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Vet Food

Specialised pet food such as vet food or supplementary food differs from normal pet food. While vet food is intended to support the treatment of certain medical conditions, supplementary food is intended to improve your pet’s health through health-promoting additives. 

Both types of food can help improve the well-being of your cat or dog. In any case, however, it is important that you talk to your vet about whether your pet requires veterinary diets or supplementary food and if so, which is most suitable. 

Vet Food - Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains:

Vet Franziska G. with her dog

"Vet food is specially formulated pet food that can support the healing or prevention of certain medical conditions. Veterinary pet food can be prescribed by a vet and contains specific nutrients that target a particular condition. For example, you can find dog or cat food for kidney disease. As a rule, vet food are complete foods, which means that they can completely replace their previous diet. 

In contrast to vet food, supplementary food must be added to the normal food. It contains various additives that are intended to promote health or target specific areas. These include, for example, vitamins and minerals for dogs that can have a positive effect on the skin or joints."

This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr.med.vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing.   

Vet Food - Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains:

Vet Franziska G. with her dog

"Vet food is specially formulated pet food that can support the healing or prevention of certain medical conditions. Veterinary pet food can be prescribed by a vet and contains specific nutrients that target a particular condition. For example, you can find dog or cat food for kidney disease. As a rule, vet food are complete foods, which means that they can completely replace their previous diet. 

In contrast to vet food, supplementary food must be added to the normal food. It contains various additives that are intended to promote health or target specific areas. These include, for example, vitamins and minerals for dogs that can have a positive effect on the skin or joints."

This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr.med.vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing.   

What should I bear in mind when using veterinary pet food?

When using veterinary pet food, you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the advice of your vet. Because portions that are too low or too high could lead to health problems in your pet - these often include digestive problems or an excess of nutrients. As such, you should never feed your pet these foods on your own initiative. 

What should I bear in mind when using veterinary pet food?

When using veterinary pet food, you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the advice of your vet. Because portions that are too low or too high could lead to health problems in your pet - these often include digestive problems or an excess of nutrients. As such, you should never feed your pet these foods on your own initiative. 

How does veterinary pet food work and when does it make sense?

Vet Food was developed with the aim of supporting the recovery of sick animals in combination with targeted treatment. The following properties can have a positive effect on the healing of certain conditions:

  • Specialised content can help to combat certain health problems (e.g. dog food for overweight dogs or dog food for heart or liver disease) 
  • Some veterinary diets have a reduced mineral content, for example urinary cat food for urinary stones.
  • Vet food can stabilise blood sugar levels thanks to its special formulation (e.g:dog food for diabetes mellitus) or boost the metabolism.
  • As wet food, vet food can support hydration and thus promote kidney health. 
Your vet may prescribe veterinary pet food. This is usually done in addition to targeted treatment. 

How does veterinary pet food work and when does it make sense?

Vet Food was developed with the aim of supporting the recovery of sick animals in combination with targeted treatment. The following properties can have a positive effect on the healing of certain conditions:

  • Specialised content can help to combat certain health problems (e.g. dog food for overweight dogs or dog food for heart or liver disease) 
  • Some veterinary diets have a reduced mineral content, for example urinary cat food for urinary stones.
  • Vet food can stabilise blood sugar levels thanks to its special formulation (e.g:dog food for diabetes mellitus) or boost the metabolism.
  • As wet food, vet food can support hydration and thus promote kidney health. 
Your vet may prescribe veterinary pet food. This is usually done in addition to targeted treatment. 

How does supplementary food work and when does it make sense?

As the name suggests, supplementary food is a supplement to your pet's normal diet. It contains ingredients designed to promote basic health. Depending on the formulation, it can also specifically support the function of certain body systems (e.g. the skin or liver):

  • It can be rich in nutrients (e.g. vitamins, minerals or trace elements) to compensate for deficiencies (e.g. sdog food for skin problems).
  • In special phases of life (e.g. strengthening food for growth), supplementary food can cater for increased energy requirements.
  • Certain ingredients can support the immune system (e.g. vitamin C) or digestion (e.g. pre- and probiotics) and thus promote general health.
  • Depending on the content, supplementary food can have a preventative effect on certain diseases (e.g. dog food for joints and bones with glucosamine). 

How does supplementary food work and when does it make sense?

As the name suggests, supplementary food is a supplement to your pet's normal diet. It contains ingredients designed to promote basic health. Depending on the formulation, it can also specifically support the function of certain body systems (e.g. the skin or liver):

  • It can be rich in nutrients (e.g. vitamins, minerals or trace elements) to compensate for deficiencies (e.g. sdog food for skin problems).
  • In special phases of life (e.g. strengthening food for growth), supplementary food can cater for increased energy requirements.
  • Certain ingredients can support the immune system (e.g. vitamin C) or digestion (e.g. pre- and probiotics) and thus promote general health.
  • Depending on the content, supplementary food can have a preventative effect on certain diseases (e.g. dog food for joints and bones with glucosamine). 

How long should my dog or cat eat vet food for?

Some vet food can be fed for a lifetime, while others should only be used for a limited period of time. Your vet will determine how long your pet should be given vet food for based on the manufacturer's recommendations and your pet's condition.  

How long should my dog or cat eat vet food for?

Some vet food can be fed for a lifetime, while others should only be used for a limited period of time. Your vet will determine how long your pet should be given vet food for based on the manufacturer's recommendations and your pet's condition.  

How often can you give supplementary food?

Ideally, follow the manufacturer's instructions and, if possible, your vet's recommendations. The correct dose also depends on your pet's current state of health and individual circumstances. 

How often can you give supplementary food?

Ideally, follow the manufacturer's instructions and, if possible, your vet's recommendations. The correct dose also depends on your pet's current state of health and individual circumstances. 

Which food supplements are useful?

You should discuss with your vet whether your pet needs a supplement before giving it. This is important to avoid undesirable consequences, such as an overdose. 

Which food supplements are useful?

You should discuss with your vet whether your pet needs a supplement before giving it. This is important to avoid undesirable consequences, such as an overdose.