Nutrition Care

Pet Nutritional Consultations in Dubai

What your pet eats is one of the most powerful levers you have over their long-term health. Diet affects weight, organ function, skin condition, joint health, gut health, and longevity. Yet nutrition is one of the most confusing areas of pet ownership, with conflicting information available from manufacturers, social media, and well-meaning fellow pet owners.

Book an appointment What's involved

Over 50% of pets in the UAE are estimated to be overweight or obese

Diet is a primary factor in chronic kidney, liver, and joint conditions

A 4-week follow-up is included in every nutritional consultation at Aura

When to come in

Book an appointment if any of the following apply to your pet.

Your pet is overweight or has been losing weight without a clear reason
You want to switch to a raw, home-cooked, or less processed diet
Your pet has a chronic condition that requires dietary management
Recurring skin, digestive, or energy issues that may have a dietary cause
You have a growing puppy or kitten and want to ensure proper nutrition
Your pet is a senior and you want to adjust their diet proactively

What it covers

What a nutritional consultation covers

A full nutritional consultation at Aura includes body condition scoring and muscle condition scoring, analysis of the current diet including daily caloric intake, macronutrient profile, and feeding routine, discussion of your goals and any concerns, and the development of a personalised nutrition plan. Where a medical condition is relevant, such as kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease, we develop a therapeutic nutrition plan in coordination with the managing vet.

When a nutritional consultation is valuable

• Your pet is overweight or losing weight without a clear reason

• You want to change to a raw, home-cooked, or less processed diet and want guidance

• Your pet has a chronic medical condition that requires dietary management

• Your pet has recurring skin, digestive, or energy issues that may have a dietary component

• You have a growing puppy or kitten and want to ensure their nutritional needs are met

• Your pet is a senior and you want to adjust their diet proactively

• You are managing a multi-pet household with different dietary requirements

What to expect

Before your appointment

Keep a rough food diary for 3 to 5 days before the appointment, noting everything your pet eats including treats, table scraps, and supplements. Bring the packaging of their current main food. If your pet has recent bloodwork or health assessment results, bring those too.

During your appointment

Your vet will assess your pet's body condition and muscle mass, review your food diary, calculate current caloric intake, and discuss your pet's lifestyle and activity level. We will build a practical, realistic plan that fits your routine. If a therapeutic diet is needed, we explain the reasoning and the options.

After your appointment

You will receive a written nutrition plan with specific feeding quantities, meal frequency, suitable treat options, and transition guidance if you are changing foods. A follow-up appointment is scheduled at 4 weeks to assess progress and adjust the plan.

Our approach

Over 50 percent of pets in the UAE are estimated to be overweight or obese. Excess weight accelerates joint disease, increases anaesthetic risk, and is linked to a shorter lifespan. We take a direct but supportive approach to weight management because we know it is not always an easy conversation. We treat it as the clinical issue it is.

We stock all major prescription diet ranges and work closely with select specialist brands whose formulations meet our clinical standards. Our starting point is always your pet's individual needs, and we will recommend a prescription diet honestly when the evidence supports it. We will also tell you when a well-formulated home or raw diet is a clinically appropriate choice for your pet's situation.

Frequently asked questions

Is raw feeding safe for dogs in the UAE climate?

Raw feeding can be safe when done correctly, but it requires careful attention to food handling, sourcing, and nutritional balance, and this is more challenging in a hot climate. Bacterial growth on raw meat is accelerated in UAE temperatures and the risk of contamination is higher. We can advise you on how to manage raw feeding safely if that is your preference, or whether an alternative approach might better meet your goals.

How can I help my cat lose weight safely?

Weight loss in cats needs to be gradual. Rapid weight loss in cats can trigger hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver condition. We recommend a maximum weight loss of 0.5 to 1 percent of body weight per week. We will calculate the correct daily caloric target, recommend the most suitable food, and monitor your cat's progress at follow-up appointments.

Do dogs need different nutrition in a hot climate?

Yes. Heat affects water requirements, electrolyte balance, and digestion. Dogs exercising in heat require more water and may benefit from adjustments to meal timing, with feeding in the cooler parts of the day. Senior dogs and brachycephalic breeds are particularly sensitive to heat-related nutritional stress. These are factors we specifically account for in UAE-based nutrition plans.

Can diet help manage my dog's arthritis?

Diet can play a meaningful supporting role in arthritis management. Maintaining a lean body weight reduces the load on affected joints significantly. Diets formulated for joint health, or supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in clinical studies. Weight loss in overweight arthritic dogs often produces visible improvement in mobility within 6 to 8 weeks.

What are the signs that my pet's current food is wrong for them?

Signs that a diet may not be appropriate include persistent loose stools or very frequent small stools, flatulence, weight gain despite normal portions, a dull or flaky coat, persistent low-level skin irritation, and low energy or poor muscle tone. These are not always diet-related, but they are worth discussing at a nutritional consultation.