A prescription diet is a specific type of food or nutritional plan that is recommended by a healthcare professional, typically for patients with certain medical conditions. This could include people who are dealing with chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes, and require specialized meal plans to manage their symptoms and maintain their overall health. Prescription diets may also be recommended for pets, particularly dogs and cats, that have specific nutritional needs due to certain medical conditions or age-related issues. In these cases, the prescribed diet is intended to provide targeted nutrients and caloric intake to help improve the pet's health and wellbeing.