Prescription & Veterinary Therapeutic Diets for Dogs & Cats in Marietta, GA

Q: Why does my pet need a prescription diet?

Prescription diets target specific conditions like kidney disease, allergies or urinary issues and provide controlled nutrients to support treatment under veterinary guidance.

Q: When should I switch my puppy or kitten to adult food?

Most dogs switch around 12 months (large breeds 18–24 months). Cats typically transition at about 12 months.

Q: How do I transition to a prescription diet?

Mix increasing portions of the new food with the old over 7–10 days to help avoid digestive upset.

At Town & Country West Veterinary Clinic, we offer trusted therapeutic diets from Royal Canin, Purina, and Hill’s to support your pet’s specific health needs. Whether managing kidney disease, allergies, urinary issues, or weight concerns, we can help ensure your pet receives nutrition tailored to their well-being. Plus, our in-house, and online store prices, reflect suggested retail values, so you can feel confident you're getting a fair deal.

Don’t see the diet you need? Visit our online store or ask us for a prescription you can fill at any preferred pharmacy.

What Are Prescription or Therapeutic Pet Diets?

Prescription diets (also called therapeutic or veterinary diets) are specially formulated to address specific health concerns in pets, such as kidney disease, diabetes, allergies, gastrointestinal or urinary issues, and weight management.

Unlike over-the-counter foods, these formulas often adjust nutrients like protein, phosphorus, carbohydrates, or fats to support clinical outcomes. They are nutraceutical in nature, and while many require veterinary authorization, they are designed to be safe and effective when used correctly.

Why Choose from Royal Canin, Purina, or Hill’s?

These brands are backed by rigorous research and veterinary partnerships, ensuring consistent nutritional quality and reliability, making them trusted names among pet owners and professionals.

Reading & Understanding Pet Food Labels

When evaluating therapeutic diets, look for a “Complete and Balanced” statement per AAFCO standards, meaning the food meets all nutritional needs for the specified life stage.

Check the nutrition facts box, ingredient list, and intended use statements, these help ensure you're getting the right formulation for your pet’s condition.

Tips for Transitioning Diets

Transition your pet slowly over 7–10 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new prescription food with the current diet. This helps avoid digestive upset and encourages acceptance, ask your vet for personalized instructions.

Life-Stage Nutrition for Dogs & Cats

Just like people, pets have changing nutritional needs as they grow and age. Feeding the right diet at each stage of life helps support healthy development, energy, and longevity.

Puppy & Kitten Diets
Formulated with higher protein, fat, and calorie content to fuel rapid growth, strengthen bones, and support brain development.

Adult Diets

Balanced to maintain lean muscle, provide steady energy, and prevent unnecessary weight gain once growth is complete.

Senior Diets

Adjusted to support aging pets with targeted nutrients for joint health, digestion, and organ function. Many senior diets include controlled calories, antioxidants, and supplements for mobility and cognitive support.

When to Switch

Dogs typically transition from puppy to adult food around 12 months (18–24 months for large breeds).
Cats usually switch to adult diets at about 12 months.
Senior diets are often introduced around 7 years of age for dogs and 8 years for cats, but your veterinarian may recommend earlier or later depending on breed and health.

Our veterinary team will help you choose the right time and diet for your pet’s unique needs, ensuring each transition is smooth and stress-free.

FAQs: Common Questions & Answers

1. Why does my pet need a prescription diet?

Prescription diets target specific health issues (e.g., kidney, allergy, urinary) and provide controlled nutrients to support treatment. Always ask your veterinarian for guidance.

2. Do I need a prescription to buy these diets?

Yes, most therapeutic pet foods require veterinary authorization, even though they are nutraceuticals, not medications.

3. Can other pets eat a therapeutic diet?

In many cases, yes. Most are safe for short-term shared feeding, but always confirm with your vet, especially if long-term feeding is planned.

4. What does “complete and balanced” mean?

It means the food meets AAFCO nutritional standards and includes all essential nutrients for life stage-appropriate maintenance.

5. How do I transition to a prescription diet?

Mix increasing portions of the new food over about a week while reducing the old diet to avoid stomach upset.

6. When should I switch my puppy or kitten to adult food?

Most dogs switch around 12 months old, though large breeds may stay on puppy food until 18–24 months. Cats usually transition to adult diets at about 12 months.

7. When should my pet move to a senior diet?

Generally, senior diets are recommended at 7 years for dogs and 8 years for cats, but this can vary by breed and health condition. Your veterinarian can guide the timing.

8. What if I can’t find the diet at my store?

No problem—visit our online store for availability at suggested retail prices, or we can write you a prescription to fill at your preferred pharmacy.

9. Are prescription diets more expensive?

Prices listed (both here and in our online store) are suggested retail, ensuring fair and transparent pricing. Visit or reach out anytime for help.

At Town & Country West Veterinary Clinic, we’re committed to keeping pets in Marietta, Powder Springs, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Austell, Mableton, and Hiram safe through personalized diet plans.

Call us today at (770) 528-6363 to schedule your pet’s diet consultation appointment and give them the healthy start they deserve!