proper formulation can lead to nutritional imbalances.

See also What is the best diet for keeping a pet healthy?.

Monitoring and adjustments

Nutritional requirements may change during growth, ageing, illness or weight loss. Monitoring therefore makes it possible to check:

  • Changes in weight.

  • Changes in body composition and muscle condition.

  • Appetite and acceptance of food.

  • Consistency of the stools.

  • Activity level.

  • Progression of symptoms.

  • Easy to follow the plan at home.

With this information, we can adjust the quantities, review the target or consider alternatives. Do not change a therapeutic diet or add supplements without first discussing it with the veterinary team.

What should you bring to your nutrition consultation?

Whenever possible, please bring:

  • Vaccination record and veterinary history.

  • Previous reports and analyses.

  • List of medicines and supplements.

  • Photographs of the packaging and labels.

  • Approximate quantities of each food item.

  • Recent weight record.

  • Information about prizes and food provided between takes.

  • Any concerns or difficulties relating to diet.

Do you need to adjust your dog’s or cat’s diet? Book a veterinary nutrition consultation at Benivet Benissa or call +34 622 325 271.

Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa, Alicante
Telephone: +34 622 325 271
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:30; Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00.

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How do we approach a nutritional plan and what tests may be indicated?

The veterinary nutrition it's not just about "eating less": it's about adjusting calories, nutrients and routine according to age, activity and state of health (puppies, adults, seniors, sterilised, weight control or therapeutic diets). At Benivet Benissa we assess your pet on an individual basis and, if a cause needs to be confirmed or the most suitable diet chosen, we recommend tests. only when they provide useful information:

Veterinary practice in Benissa(BCS) and review of habits (ration, treats, mixed feeding, schedules).

Blood tests y urinalysis: yes there is weight lossThe use of the product in the treatment of chronic diseases, increased thirst/urination, suspected metabolic disturbances or to monitor safety in therapeutic diets and chronic diseases.

Coprological tests / stool analysiswhen there is recurrent diarrhoea, poor digestion or suspicion of parasites/intolerances that may affect the nutritional plan.

Veterinary ultrasoundif there is repeated vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss without clear cause and we need to assess digestive organs and soft tissues.

If the overweight is already affecting mobility or there is joint pain, we coordinate the plan with veterinary orthopaedics and traumatology and/or with the PAIN UNIT to improve wellbeing while losing weight. And if there is chronic illness that requires constant adjustments, we coordinate it from veterinary internal medicine.

👉 If you want a personalised diet plan (weight control, elimination diet or therapeutic diet), request an appointment here or call +34 622 325 271.

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Frequently asked questions about our veterinary nutrition service

Nutrition directly influences the digestive health, weight, skin, skin, energy, joints and chronic disease progression. A proper nutritional plan can prevent future problems and improve your pet's quality of life, especially if it has specific needs (allergies, overweight, kidney disease, etc.).

It is recommended in:

  • Dogs and cats with overweight or obesity

  • Older animals

  • Patients with kidney, liver, heart or endocrine disease

  • Pets with food allergies or sensitive digestions

  • Growing puppies and kittens

  • Sporting or highly active dogs

Each case requires different nutritional management.

It includes a complete dietary historyThe patient's body condition, weight, muscle mass and digestive symptoms are assessed. Depending on the case, it is complemented by analytical, ultrasound or specific tests to design a safe and effective diet. The plan may include feed, wet food, cooked diet or special diets formulated by veterinarians.

Yes, as long as the recipe is designed by a specialised veterinarianMany homemade diets do not provide vitamins, minerals or essential amino acids in adequate quantities. At Benivet Benissa we adapt the recipes so that they are balanced and safe according to your pet's condition.

It depends on the objective. In general, it is recommended to review each 3 months in overweight or chronically diseased animals and each 6-12 months in healthy pets. In puppies, check-ups are more frequent because their needs change rapidly.

Some warning signs are: intermittent vomiting, loose stools, gas, weight loss, itchiness, hair loss, lack of energy or rapid weight gain. If you notice any of these changes, a nutritional check-up is recommended.

Do you have any doubts about care, treatment or prevention for your pet? Consult our section of Frequently Asked Questions where we solve the most common queries about dogs and cats.

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