A therapeutic pet food, also known as a prescription diet, is formulated to meet the specific needs of your pet, developed to help diagnose, treat, or prevent nutrient-responsive diseases common to cats and dogs. Pet food makers clinically study certain vitamins, minerals, protein, fats, carbohydrates, and other nutritional components to determine their effect on the disease process. Therapeutic pet foods can help treat conditions such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, urinary stones, obesity and more.