Assessing whether a pet food is appropriate for a dog or cat isn’t always as straightforward as it should be, and when it comes to our pet patients, one size may not fit all. A pet food label contains some information which can help with a preliminary assessment on whether a food is appropriate or not; it is important to be familiar with the information that is included (and not included) on these labels to do a quick assessment yourself, or to coach pet owners on what to look for when they...

Weight loss plans can, at times, seem daunting. There are several steps that are part of a successful weight loss plan including assessing the patient, communicating with the pet owner about the need for a weight loss plan, making an appropriate diet recommendation and creating a follow-up plan. In order to create a successful plan, there are several math equations which can be used to help set goals and targets for ideal weight, calorie requirement, food amount, treat budgets, and weight loss...

When a client asks, “How much should I feed my pet?” do you know how to calculate the answer? Calculating feeding amounts could be considered similar to drug dosages; in excess, we exceed energy needs, possibly initiating or influencing a disease state, such as obesity. Conversely, by supplying insufficient energy we may not be able to complete daily functions, creating a nutritional deficiency. Much like calculating drug dosages, nutritional math can provide us with more specific information...

Pancreatitis is a commonly encountered disease in small animal patients with a wide range of clinical severities and duration of illness. Acute pancreatitis involves inflammation that typically resolves following withdrawal of the provoking cause, while chronic pancreatitis involves irreversible disruption of the pancreatic architecture. Historically, standard recommendations for the management of acute pancreatitis included “resting the pancreas” by withholding food until symptoms resolve....

In its 2022 pet population survey, the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) estimated that Canadian dog and cat populations reached 7.9 million and 8.5 million, respectively. Of these, one-third are considered senior animals. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) considers cats to be senior when they are over 10 years old. For dogs, life expectancy varies considerably, depending on breed and size. However, a dog is considered senior when they reach 75% of their life expectancy....

In October, we take the time to recognize and appreciate our Registered Veterinary Technicians and Technologists (RVTs) for the breadth and depth of skill and knowledge that they bring to veterinary care. Nutrition is the fifth vital assessment, and every patient should undergo a nutrition evaluation and recommendation as part of each appointment. With so much to cover in every appointment, patients may not receive the nutrition consultation that they deserve. However, a successful nutrition...

Prescribing a diet can be a critical part of the treatment to improve patients' response. As well, diet adjustments must often be done for healthy pets or to prevent nutritional problems. Calculating energy requirements, diet and supplement amounts are steps that play an important role in small animal practice. Addressing patients' individual needs allows us to improve the recommendations, follow-up and client adherence to the plan. This NutriQuiz reviews nutritional strategies and assessments...

Adverse food reactions (AFRs) are often categorized as disorders without an immune component (e.g., food intolerance or toxic reactions) or disorders with an immune component (e.g., diet hypersensitivity or true food allergy). Immune responses in dogs and cats are characterized as IgE antibody-dependent, cell-mediated or mixed reactions. It can be difficult to differentiate between food intolerance and hypersensitivity (or true food allergy) in patients with gastrointestinal signs and/or skin...

Pets need to eat every day, and this includes providing nutrients to the microbes in the gut microbiome. There are over 100 trillion microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea and protozoa in the gut of cats and dogs. These microbes can ferment or chemically interact with ingesta that reaches the large intestine. This interaction results in the release of chemicals known as metabolites. Metabolites play a role in many physiological functions; they can be an energy source for...