Pet Nutritional Counseling in Arlington, VA

The right diet is one of the most important parts of your pet’s health. At Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic in Arlington, VA, we offer personalized nutritional counseling for dogs and cats — helping you choose a diet that fits your pet’s age, weight, and lifestyle, and supports their health and longevity at every stage.

Nutrition Tailored to Your Pet

Every pet has different nutritional needs depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates is essential to keeping your dog or cat healthy. Our veterinarians are always happy to answer your diet questions and regularly include nutritional counseling as part of your pet’s wellness exam.

Personalized Guidance

We recommend a diet that fits your pet’s needs, or review the nutritional content of their current food during a wellness exam.

Prescription Diets

We carry Hill’s, Purina, and Royal Canin prescription diets for dogs and cats, with special orders available when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about feeding your dog or cat? Here are answers to what Arlington pet owners ask us most about nutrition and choosing the right diet.

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How do I know if my pet is eating well?

A sudden change in your dog or cat's eating habits, or an unexplained gain or loss of weight, can be a sign of an underlying health issue. If you notice a change, it's worth mentioning to our team — nutrition and weight are important clues to your pet's overall health.
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Can you help me choose the right food for my pet?

Absolutely. Our veterinarians can recommend a diet based on your pet's age, weight, and activity level, and we include nutritional counseling as part of wellness exams. You're also welcome to bring in the nutritional details of your pet's current food for us to review together.
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How should I switch my pet to a new diet?

Slowly. Unless your veterinarian advises otherwise, we recommend introducing a new diet gradually over 7 to 10 days rather than all at once. A slow transition helps avoid stomach upset and gives your pet time to adjust comfortably.

Prescription Diets We Offer

For pets with specific health needs, we carry a range of prescription diets, including Hill’s, Purina, and Royal Canin formulas for both dogs and cats. Diets we don’t regularly stock can be special ordered — food orders are placed every Wednesday, with Hill’s and Purina delivered Thursdays and Royal Canin on Fridays. Just ask our team and we’ll help make sure your pet’s food is always on hand.

Why Nutrition Matters

The right diet supports your pet’s health, energy, and comfort at every age.

Good nutrition does more than fill a bowl — it supports your pet’s weight, energy, digestion, and long-term health. Because needs change with age and lifestyle, we revisit nutrition regularly as part of your pet’s care, adjusting recommendations as your dog or cat grows, ages, or develops new health needs.
woman handing her dog a treat while sitting on the couch