More than 40 experts in veterinary nutrition, internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, emergency care and other specialties have collaborated to write the “Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition.”
The e-book’s co-editor, Dr. Andrew Sparkes, called it “an outstanding resource to help facilitate conversations about nutrition and provide practical tips for busy veterinary team members.”
The free handbook focuses on therapeutic nutrition for dogs and cats with specific health conditions. It also provides the latest scientific knowledge, management strategies and practical algorithms to address different clinical scenarios.
Each chapter comes with references to in-depth information. Topics include:
- Brain and behavioral disorders
- Cardiac disease
- Critical care
- Dermatologic disease
- Endocrine and metabolic disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Hepatic diseases
- Joint disease
- Lower urinary tract disorders
- Renal disease
A May 2023 Purina Institute survey revealed:
- 96% of pet owners said veterinarians are their most trusted source of nutrition advice.
- 78% of pet owners stated that nutrition expertise is an “important” or “extremely important” factor in their satisfaction with a veterinary clinic.
- Only 1 in 5 veterinary professionals surveyed said they proactively offered nutrition advice during most client visits.
“Whether a client and patient are visiting the veterinary hospital for a sick or well pet visit, it’s clear that nutrition discussions are vital opportunities to build trust,” said Dr. Natalia Wagemans, a Purina Institute leader. “The good news is that the survey revealed clients are more likely to trust advice from veterinarians and staff members on pet nutrition than any information they can glean from internet searches.”
The handbook is free for veterinary professionals who visit PurinaInstitute.com/sign-up.