This NutriQUIZ focuses on nutrition and allergies, and explores 3 key concepts: True food allergies, atopic dermatitis and adverse food reactions. Creating an effective nutritional approach requires an understanding of the dietary strategies and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

The availability and use of dietary supplements for pets have skyrocketed, ranging from vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts, probiotics and cannabinoids. These supplements promise benefits such as improved health, enhanced immune function and cognition, and reduced anxiety. However, unlike pharmaceuticals, supplements lack regulatory oversight by agencies such as Health Canada or the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This lack of regulation means the safety and efficacy of these...

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health concerns in companion animal practice. Studies have estimated that 70%–90% of small animal patients have some form of periodontal disease. Even if periodontal disease is mild, a lack of diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis can cause local and systemic disease. A variety of commercial products claim to prevent and treat periodontal disease, however many products do not undergo rigorous testing to prove these claims. This quiz will focus...

Several B vitamins are considered essential for both dogs and cats. These include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12). These vitamins will be included in complete and balanced pet foods, but could be deficient in certain alternative or homemade diets. Each B vitamin has several functions in the body, and a deficiency will have an impact on pet health. All of the B vitamins are water- soluble, so...

Are your clients convinced that corn and byproducts are “fillers” and that raw food diets are the key to superior coat quality for their pets? As veterinarians, we know that optimal nutrition is not about following fads, but is grounded in science and tailored to meet each pet’s individual needs. In this NutriQUIZ, we’ll explore some common myths and misconceptions around pet foods to help improve your client communications on these topics. After all, a well-informed pet owner is a vital...

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important condition, especially affecting middle-aged to older dogs and cats, and it is often not the only condition affecting these patients. Since nutrition plays a critical role in the clinical management and progression of CKD, it is important to recognize when a diet change or supplements should be considered. Since the roles of phosphorus and protein are usually discussed, this NutriQUIZ reviews other key nutrients to help you better manage your CKD...

Omega-3 fatty acids are becoming increasingly popular among veterinary professionals for use in treatment plans to support a wide range of disease processes. Increasingly, more research is emerging that supports the use of omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation characterizes many chronic disease processes, and many organ systems have shown improvement in disease state and progression with added supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids. Their application is...

While many clients are often exposed to recommendations for grain-free diets for their pets, some report benefits after making the diet change. Marketing for grain-free diets usually state that grains are fillers that do not provide nutrients, are poorly digested by the pets, and can even cause allergies or dietary sensitivities. However, most grain-free diets rely on other carbohydrates as substitutes for the grains (e.g., potatoes, sweet potato, pulses). How can we address client worries...

Home-prepared diets for dogs and cats are becoming increasingly popular, and recipes can be found on websites, in books and on social media posts. These diets are touted as being healthier than commercially available pet foods. With many recipe authors claiming to be trained in animal nutrition, it is often difficult for pet owners to distinguish articles written by a reputable veterinary professional to those of a well-intentioned layperson. In reality, few cats and dogs require a...