Nutrition

Along with regular exercise and veterinary care, careful nutrition is the best way you can contribute to your pet’s prolonged good health.

These are the basic nutrients every pet needs:

Water is the most essential nutrient in any diet. Your pet’s body is made up of approximately 70% water and will quickly perish without it. Ensure your pet can access fresh, clean water at all times.

Carbohydrates supply energy and come from sugars, starch, and fibre from plant sources. Carbohydrates help energize the brain and muscles, making your pet bright and active.

Fats also supply energy and in the right amounts help build strong cells and promote nutrient absorption. Too much fat however, can lead to such obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoarthritis.

Proteins are required for a healthy coat, skin, and nails. Your pet’s body uses the amino acids in proteins to make enzymes and hormones in the blood stream and to maintain a healthy immune system. Proteins can come from plant and meat sources, but cats and dogs need a high-quality animal protein.

Vitamins and minerals help regulate many body systems. For example, your pet needs the minerals calcium and phosphorous for strong bones. Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E and C help boost your pet’s immune system during times of stress.

How do you make sure your pet’s diet is healthy?

We strongly recommend that you:

Feed premium pet foods. Premium foods offer high-quality ingredients, are made by companies specialising in nutritional research, and show a solid track record of quality and palatability. Feeding generic pet foods may lead to obesity, irregular bowel movements, or excess intestinal gas.

Make sure the food is fresh. When you purchase pet food, check for freshness and purchase only the amount necessary for your pet. Store pet food in a cool, dry place and keep it tightly closed. Discard uneaten food and always place fresh food in a clean bowl. In general, hard food (or “kibble”) is preferred for maintaining dental health and minimizing tartar build-up. Soft, canned food tends to be more palatable and can be stored for longer.

Maintain a daily routine. A regular schedule will help your pet keep normal bowel movements and avoid indoor accidents. Younger pets need to be fed more frequently, as they are usually more energetic and burn more calories.

Avoid “people” food. Your pet’s digestive system is simpler than yours and can be easily upset by changes. Feeding table scraps will result in an unbalanced diet, can cause stomach upsets or even life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.

Life cycle feeding

Your pet’s nutritional requirements will change as they age. Puppies need puppy food because it is higher in energy, calcium and protein, but feeding it to an adult dog can lead to obesity. Likewise, older pets need diets restricted in fat and supplemented with fibre for their optimum health. Many premium senior diets also contain additives to assist in the management of arthritis and can make your pet more comfortable.

Remember, you are what you eat, and so is your pet!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Tessa Verde 
 
 
 
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Very impressed with the Vet & staff Was so important to feel the warmth & empathy towards my ailing cat. Fabulous location for Betty ????
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jessica Doncaster 
 
 
 
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James and the team were amazing when we had to take Lulu in for stitches! Patient, the after care was great. Can recommend them to look after your fur baby.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kyle Wightman 
 
 
 
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As Kew residents, our Lagotto Romagnolo Yoshi has been a patient of Dr James Taylor for some years during his time practicing nearby in Deepdene. Now that James is practising in Brighton, travelling the distance through Melbourne traffic to Brighton to see James  on an ongoing basis for Yoshi’s health, is a no brainer for us. James’ attention to Yoshi on 29 May 2024 was as professional and caring as always. He removed two, luckily benign, lumps which had been growing for a while, and also identified a heart murmur. Before operating to remove the lumps, James undertook an echocardiogram on Yoshi to track down the cause of the heart murmur, identifying that he had Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease.  This condition requires ongoing medication to control and improve the condition. Medication was immediately administered and due to Yoshi’s fitness otherwise, we asked James to go ahead and remove the lumps immediately. This was done, Yoshi has fully recovered, and we are delighted once again with James’ care and professionalism. Kyle & Terry
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Tim Gibson 
 
 
 
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Fantastic and caring service from the Brighton Vet team to look after our cat. Amazing follow up service as well to ensure Garfunkel was progressing through his recovery
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kate Hutchinson 
 
 
 
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We are beyond grateful to Dr. James Taylor and the amazing team at Brighton Veterinary Hospital for saving our dog Nala. She needed emergency surgery due to a stomach blockage, and Dr. James stayed back to perform the operation, showing incredible dedication and compassion. The team even texted us to let us know she was doing well overnight and had eaten, which was so reassuring. Throughout Nala’s recovery, Dr. James and the staff checked in on her and patiently answered all of our (sometimes silly) questions, making us feel supported every step of the way. Thanks to their outstanding care, Nala is on the mend, wagging her tail once more, and we couldn’t be happier. If you’re looking for a vet who truly cares, Dr. James at Brighton Veterinary Hospital is the one. Thank you so much for everything!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 KT 
 
 
 
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Doctor James was very experienced and provided us with a good advice which helped us make a decision of not doing a permanent surgery and instead did a temporary stitching to our puppy who had Entropion. This not only helped us save money , but also gave our puppy a chance to out grown the issue rather than having a permanent surgery.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Chloe 
 
 
 
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Dr James you took care of Haki at Balwyn for years and we have been trying to find you since we heard you left. My daughter did some detective work and found you I hope you don't mind. We are happy to travel even though it is far.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nick Holden 
 
 
 
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James and the team did a fantastic job looking after our Cavador, Frankie, when she had to have a canine cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO). The surgery results were excellent and then their advice and care over the 12 weeks of rehab were first class - James was always contactable for quick checkins outside of consults and was very careful with medications owing to Frankie’s allergies. She is now back running flat out, full of energy and happy, Frankie loved going in for her check ups and pulled me through the door every time. A huge thanks from our whole family to the team!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Claudia Hounslow 
 
 
 
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James is amazing ????
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Raymond Capkin 
 
 
 
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Took my " Seve" shmoodle today for her final vaccination. The love James has for his clients shines through. Great personal service and am happy to have this clinic as my vet.