What is Veterinary Pet Food? A Plain-Language Guide for Pune Pet Parents

Royal Canin Renal, Hill's Prescription Diet, Purina Pro Plan Vet — what are these, who needs them, and can you buy them without a prescription in Pune?

We get asked about veterinary food almost every day. Many pet parents have been prescribed it by their vet and aren't sure where to find it in Pune. Others have heard about it and wonder if their healthy pet should be on it. Here's everything you need to know, in plain language.

What Makes a Food "Veterinary" or "Prescription"?

Veterinary pet foods are specially formulated to manage specific medical conditions — kidney disease, diabetes, urinary crystals, liver problems, skin allergies, obesity, joint issues and more. They're not "better" than regular premium food for healthy pets — they're therapeutic, meaning they're designed to treat or manage a diagnosed condition, often by restricting certain nutrients or adding specific compounds.

They're called "prescription diets" because they're typically recommended by a vet following diagnosis, not because you legally require a prescription to purchase them in India.

The Main Brands We Stock

• Royal Canin Veterinary: The most widely available vet diet in India. Covers renal, digestive, urinary, hepatic, cardiac, hydrolysed protein (allergies), weight management and more. Available for both dogs and cats.
• Hill's Prescription Diet: American brand, clinically researched. Strong in kidney (k/d), urinary (c/d), liver (l/d) and metabolic weight ranges. Very popular with Pune vets.
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets: Covers urinary, gastrointestinal, dermatology and joint ranges. Often more affordable than Hill's for equivalent therapeutic function.

Common Conditions That Require Vet Food

• Kidney disease (CKD): Royal Canin Renal / Hill's k/d — low phosphorus, controlled protein
• Urinary crystals/FLUTD: Royal Canin Urinary SO / Hill's c/d — pH-balancing, increased moisture
• Food allergies/IBD: Royal Canin Hydrolysed Protein / Hill's z/d
• Liver disease: Royal Canin Hepatic / Hill's l/d
• Obesity/diabetes: Royal Canin Satiety / Hill's Metabolic
• Joint issues: Royal Canin Mobility / Hill's j/d

Can You Buy Vet Food Without a Prescription at The Pet Padosi?

Yes — in India, veterinary pet foods do not legally require a written prescription to purchase. However, we strongly recommend you have a vet recommendation before buying a therapeutic diet. We're happy to advise based on your vet's diagnosis and stock the specific variant they've recommended. We can also order specific ranges not on our shelf within 2–4 days.