Pet Nutrition
Pet Nutrition
At Urban Pawz Animal Clinic, we take nutrition very seriously—it’s the cornerstone of a healthy pet.
Feeding your pet a proper diet can help prevent many medical conditions throughout their life. Just like humans, it’s important to pay close attention to the types of foods we provide our pets.
Our certified team is here to help guide you through this sometimes challenging journey. We offer customized nutrition strategies tailored to your pet’s unique needs. Factors such as age, breed, and existing medical conditions all play a vital role in choosing the right diet.
What Is Pet Nutrition and Why Is It Important?
Pet nutrition refers to the process of providing dogs and cats with the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to keep them healthy.
- Strengthens the immune system
- Promotes strong bones and muscles
- Supports healthy skin and coat
- Reduces the risk of chronic illnesses
- Improves energy, vitality, and longevity
Core Benefits of Proper Pet Diet and Nutrition
Disease Prevention
Many common health issues in pets—such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and digestive problems—are linked to poor nutrition. Feeding your pet a balanced diet can aid and lower the risk of chronic disease.
Energy and Vitality
A nutrient-rich diet fuels your pet’s daily activities, playtime, and exercise.
Skin and Coat Health
Proper nutrition provides essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. A dull coat or itchy skin can also be related to poor nutrition.
Factors That Influence Your Pet’s Nutritional Needs
Age
Puppies and Kittens: Need proper nutrition to support growth and development.
Weight and Activity Level
Active dogs and cats burn more calories and need nutrient-dense food. On the other hand, less active pets may require fewer calories to prevent weight gain.
Health Conditions
Pets with chronic illnesses, allergies, or digestive sensitivities may need special diets, including Therapeutic foods recommended by a veterinarian.
Breed
Certain breeds are prone to specific conditions, such as hip dysplasia, obesity, or skin issues. Tailoring nutrition to your pet’s breed can help prevent these problems.
Types of Pet Food Explained
Dry Pet Food (Kibble)
- Easy to serve and store
- Helps with dental health by reducing tartar buildup
- Cost-effective and widely available
- Many options provide complete and balanced nutrition
Wet Pet Food (Canned)
- High moisture content for hydration
- More appealing to picky eaters
- Easier to chew for older pets with dental issues
- Often higher in protein compared to kibble
Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Foods
- Lightweight and convenient for storage or travel
- Retain more natural nutrients due to less processing
- Require minimal preparation while offering high-quality ingredients
Prescription Diet Pet Food
- Designed to manage specific health conditions like obesity, diabetes, or kidney disease
- Only available through veterinary recommendation
- Made with carefully selected, high-quality ingredients
Home-Cooked Diets
Some pet owners prefer preparing homemade meals. While this can be beneficial when done correctly, it requires veterinary guidance to ensure pets receive all essential nutrients.
Feeding Guidelines: Best Practices for Dogs and Cats
Feed Consistently
Keep a regular feeding schedule to avoid overfeeding.
Provide Fresh Water
Protect your pet from life-threatening diseases with our customized vaccination plans based on breed, age, and lifestyle.
Avoid Human Foods
Many human foods (like chocolate, grapes, onions) are toxic to pets.
Transition Slowly
When switching foods, introduce the new diet gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Testimonials
What some of our amazing customers are saying about us!
I’ve been bringing my dog to Dr. Marcelle for over seven years, and I couldn’t be happier with the care we receive. She is an exceptional professional—knowledgeable, attentive, and truly passionate about what she does. The clinic is not only beautiful and welcoming, but it also has an atmosphere that makes you forget you’re even in a veterinary facility. I absolutely love her work and the outstanding environment she has created. Highly recommended!
Dr Dias-Appelblattt is excellent. She is caring, knowledgable and full of empathy. She took the time to really get to the issues our dog was having and she went above and beyond. I’d recommend her to anyone!!
This place is amazing! Marcelle takes a good care of our dogs(kids). Every time we walk in our dogs feel at home. If I could give 10 stars I would! Great service.
I normally don't write reviews, but this place deserves a 5 start, Marcelle and her team is just amazing how they treat our kids(dogs) I highly recommend this place!
I had such a wonderful experience at Urban Paws Animal Clinic! I brought my 5-year-old Maltese, and from the moment we walked in, the entire team made us feel so welcome and cared for. The staff is incredibly kind, patient, and professional — you can tell they truly love animals and take the time to make sure both pets and owners feel comfortable.
Dr Marcelle was gentle, thorough, and explained everything clearly, which really put me at ease. My Maltese was calm the whole time (which never happens at vet visits!), and I could tell she was being treated with genuine care.
The clinic itself is clean, modern, and organized — and the attention to detail in how they handle each appointment really stands out. I left feeling confident that my dog was in the best hands possible.
I highly recommend Urban Paws Animal Clinic to anyone looking for compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. They’ve definitely earned our trust and future visits!
Dr Marcelle was gentle, thorough, and explained everything clearly, which really put me at ease. My Maltese was calm the whole time (which never happens at vet visits!), and I could tell she was being treated with genuine care.
The clinic itself is clean, modern, and organized — and the attention to detail in how they handle each appointment really stands out. I left feeling confident that my dog was in the best hands possible.
I highly recommend Urban Paws Animal Clinic to anyone looking for compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. They’ve definitely earned our trust and future visits!
What a fantastic find for those that love their pets! Dr. Dias and her team (shout out to Noelle) are wonderful. The space is very modern and inviting to both pets and their owners and the obvious love and attention to pets is obvious. We had a counseling session for our little guy for weight problems, and Noelle did a fantastic job of walking us steps to keep him healthy. He also had surgery to have two teeth removed for his cleaning. While not cheap, it was incredibly professional. I would not just our little guy to any else. Steven
All I can say is wow!! We have been searching for a vet that we liked and was taking new patients since moving to this area 4 years ago. The clinic is beautiful, clean, comfortable & warm. The office staff was amazing, and Dr. Dias was so wonderful and thorough. We found our new “fur-ever” animal clinic, for our beloved dog, Kaine..
Run don’t walk to Urban Pawz!!!
Run don’t walk to Urban Pawz!!!
The best vet care I’ve ever experienced! From the moment you walk into the new clinic, you can feel the warmth and genuine care for both pets and their families. The facility is beautiful, modern, and welcoming, and the entire team goes above and beyond to make sure every fur baby receives the best treatment. Dr. Marcelle and Brian have truly created a space filled with compassion, professionalism, and love for our community’s pets. So grateful !
Last Monday, I was faced with the heartbreaking decision to put my cat down. I was distraught and anxious the entire day, calling around and eventually choosing to take her to Urban Pawz.
I can honestly say I have never been treated with as much compassion and care at any other vet. The staff was absolutely amazing—so kind, supportive, and consoling. They made me feel truly comforted and accommodated during one of the most difficult moments of my life, allowing me to say a peaceful goodbye to my beloved pet.
I would highly recommend Urban Pawz to anyone. The staff, the doctor—everyone—was incredible.
Rip oopsie 🪽
I can honestly say I have never been treated with as much compassion and care at any other vet. The staff was absolutely amazing—so kind, supportive, and consoling. They made me feel truly comforted and accommodated during one of the most difficult moments of my life, allowing me to say a peaceful goodbye to my beloved pet.
I would highly recommend Urban Pawz to anyone. The staff, the doctor—everyone—was incredible.
Rip oopsie 🪽
Urban Pawz is awesome. New, modern space is clean hi-tech and spacious. Easy to get to location.
I have been going to Dr. Dias for years. She is friendly and personable and clearly has so much compassion with animals. I would highly recommend Urban Pawz for all your pet care needs
I have been going to Dr. Dias for years. She is friendly and personable and clearly has so much compassion with animals. I would highly recommend Urban Pawz for all your pet care needs
I’ve known Dr. Marcele for many years, and she’s been taking care of my Golden with incredible love and dedication since we got her. She’s truly exceptional — not just highly skilled, but also one of the most caring and compassionate professionals I’ve ever met. Now that she has her own clinic, I couldn’t be more excited! The clinic is amazing — modern, clean, and with great facilities that show how much thought, and care went into creating this space.
Great place with a great doctors .
My dog loved Dr Marcelle Dias!
Thank you.
My dog loved Dr Marcelle Dias!
Thank you.
Dr. Dias is the most amazing vet, and my dog Bailey absolutely loves her! She’s kind, compassionate, and incredible at what she does. Her passion for caring for animals is clear in every visit. She’s been taking care of my 2-year-old Cane Corso since he was a puppy, and I trust her completely. Her new practice is beautiful, welcoming, and by far the cleanest vet clinic I’ve ever been to. Highly recommend!
Marcelle is the absolute best vet ever! She is amazing and everyone else here is amazing too, 11/10 if you need a vet come here! Very knowledgeable and caring. Anything you need for your pets this is the place to go.
After 15 years in America, I finally found a truly special place for my Shih Tzu. This clinic is absolutely exceptional — probably the best in Florida, maybe even the whole USA. The Brazilian veterinarian is incredibly skilled and caring, the clinic is spotless, elegant, and fully equipped with everything from a surgical center to travel documentation, all in one place. Every single staff member is kind and attentive, and the doctors… simply beyond words. I feel so grateful to have found them.
Thank you Dr. Marcelle
Anna and MiMi 🐶
Thank you Dr. Marcelle
Anna and MiMi 🐶
From the moment I walked in, I was impressed, beautiful decor, a calm atmosphere, and a warm welcome from everyone I encountered. The entire team, from the front desk to the vet staff, was genuinely kind and attentive. After having so many disappointing experiences with other vets, finding this place feels like such a relief. They treated my pet with compassion, took the time to explain everything clearly, and made us both feel truly cared for. I can honestly say this is the best veterinary experience I’ve ever had!
Absolutely wonderful experience! The clinic is clean, welcoming, and very well-organized. Dr. Dias is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely cares about the animals. She took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure my pet felt comfortable the whole time. The entire staff is friendly, attentive, and professional. I couldn’t be happier with the care we received, this is truly the best and safest place to bring your pet!
Dr.Diaz is amazing! So kind, patient, thorough and gives very honest recommendations with options. She is our new vet! Thank you!
I’m extremely fussy about my dog as she is like a child to me . I put my dogs life in this vets hands. Most of all she walks out of the clinic with a wagging tail.
Such an amazing clinic. Dr. Marcelle Dias Appelblatt is so loving and knowledgeable. The clinic is beautiful and clean. Definitely recommend taking your pets here!
Urban Paws Veterinary Clinic is exactly what this area needed. We brought our dog, Mabel, in for a visit and were blown away by the experience. The clinic is spotless and modern, and every staff member we met was kind, attentive, and clearly loves animals. Dr. Dias-Appelblatt was exceptional — gentle, thorough, and took time to make sure all our questions were answered. You can tell they’ve built a place that truly puts pets (and their humans!) at ease. We’ll definitely be back.
My cat and I recently had an appointment at Urban Pawz Animal Clinic CoconutCreek. From the esthetically pleasing waiting room to the calming aroma therapy and fuzzy blankets awaiting my pet, I knew I had chosen the right place. Dr. Dias-Appleblatt is an extraordinary vet practicing solid medicine.
She has surrounded herself with a team of like minded employees. All are highly credentialed and share their knowledge and love for your pet with every aspect of the visit. It's not just a"catch"phrase over their door. You really do leave feeling as if you are part of a family!
She has surrounded herself with a team of like minded employees. All are highly credentialed and share their knowledge and love for your pet with every aspect of the visit. It's not just a"catch"phrase over their door. You really do leave feeling as if you are part of a family!
Plan Your Pet’s Nutrition Today!
Contact Urban Pawz Animal Clinic today to schedule your pet’s nutrition consultation. Our dedicated team is here to create a personalized diet plan that supports your pet’s health, energy, and long-term well-being with a compassionate, community-focused approach to care.