The Latest Numbers Show A Growing Problem for Our Pets
1 in 2
pets are overweight or obese
1 in 2
dogs over the age
of 10 develop cancer
50%
rise in gut issues
over the past 5 years
93%
of dogs eat kibble
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets
https://petobesityprevention.org/
https://www.banfield.com/pet-health/state-of-pet-health
2019-2020 American Pet Product Association consumer survey
There has been a measurable shift in pet health over the past several decades.
Conditions like kidney disease, metabolic dysfunction, cancer, and obesity are now part of everyday veterinary care — while most pets continue to rely on heavily processed diets.
At the same time, research has made something increasingly clear: nutrition influences far more than daily nourishment. It affects inflammation, organ function, metabolic stability, and how the body holds up over time.
If nutrition plays such a central role, it raises a simple question:
Has the foundation of modern pet food kept pace with what science now understands?
Because this growing body of research doesn’t just describe the problem — it helps define the solution.
What the Research Actually Shows
Modern research has reshaped how nutrition is used to support animals with complex physiological needs.
In kidney patients, controlled phosphorus intake has been shown to reduce strain on the kidneys — while maintaining adequate, digestible protein helps preserve lean muscle.
In overweight dogs, higher protein and lower glycemic carbohydrate intake has been associated with improved metabolic markers and better body composition.
Emerging research in oncology suggests that dietary composition may influence how certain cancer cells utilize energy.
Across disciplines, a consistent pattern appears:
The structure and quality of nutrition matter.
Not just the ingredient list.
Not just calorie counts.
But proportion, digestibility, and biological balance.
Science is no longer debating whether food influences physiology.
It’s defining how.
How Medicus Applies This Science
Medicus diets were developed in response to what modern research has clarified about nutrition and physiology.
Each formula is designed around precise nutrient proportions, using whole food ingredients selected for their digestibility, biological value, and functional role in the body.
These diets are freeze-dried to preserve the integrity of the original ingredients while meeting established nutritional standards.
Every formula was developed and reviewed by veterinarians and nutrition professionals, and validated through independent laboratory analysis and AAFCO nutrient profile testing to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
The result is nutrition built with intention — aligned with how the body is designed to utilize and respond to food.
And Use It To Make Breakthroughs
We’ve created the first ever therapeutic, freeze-dried whole food diets for sick pets.
The recipes were formulated and reviewed by veterinarians, Independent Veterinary Specialists, and Independent Nutrition Consultants.
Above that, each diet went through complete, comprehensive 3rd party testing. Several rounds of AAFCO Nutrient Profile testing ensured that both macro and micronutrient levels are tending to your pet’s specific nutritional needs.
Proof, Measured
Nutritional precision isn’t about how many synthetic ingredients are added.
It’s about whether the final nutrient profile meets the physiological needs of the animal.
These analyses show that whole food formulations can achieve the same targeted nutrient ranges as conventional veterinary diets — without relying on rendered meals, cellulose, or extensive synthetic correction.
This demonstrates a critical point:
Precision nutrition can be delivered through real food.
*Note – Low phosphorus to limit the nutrients the kidney has to process, with moderate levels of highly digestible, quality meat proteins to nourish the body.
*Note – High-quality novel proteins and high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, with an Omega 6:3 ratio of 0.55:1.
*Note – High fiber with highly digestible carbohydrates and clean, high-quality meat proteins.
*Note – Low phosphorus to limit the nutrients the kidney has to process, with moderate levels of highly digestible, quality meat proteins to nourish the body.
Measured Clinical Outcomes
Clinical Evidence
In clinical testing, cats fed the Medicus Feline Bladder Support Diet showed urine results linked to a lower risk of stone formation.
Bladder Issues in Cats
The domesticated cat originated from the desert cat and, as such, has the genetic ability to concentrate urine in the face of dehydration. When concentrating urine, the cat also concentrates minerals that make up crystals in the urine that can eventually congregate into bladder stones. Concentrated urine is also more caustic and can irritate the bladder and urethra.
Urinary issues may have more than one potential cause, making diagnosing and treating them complex.
Some potential causes of urinary issues in cats include:
- Poor diet with excessive intake of carbohydrates and not enough fluids
- Dry Diet
- Not enough fluid consumption
- Stones, crystals, or debris building up in the urethra or bladder (urolithiasis)
Supporting Bladder Health through Nutrition
RSS Testing can be used to discern the efficacy of a diet in managing urolithiasis in dogs and cats. Results can tell you whether a diet is able to manage both types of uroliths, struvite, and calcium oxalate.
Struvite (Cats)
To dissolve struvite uroliths, the ideal RSS diet for dissolution has an RSS for struvite at or <1 (i.e., undersaturated for struvite).
To aid in the prevention of struvite stones, the target is an RSS at or < 2.5 (i.e., Metastable for struvite).
Calcium Oxalate (Cats)
It is not possible to dissolve calcium oxalate stones.
The ideal RSS diet to help decrease the risk of calcium oxalate urolith formation will have an RSS for calcium oxalate <12 (i.e., metastable) and ideally < 10 (i.e., undersaturation)
Study Design
The study ran for twenty-three days and started upon initiation of the test diet. Beginning on Day 22 of the study, a 24-hour urine sample was collected from each cat for RSS analysis. On Day 23 of the study, urine volume was measured, and urine pH and specific gravity analyses were performed on the 24-hour urine sample from each cat. The urine samples were then processed and sent out for RSS analysis.
Urine pH, Specific Gravity, and RSS results: The 24-hour urine pH values ranged from 6.42 to 7.37 (avg. 6.92), urine volume ranged from 40 to 103 milliliters (avg. 64 milliliters), and specific gravity values ranged from 1.028 to 1.065 (avg. 1.052).
The Medicus Feline Bladder Diet Study Results
The RSS Struvite for Medicus Veterinary Diet Feline Bladder is an average of .26 documenting undersaturation for struvite and supporting dissolution of struvite uroliths and prevention of struvite stone formation.
The RSS Calcium Oxalate monohydrate (COM) and Calcium Oxalate dihydrate (COD) for Medicus Veterinary Diet Feline Bladder is an average of 2.64 / 1.15 respectively documenting undersaturation and supporting prevention of Calcium Oxalate urolith formation.
The Medicus Feline Bladder Diet Study Results
The RSS Struvite for Medicus Veterinary Diet Feline Bladder is an average of .26 documenting undersaturation for struvite and supporting dissolution of struvite uroliths and prevention of struvite stone formation.
The RSS Calcium Oxalate monohydrate (COM) and Calcium Oxalate dihydrate (COD) for Medicus Veterinary Diet Feline Bladder is an average of 2.64 / 1.15 respectively documenting undersaturation and supporting prevention of Calcium Oxalate urolith formation.
RSS for struvite at or <1 (ie, undersaturated for struvite)
Clinical evidence shows that Medicus’ Feline Bladder Support Diet carefully balances whole food nutrition and restrictive mineral nutrient concentrations to support the cat with chronic urinary issues.
Our Ingredients
Every pet benefits from whole foods because real food functions synergistically, meaning all of the nutrients in food – the macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes combine for an even greater effect than any could on their own.
Our Approach
Designed with an intimate understanding of the body’s innate intelligence to heal when supported by the building blocks food provides.
Our Network
Veterinarians who are committed to improving the health and happiness of their patients.
Our Ingredients
Every pet benefits from whole foods because real food functions synergistically, meaning all of the nutrients in food – the macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes combine for an even greater effect than any could on their own.
Our Approach
Designed with an intimate understanding of the body’s innate intelligence to heal when supported by the building blocks food provides.
Our Network
Veterinarians who are committed to improving the health and happiness of their patients.
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