The name “veterinary diet” makes it sound as if this food is better than regular dog food by definition. In reality it is a very specific tool with a narrow purpose, not a universal route to a healthier diet.
What a veterinary diet is
Veterinary diet food, also called a therapeutic diet, has a composition deliberately adapted to a specific health problem, for example reduced phosphorus for kidney disease. It is not simply a better food. It is a tool that supports treatment of a particular condition and is chosen for the individual dog. EU law calls these foods feed intended for particular nutritional purposes, and their label must recommend consulting a vet before use.
When it is needed
A veterinary diet is used after a diagnosis and always on the recommendation of a vet, who matches it to the disease and monitors how well it works. It is never started on your own, because the wrong therapeutic diet can harm a healthy dog instead of helping a sick one.
What veterinary diet food is not
It is not a replacement for a good everyday food for a healthy dog. If your dog is healthy, a therapeutic diet gives it no advantage, and it may needlessly limit certain nutrients that its body has no need to limit.
And for a healthy dog?
A healthy dog does well on a good quality complete food with a clean, clear recipe and a high share of named meat. We explain how to recognise such a recipe in our guide to reading dog food labels.
If your dog becomes ill, always decide on its diet together with your vet, not on the basis of articles on the internet.
Where Veli fits in
Veli is an everyday food for a healthy dog, not a therapeutic diet: it is a complete wet food for adult dogs, in 200 g, 400 g and 800 g cans, with a fully declared recipe. If your dog is on a veterinary diet, do not switch it to Veli or to any other food without your vet’s approval.
Looking for a good everyday food for a healthy dog? Build your bundle and we will match the portion and the choice of flavours to your dog’s needs.
How is veterinary diet food different from regular food?
Veterinary diet food has a composition adapted to a specific disease and is used on a vet's recommendation. Regular complete food is made for healthy dogs.
Can I buy veterinary diet food without a prescription?
In Poland it does not require a prescription, but it should not be used without talking to a vet. The wrong therapeutic diet can do harm.
Can a healthy dog eat veterinary diet food?
It is not advisable. Therapeutic diets deliberately limit or modify certain nutrients, which a healthy dog simply does not need.
