Q. How do we explain to clients the importance of buying therapeutic pet food at practices—not pet stores?
Dr. Joe Bartges
|
Therapeutic diets are formulated for a specific disease or condition, so they're not sold as over-the-counter pet foods, says
Dr. Joe Bartges, DACVIM, DACVN, professor of medicine and nutrition at the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary
Medicine. Hypoallergenic diets are the only possible exception. Novel protein foods could be considered a type of over-the-counter
therapuetic diet, Dr. Bartges says. It's debatable differences like this that often confuse clients.
But it's your job to set clients straight. Here's what you say: "Therapeutic diets aren't designed for the average healthy
pet. The doctor needs to make sure it's right for your pet's situation. That's why you must purchase the diets through direct
veterinary care, such as this practice."
Additional benefits to buying from a clinic: You can better educate clients about food and nutrition in general. For example,
you'll follow up to see if the pet suffers a reaction. And many of the brands practices sell offer clients a 100 percent satisfaction
guarantee. 
Featuring Information from:
