Nutritional Counseling for Pets in Lenexa, KS
Could your pet benefit from a diet change? At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS, Dr. Sheila Dodson and our veterinary team have a special interest in nutrition and offer individualized nutritional counseling for dogs, cats and exotic pets to help manage weight, allergies, digestive issues and chronic disease.
Nutrition Is the Foundation of Wellness
Quality nutrition is a key component of preventive care, and it has been our experience that many physical problems stem from the types of food pets eat. Feeding a quality diet can mean different things to different people. Unlike many veterinary hospitals, we do not use or sell Hill’s Science Diet or Prescription Diet products. We have seen the long-term benefits of whole food, grain-free and even raw diets for many pets, but the most important thing to remember is that every pet is an individual, and no single food is appropriate for every animal.
What to Expect During a Nutrition Consultation
Your consultation begins with a review of your pet’s health history, current diet, treats, supplements and lifestyle. We consider your pet’s species, age, weight, activity level and any medical conditions, then recommend a plan that fits your pet and your household. That may include:
- Choosing a high-quality commercial, fresh or home-prepared diet
- Calculating daily calorie needs and portion sizes
- Transitioning safely to a new food
- Elimination diet trials for suspected food allergies
- Whole food supplements from Standard Process
- Follow-up visits and weigh-ins to track progress
Conditions Nutritional Counseling Can Help
- Obesity and weight management
- Diabetes management
- Sensitive stomachs and inflammatory bowel disease
- Food and skin allergies
- Arthritis and joint support
- Liver, kidney and heart disease
- Urinary tract health
Nutrition for Birds and Exotic Pets
Diet-related illness is one of the most common problems we see in exotic pets. Rabbits and guinea pigs need diets based on hay to prevent dental disease, birds often need to transition away from seed-only diets, and reptiles require species-specific feeding and supplementation. Our exotic pet team includes nutrition and husbandry review in every visit.
Nutrition as Part of Integrative Care
Therapeutic nutrition works hand in hand with our other services, including life stage wellness care, pain management, herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Pet Nutrition FAQs
Who provides nutritional counseling at Mariposa?
Dr. Sheila Dodson has a special interest in nutrition and nutritional counseling, and our veterinarians work together to provide diet guidance for every patient.
Do you recommend raw or grain-free diets?
We have seen benefits from whole food, grain-free and raw diets in some pets, but every pet is different. We recommend the diet that best fits your pet’s health, species and lifestyle.
Do you sell Hill’s Science Diet or Prescription Diet?
No. We do not use or sell Hill’s Science Diet or Prescription Diet products.
Can diet help my pet’s allergies?
Yes. Food allergies and sensitivities can contribute to itching, ear infections and digestive problems, and an elimination diet can help identify triggers.
Can you help my pet lose weight?
Yes. We create individualized weight management plans with calorie targets, diet recommendations and regular weigh-ins.
Do you offer nutrition advice for exotic pets?
Yes. Proper diet and husbandry review is part of every exotic pet visit.
Schedule a Nutrition Consultation
The right diet can transform your pet’s health. Call (913) 825-3330 today to schedule a nutrition appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.