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At Overpeck Creek Animal Hospital in Bogota, NJ, we believe food is medicine. The right diet can help prevent disease, support longevity, and significantly improve your pet’s quality of life. Our approach to nutrition goes beyond simply recommending a brand—we work with you to create a practical, sustainable feeding plan tailored to your pet’s health status, life stage, breed, and individual needs.
The Pet Obesity Crisis
More than 85% of pets in the United States are overweight or obese by age three. Obesity is closely linked to conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, liver disease, and respiratory issues, and is associated with a significantly shorter lifespan. Studies show that pets at a healthy weight can live up to two years longer than those who are overweight, while also experiencing fewer long-term health complications and lower lifetime veterinary costs. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your pet’s overall wellbeing.
Important: Weight gain often begins soon after spay or neuter procedures, so it is important to monitor your pet’s weight closely during this period.
Research Your Pet's Food!
The best places to start:
Pet Nutrition Guides
General Nutrition Guidelines
- All diets should be labeled "complete and balanced" and meet AAFCO requirements
- Puppies should remain on puppy food until 1 year of age, then transition to adult food
- Always use a measuring cup — even slightly overfeeding adds up rapidly to obesity
- Avoid grain-free diets — they have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (heart disease) in dogs
- Large breed puppies must be fed carefully to prevent bone disease and hip dysplasia
- For large breeds: use Purina JM or JD diet between 12–24 weeks to support joint development
- Add fresh, whole foods when healthy and non-toxic — fresh food improves gut health and palatability
Recommended Diet Brands
The “Big Three”—Purina, Hill’s, and Royal Canin—are known for strong quality control standards, significant investment in nutritional research, and extensive clinical testing. While no brand is perfect, these companies are often recommended as reliable starting points for evidence-based nutrition.
Fresh and Raw Diet Options
We support fresh and raw feeding as part of a balanced, well-planned diet. Some options Dr. Barnea recommends include:
Diet Suggestions
Key words to follow:
- Organic if possible
- Fresh - at least 50% of total diet, ideally … 100%
- Complete and balanced
- Homemade (useful website to consult https://animaldietformulator.com/)
- With grain (not grain free)
- Ideally, keep processed kibble and canned food out or to a minimum.
Cost?
Pays off in increased life span & reduced health problems. Spend your money on good food, not at the vet, it’s a win-win situation!
Raw Diets
- Green Juju: https://greenjuju.com/
- Viva: https://vivarawpets.com/
- Instinct: https://instinctpetfood.com/
- Primal: https://primalpetfoods.com/
- Nutra: https://ultimatepetnutrition.com/
- Stella & Chewy: https://www.stellaandchewys.com/
Fresh Diets
- Solutions Pet Products: https://solutionspetproducts.com/
- Evermore Pet Food: https://www.evermorepetfood.com/
- Simple Food Project: https://simplefoodproject.com/
- Goodness Gracious: https://goodnessgracioustreats.com/
- Ollie: https://www.myollie.com/
- Farmers Dog: https://www.thefarmersdog.com/
- Just Food for Dogs: https://www.justfoodfordogs.com/
- Pet Table: https://www.thepetstable.com/
- Open Farm: https://openfarmpet.com/
- Nom Nom: https://www.nomnomnow.com/
- Sundays for Dogs: https://sundaysfordogs.com/
Fresh Therapeutic Diets
- Wynwood: https://wynwooddogfood.com/
- Medicus: https://medicusveterinarydiets.com/
- Chi Dog & Cat: https://chidog.com/
Healthy Treat Suggestions
- Ice cubes (especially during hot weather)
- Baby carrots, green beans, celery, and cucumber
- Apples (without seeds), bananas, blueberries, and watermelon
- Chickpeas
Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, chocolate, and any products containing xylitol, as these are all toxic to pets.
Exercise Recommendations
Aim for a daily routine of about 1 mile in the morning and 1 mile in the evening for dogs, with additional activity encouraged when appropriate. On hot summer days, walk during cooler morning or evening hours, bring water, and always check pavement temperature before walking—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Call 201-292-4949 or use our online scheduler.
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Ready to Schedule a Visit?
New patients and emergency appointments always welcome at Overpeck Creek Animal Hospital.