Nutrition—for both humans and canines—has always had a mix of science-based and non-science-based philosophies. And in the age of social media, the non-science side often gets louder. Content creators walk into pet stores, grab a pack of prescription dog food, and start reading the label aloud—dramatic expressions and all. Ingredients that sound technical or scientific, like “hydrolysed protein,” are met with furrowed brows, confusion, and often a bold conclusion: “This sounds toxic. Why is this even in dog food?”

Let’s pause right there.

Just Because You Can’t Pronounce It Doesn’t Make It Poison

Yes, some prescription diets come with long ingredient lists. Yes, they are processed. And yes, they contain preservatives to increase shelf life.

But no, they are not designed to harm your dog. In fact, they’re formulated to help your dog recover from or manage specific clinical conditions—like chronic kidney disease, pancreatitis, IBD, GI issues, urinary crystals, obesity, and more.

These diets are developed under the supervision of qualified veterinary nutritionists—professionals who understand the intricate relationship between nutrients, disease pathology, and therapeutic goals. This is not something that can be figured out by casually reading the back of a kibble pack or watching a few YouTube videos.

Fresh Food Can Work Too—But Only If Done Right

I absolutely believe in the power of fresh, natural food. When prepared correctly and tailored to the dog’s individual needs, it can offer incredible health benefits.

But when it comes to dogs with medical conditions, formulating the right diet is not a DIY project. It requires:

• A deep understanding of the specific clinical issue
• The ability to read and interpret blood work and diagnostic reports
• Knowledge of how different foods interact with medications and the body’s response
• Coordination with a vet
• And most importantly: an academic qualification in animal nutrition from a board-approved university or institute
  

Unfortunately, that’s a rare combination—even among practising vets.

The Indian Context: Why Prescription Diets Matter Even More

In India, we face additional challenges when it comes to fresh clinical diets:

• Sourcing is questionable: Meats often lack transparency and quality assurance.
  
• Ingredient availability is inconsistent in non-metros and smaller towns.
  
• There’s a shortage of certified canine nutritionists trained to create therapeutic diets that are both effective and natural.
  

In this context, prescription diets fill a very real and important gap. They offer consistency, therapeutic accuracy, and accessibility—especially when a dog is going through a health crisis.

Ask the Right Questions, Not the Loudest Voices

Before you dismiss a vet-recommended diet based on a dramatic Instagram reel, ask:

• Is this creator trained in veterinary clinical nutrition?
• Do they hold a formal qualification in animal nutrition?
• Have they worked with pets suffering from real clinical issues?
• Or are they just reading labels for likes?

Let’s encourage informed choices, not fear-driven ones. Because your dog’s health deserves better than second-hand opinions and viral trends.

Coming Up Next

If this conversation sparked some curiosity, stay tuned for my next post:
“What Is Hydrolysed Protein and Why Is It in My Dog’s Food?”
One of the most misunderstood ingredients in prescription diets, hydrolysed protein plays a critical role in managing certain health conditions. Yet it's often dismissed by content creators with a casual, “I don’t know what this is.”

Spoiler: There’s a very good reason it’s there—and I’ll break it all down for you.

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Rachna Gujral is the founder of Skylish, a conscious pet care brand born out of her passion for animal welfare and years of hands-on experience working with rescue dogs and pet parents across India. With a background in corporate leadership and a deep understanding of canine wellness, she now offers consultative guidance to pet parents, especially those navigating confusing and conflicting information around pet nutrition. She is also a strong advocate for responsible, science-backed choices in the Indian pet care space.