Nutrition

Personalized dog and cat nutrition in Carver, MN. Expert advice from Dr. Haverly. Support for obesity, allergies, chronic disease, and more.
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Pet Nutrition for Dogs and Cats in Carver, MN

Pet Nutrition for Dogs and Cats in Carver, MN

Helping You Feed With Confidence

Nutrition plays an important role in every stage of your pet’s life, from growing puppies and kittens to aging companions managing chronic conditions. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless rows of food options or conflicting online advice, nutritional guidance grounded in science and compassion can make a world of difference.

One common myth is that veterinarians aren’t educated in pet nutrition. In truth, nutrition is a cornerstone of veterinary education and for Dr. Carissa Haverly, it’s a particular area of expertise. Her background as Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian and work in food safety brings a layer of insight that’s rare in general practice. Whether you’re navigating obesity, allergies, kidney disease, or you’re simply curious about whether your dog or cat is getting the right nutrients, we’re here to guide you.

Healing Hands Veterinary Hospital offers nutrition services that empower pet parents to make confident, informed decisions without judgment or pressure. You’ll find support that is as personalized as it is practical.

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Why Pet Nutrition Matters So Much

Food isn’t just fuel; it’s foundational to your pet’s health. A balanced, species-appropriate diet helps support:

Healthy growth and development in puppies and kittens

Strong immune function and energy levels in adults

Management of chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and arthritis

Prevention of obesity and its related complications

A healthier skin and coat

Improved digestion and bowel regularity

Nutrition also impacts mood, behavior, and quality of life. When a pet is receiving the nutrients they need, they’re not just healthier, they’re more comfortable, more active, and more resilient.

And yet, even the most well-intentioned pet owner can struggle with feeding choices. Ingredient lists, brand marketing, raw food debates, and grain-free trends can all complicate something that should be simple. That’s where a veterinary nutrition consultation becomes so valuable.

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Personalized Nutrition Services for Dogs and Cats

Personalized Nutrition Services for Dogs and Cats

Every dog and cat is different and that’s why one-size-fits-all advice doesn’t work. Healing Hands Veterinary Hospital offers nutrition services rooted in individualized care. Our 40-minute appointments allow time to truly understand your pet’s lifestyle, medical history, and your concerns.

Our nutrition services include:

One-on-one consultations to assess current diet and overall health

Weight management programs tailored for safe, sustainable results

Allergy-friendly diet planning, including hypoallergenic and limited-ingredient options

Prescription diet recommendations for kidney disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal sensitivity, urinary issues, and more

Home-Cooked guidance to ensure nutritional balance and safety

Support with food transitions (e.g., after illness or surgery)

We keep a small supply of Purina and Royal Canin diets in the hospital for convenience, but we encourage clients to transition to reliable online ordering for long-term feeding. This ensures freshness, consistent availability, and access to the full range of diets. Our team is happy to recommend trusted online sources and show you how to order directly.

Both dogs and cats benefit from species-specific exam rooms and wards, creating a calmer environment during visits. This allows us to focus on nutrition recommendations that are not only effective but also stress-free for your pet.

Dr. Haverly’s Deep Expertise in Food Formulation and Safety

Dr. Haverly brings a unique level of insight into veterinary nutrition, thanks to her advanced study in food safety and formulation. Her approach is deeply rooted in research and transparency. Rather than selling a specific brand or product, her goal is to help you understand the “why” behind each recommendation.

With Dr. Haverly’s advanced background in food formulation and safety, nutrition becomes a targeted medical tool—not a guessing game. Each recommendation is designed to directly support your pet’s metabolic health, organ function, and long-term vitality.

What a Nutrition Visit Looks Like

Your nutrition consultation at Healing Hands Veterinary Hospital is more than just a quick food chat. These 40-minute sessions give you space to ask questions, voice concerns, and explore options. The appointment includes:

A thorough review of your pet’s current diet and treats

Discussion of medical history, lab work (if applicable), and lifestyle

Nutrient assessment based on breed, age, activity, and health conditions

A customized nutrition plan: printed or emailed for your reference

Time for open conversation

Ongoing follow-up support if changes are made

These appointments are particularly valuable when managing chronic illnesses, unexplained symptoms, or transitioning between life stages. They’re also a great starting point if you’re simply unsure about what’s best.

Why Pet Owners in Carver, MN Trust Healing Hands With Nutrition

Healing Hands Veterinary Hospital isn’t part of a corporate chain. We’re an independent, community-rooted hospital that prioritizes relationships over transactions. Nutrition guidance here is grounded in honesty, science, and empathy. You won’t be sold a bag of food and sent on your way.

Instead, you’ll be invited into a safe space where curiosity is welcomed and questions are encouraged. Whether you’re trying to support weight loss, explore alternatives to your pet’s current diet, or avoid worsening a chronic condition, we’ll meet you where you are.

Why Pet Owners in Carver, MN Trust Healing Hands With Nutrition

Our veterinary team is proud to offer:

Separate dog and cat hospital areas for low-stress visits

Extra time during appointments to address detailed concerns

Respect for your role in your pet’s care. You’re in charge, we’re here to support

Science-backed advice that aligns with real-world feeding practices

Deep local roots in Carver and a commitment to individualized, compassionate care

Ready to Feel Confident About What’s in the Bowl?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog or cat’s diet is helping or hurting their health, it’s time to get some clarity. With expert guidance from Healing Hands Veterinary Hospital, nutritional peace of mind is possible.

 

Call 952-999-2278 or use our website to schedule a consultation today.

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Ready to Feel Confident About What’s in the Bowl?
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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutrition

A balanced diet should match your pet’s species, age, weight, activity level, and any existing medical conditions. Signs of a good diet include a healthy coat, normal stool, good energy, and appropriate weight. During a consultation, we evaluate these factors and help you determine if changes are needed.

Certain human foods like grapes, onions, chocolate, xylitol, and raw bones can be toxic. Even some pet-marketed treats are too high in fat or lacking nutritional value. We’ll go over safe options and help you understand what to skip.

Yes. Prescription diets are often essential for managing chronic conditions. We’ll explain which options are appropriate, how they work, and whether alternatives are available if your pet is picky or has multiple conditions.

It depends. While some pets do well on fresh diets, others may require more balanced or regulated options. If you choose to home-cook or feed raw, we can help you do it safely, minimizing the risk of nutritional gaps or contamination.

No referral is necessary. Whether you’re a new or existing client, we welcome you to book a 40-minute nutrition session by phone or online.

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