Pet Nutrition & Prescription Pet Food in Hershey, PA

Nutrition is the single most important thing a pet owner can do to enrich and lengthen a pet’s life. At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, we offer personalized nutrition counseling and prescription pet food in Hershey to support your pet’s total well-being.

Whether your pet is young and thriving or managing a chronic health issue, our veterinarians will guide you in choosing the best possible diet, tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and medical needs.

Why Veterinary Nutrition Matters

A healthy digestive system supports everything from your pet’s immune system to their skin and coat. But finding the right food isn’t always simple. Each pet is unique, and their nutritional needs evolve with age, activity level, and health status.

That’s why we go beyond basic diet advice. Our team helps you understand how targeted nutrition—whether over-the-counter or prescription—can improve your pet’s quality of life and prevent disease.

Prescription Pet Food in Hershey

At our full-service animal hospital in Hershey, we offer prescription pet food designed to treat or manage specific health conditions. These veterinary diets include options for kidney support, urinary care, digestive disorders, food sensitivities, and more.

Our hospital stocks prescription diets formulated to address specific health issues such as kidney disease, urinary problems, digestive disorders, allergies, and weight management. We carry leading brands including:

Hill’s Prescription Diet:

k/d – Kidney Care
a/d – Urgent Care
c/d – Urinary Care
i/d – Digestive Care
w/d – Multi-Benefit Care

Royal Canin:

Selected Protein
Hydrolyzed Protein
Urinary SO

If your pet requires a special diet, our veterinarians will prescribe the appropriate formula and provide detailed instructions for safely transitioning your pet’s food at home.

Dog Nutrition Guidelines

We recommend meal feeding dry food for dogs rather than free-choice feeding. Puppies and some adult dogs should eat three meals per day; most adult dogs do best with two meals daily. Free-choice feeding can lead to obesity and make it hard to monitor appetite or detect early illness.

Other dog nutrition tips from our team:

Use metal or ceramic bowls (plastic can trigger allergic reactions or chin acne)
Select diets with a single, high-quality protein source.
Avoid frequent diet changes to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
For large breeds, elevated feeders can aid digestion and reduce strain.
Always provide fresh, clean water.

Cat Nutrition Guidelines

We recommend primarily feeding canned food to mimic a cat’s natural, moisture-rich diet, helping with weight control and urinary health.

Feed multiple small meals throughout the day.
If feeding dry food, choose high-protein, low-carb formulas and meal feed measured portions.
Puzzle feeders or timed bowls satisfy cats’ natural hunting instincts and prevent overeating.
Use flat ceramic or metal plates and avoid placing bowls in corners or against walls.
Encourage water intake with fresh bowls or pet fountains.

golden retriever dog eating from a food bowl

Supporting Your Pet’s Life Stage and Breed

Nutrition needs change from puppy or kitten to senior years, and your pet’s breed can influence what works best. During your pet’s annual wellness visits, our veterinarians can review your pet’s current food and recommend adjustments if needed.

Whether you’re choosing a maintenance diet or managing a chronic condition, our goal is to help your pet stay healthy, active, and happy.

Need a Special Diet? We’ll Help You Get It

We carry a wide selection of prescription diets, and if we don’t stock the food your pet needs, we’ll order it for you. We also offer expert guidance on selecting non-prescription diets for general wellness, weight maintenance, and breed-specific needs.

Have questions? Our team is happy to help you read food labels, choose trusted brands, and understand feeding instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription to buy therapeutic pet food?

Yes. Prescription pet food is formulated to manage specific medical conditions and requires veterinary prescription.

What if you don’t carry the food my pet needs?

No problem, we’ll order it for you. We can also help you transition your pet to a new diet and offer tips for introducing it gradually to avoid digestive upset.

How do I know if my pet’s food is working?

Our veterinarians will track your pet’s progress through exams, lab work, and weight checks as part of their overall health care plan.