Veterinary Diet Dog Food
Reviewed by Dr. Melissa Witherell, DVM
Vet-recommended dog food refers to dog food formulations that are recommended by veterinarians for specific health reasons or overall well-being. These foods are often backed by scientific research and are designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs, with particular focus on managing or preventing health issues. You might seek out vet-recommended dog food for your pup if they have health issues, age-related needs, weight management issues, or breed specific issues. Here are a few types of vet-recommended dog food to consider:
- Digestive health: Often made with digestion-friendly ingredients, these recipes may contain hydrolyzed protein, modified fat levels, and added ingredients like probiotics and fiber for microbiome support.
- Skin and coat health: Made with ingredients that promote skin health and/or anti-inflammatory ingredients that help reduce the immune response to allergens.
- Weight management: Formulated with lower-calorie ingredients compared to other dog food.
- Urinary tract health: Formulated with controlled levels of ingredients to discourage crystal and stone formation.
- Kidney care: Controlled levels of certain ingredients in these formulas can help minimize strain on the kidneys.
You’ll have plenty of options to choose from when considering vet-recommended dog food. Aside from health-related concerns, they’ll be options catered to different breeds, dog sizes, and taste preferences. Remember, always check with your vet before introducing new food to your pup. Use Chewy’s Autoship to have the food conveniently delivered to your door on your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions about Veterinary Diet Dog Food
What is vet-recommended dog food?
Vet-recommended dog food refers to dog food that veterinarians suggest based on a dog’s specific health concerns and nutritional needs. These foods are typically backed by scientific research, meet high nutritional standards, and may be tailored to address particular conditions such as allergies, obesity, or kidney disease.
Is vet-recommended dog food more expensive?
The cost depends on the type of dog food recommended. If your vet recommends a therapeutic diet, then yes, those are often more expensive than regular commercial dog food. The price difference may be chalked up to the type of ingredients, specialized formulations for health issues, and potentially smaller production due to more niche brands.
What type of approval do I need for vet-recommended dog food?
Therapeutic and/or prescription diet foods require vet approval. These items are specially formulated to manage specific medical conditions, such as kidney disease, allergies, diabetes, or obesity. There are plenty of other high-quality food brands your vet may recommend that can be bought online or in stores without vet approval, it just depends on what your pet needs.
How can I get a vet-recommended dog food approved for my dog?
You can get a vet-recommended dog food approved for your dog by seeing a veterinarian for an exam and diagnosis. You can usually get a refill vet-recommended dog food approval by just calling your vet’s office. If you order your vet diet dog food from Chewy, simply enter your vet’s info at checkout and we will contact your vet directly!









































