Scheduling a nutrition consultation for your pet at Sunstone Veterinary Specialists is the first step toward ensuring they receive the best possible diet. Our goal is to make the process simple and stress-free. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for your pet’s appointment.
Preparing for Your Pet’s Nutrition Consultation
Contact Our Front Desk
Call or email to set up a consultation. Before scheduling, we will ask that you complete the following steps. The front desk team will send a detailed email with the required information.
- Fill out a diet history form. This form helps the doctor evaluate your pet’s nutritional needs. Accurate and complete information allows for the best personalized recommendations.
- Review our Nutrition Service FAQs and Home-Prepared Diet Example. This helps set expectations for your consultation.
- Pay the non-refundable consultation fee. Once submitted, we can schedule your pet’s appointment.
If our nutrition team has questions about your pet’s diet history, they may reach out before your visit.
Gathering Medical Records
The nutrition team starts reviewing your pet’s case as soon as the appointment is scheduled. To ensure a thorough assessment:
- Provide a list of all veterinarians and clinics your pet has visited in the last 1–2 years.
- Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
- Ensure your pet has current lab work (completed within six months), including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Biochemistry with electrolytes
- Urinalysis
- T4 (preferred, but not required)
If lab work has not been completed before the appointment, it can be done the same day. However, diet recommendations will be delayed until results are received.
Important Emails to Watch For
- Welcome Email – Includes clinic hours, emergency protocols, and the importance of staying connected with your primary veterinarian.
- Appointment Reminder – Sent closer to your consultation date. This includes:
- Instructions for administering anti-anxiety medication if needed.
- A chance to update us with new information.
- Our cancellation policy.
What Happens at Your Pet’s Nutrition Consultation
During the Appointment
When you arrive, the nutrition team will:
- Greet you and escort you to an exam room.
- Take photos to document your pet’s body condition.
- Perform a thorough physical exam.
- Review your pet’s medical history and nutritional needs.
- Discuss your goals and recommend a tailored nutrition plan.
- Outline appropriate diet options for your pet.
After the Consultation: Next Steps
Choosing a Nutrition Plan
Once you and the doctor decide on a nutrition plan, which could be either a home-prepared diet that you cook at home or selecting from one of the many commercial diets that may fit your pet’s individual needs, you will receive a detailed cost estimate.
- Commercial Diet – You may be able to purchase food at Sunstone or receive a prescription to buy it elsewhere.
- Home-Prepared Diet – You will receive a custom recipe via email within a week.
What You’ll Receive
- A detailed summary of the visit, sent to you and your primary veterinarian.
- Clear next steps for your pet’s ongoing nutrition care.
A Collaborative Approach to Pet Health
Our nutrition services complement the care provided by your primary veterinarian. No matter the outcome of your consultation, we work closely with your pet’s medical team to ensure the best possible care.
We hope this guide helps you feel confident about your upcoming visit. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.
