Pet Nutrition & Behavior
Helping pets live healthier, calmer, and happier lives in Guam
Pet Nutrition
Introduction to Pet Nutrition
Good nutrition is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your pets. What your pet eats — and how much — directly affects their energy, weight, and ability to prevent or manage medical conditions. Our veterinarians provide personalized recommendations tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Nutritional Needs by Life Stage
- Puppies & Kittens: Require higher protein, energy, and nutrients to support growth.
- Adult Dogs & Cats: Maintenance diets to support daily energy and overall health.
- Pregnancy & Lactation: Increased calories, protein, and essential nutrients for moms and babies.
- Senior/Geriatric: Adjustments for lower activity, joint health, and chronic disease management.
Key Nutrient Groups
- Protein: Essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health.
- Fats: Energy source and support for skin, coat, and hormones (especially omega fatty acids).
- Vitamins & Minerals: Critical for immune system, bone health, and metabolic processes.
- Carbohydrates & Fiber: Provide energy and aid digestion — grains are healthy.
- Water: Fresh water should always be available.
Choosing a Pet Food
- Look for foods labeled “complete & balanced” following AAFCO standards.
- Learn how to read labels (life stage, ingredients, feeding guidelines).
- Understand differences between dry, wet, semi-moist, raw, and home-cooked diets.
Our Nutrition Philosophy
We believe grains are an important part of a healthy pet diet. Grain-free diets may not be the best option unless recommended by a veterinarian. Learn more.
Brands We Carry
- Diamond — Complete diets for dogs and cats.
- Purina PVD (Prescription Diets) — Veterinary therapeutic diets for specific medical needs.
Food Allergies & Hypersensitivities
Allergy vs Intolerance
Allergies involve the immune system. Intolerances do not.
Common Allergens
- Proteins: Beef, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs
- Dairy: Milk, cheese
- Grains less commonly cause issues
- Other: Soy, corn, wheat
Signs & Symptoms
- Itchy skin, rashes, hair loss, ear infections
- Vomiting, diarrhea, bloating
- Lethargy or irritability
Diagnosis
- Elimination diet trial (8–12 weeks)
- Reintroduction to confirm allergen
- Blood or skin tests may help
Management
- Novel protein diets
- Hydrolyzed protein diets
- Home-cooked diets with veterinary guidance
- Maintain proper grooming
Tip: Keep a diary of symptoms and consult your veterinarian before changing diets.
Resources & Further Reading
Pet Behavior
Behavior Counseling
Common Issues
- Anxiety & fear (separation, storms)
- Aggression toward people or pets
- Compulsive behaviors (licking, tail chasing)
- Destructive habits (chewing, digging, marking)
- Nuisance actions: excessive barking, scratching, jumping
- Urine spraying/marking
Treatment Options
- Behavior modification & training
- Medication if necessary
- Environmental adjustments
- Holistic aids: CBD, calming collars, pheromone sprays
Behavior Consultations
Our veterinarians assess your pet’s behavior and overall health to identify underlying causes. We then create a personalized plan for calming and behavior improvement.
We recommend combining veterinary guidance with professional training for complex behaviors such as aggression or severe anxiety.
Consultations include:
- History review & physical evaluation
- Diagnosis of behavioral issues
- Individualized treatment plan
- Follow-up support and resources
Resources & Reading
For pets in Guam, we offer:
- CBD products for dogs and cats
- Calming collars and pheromone sprays
- Guidance on reducing stress and anxiety