This comprehensive guide provides diet and feeding recommendations for both healthy and sick animals. Recommendations are based on a physical and nutritional assessment of the patient, and the wishes and abilities of clients. Suggested dietary interventions are assessed based on indications, possible adverse reactions, contradictions, and ongoing evaluation. The book also raises questions concerning the appropriateness of various commercial foods, assesses the validity of advertising claims, and addresses requests for recipes for homemade foods. The ultimate goal is to sustain the nutritional health of pets without adversely affecting the quality of the bond between clients and their pets. Coverage extends to dogs, cats, and basic exotic pets.

• Comprehensive coverage encompasses a number of pet species, with special attention paid to dogs and cats and helpful references for common exotic pets
• Easy-to-read format and style make this text useful for both pet owners at home and professionals in the clinical setting
• Helpful chapters address questions concerning attributes and efficacy of various commercial foods, assess the validity of advertising claims, and suggest recipes for homemade foods when they are indicated
• Thorough consideration of the most current information on nutrient-sensitive diseases and interventional approaches
• Numerous tables, figures, charts, and forms thoroughly present relevant and useful information for both medical professionals and pet owners

Expansive appendixes include:

• Detailed nutrient comparison tables for commercial pet foods
• Feeding directions for prevention of nutrition-related orthopedic diseases
• Simple instructions for gastrostomy tube feeding and maintenance
• Tables, figures, charts and forms that make dietary tracking and home monitoring easy