Prescription Diet (Vet Diet)

A prescription diet is a therapeutic dog food formulated to manage a specific diagnosed condition (kidney disease, food allergy, diabetes, urinary stones, etc.) and sold only through veterinarians or with a vet authorization. The formulations are based on veterinary nutrition research and are supported by feeding trials. Hill's Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet, and Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet are the major brands. Prescription diets are more expensive than over-the-counter food but are usually the right answer for dogs with diagnosed conditions where the diet is part of the treatment.