Pet Frequently Asked Questions in La Crosse

How much to feed depends on what kind of food you are feeding your pet. Many commercial cat foods have a list on the can or bag describing the recommended amount per weight, such as “for a 10-pound cat, feed X cups/cans a day.” These recommendations are general guidelines from the manufacturer, but not an exact recipe for success for all cats.

Make sure you are feeding the amount your cat needs for a healthy weight (which should be determined by your veterinarian), not what the cat currently weighs. For example, if your cat weighs 17 pounds but should weigh 12 pounds, slowly adjust the amount of their food to an amount for a 12-pound cat. Note that if your cat does need to lose weight, discuss your concerns with a veterinarian before starting a diet/calorie restriction plan.

It is also important to measure food correctly. Be sure to use a measuring cup rather than estimating the amount. Feeding just 10 extra pieces of dry kibble a day can contribute to 10% weight gain in a year, which is equivalent in most cats to an entire pound of body weight! (VIN veterinary partner)

Always discuss your pet’s nutrition concerns with your veterinarian. Veterinarians are trained in nutrition and understand the delicate balance of nutrients needed to keep a pet healthy. Your veterinarian can make food recommendations based on your pet’s personal physical examination and health status.

In addition, certain prescription and commercial diets have been formulated to address medical problems in pets. Some medical disorders that can be helped with specific diets include renal or kidney disease, dental disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, urinary tract disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and pancreatitis. (VIN veterinary partner)

The La Crosse Veterinary Clinic carries a large variety of prescription diets from Royal Canin and Hill’s, and we are able to special order other brands of prescription and maintenance diets to ensure your pet stays healthy.

You can also order your pet’s diet through our online store and have it delivered directly to your home.