Malnourishment is a state of suboptimal nutrient intake due to the inadequate consumption of food, the feeding of an unbalanced diet, or the inappropriate assimilation of energy and nutrients by the body. Malnourishment and underconditioning can increase morbidity and mortality in veterinary patients and should be addressed in a timely manner. Anorexia, dysrexia (altered food intake), and cachexia are common in veterinary patients with renal impairment, malabsorptive gastrointestinal disease,...

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for a pet’s overall wellness, quality of life and longevity, making proactive weight management a key priority in veterinary care. As obesity in pets becomes increasingly prevalent, veterinary teams are faced with the growing need for effective and sustainable strategies tailored to everyone. Excess body fat contributes to numerous health concerns, including joint disease, metabolic imbalances, cardiovascular strain and decreased mobility—all of which...

In pet nutrition, the guaranteed analysis provides basic information on the nutrient profile of a diet, but this alone is insufficient for making informed dietary decisions if we are aiming for a specific nutrient target range or amount. While direct comparisons may be tempting as they are fast and easy, they often overlook the intricacies of a complete nutrient profile. Veterinary professionals could use the guaranteed analysis as a starting point. This NutriQUIZ is intended to help you learn...

Critical patients usually require the creation and adaptation of diagnostic, treatment and monitoring plans. Because of the many challenges frequently involved with these cases, it’s also important for veterinary teams to be prepared to adjust nutrition plans as needed. This NutriQUIZ reviews nutritional strategies for developing nutrition plans for critical patients and optimizing necessary adjustments.

Proper hydration is vital for maintaining overall health and optimal function in dogs and cats. Adequate hydration supports thermoregulation, facilitates nutrient transportation, aids in toxin elimination and maintains cellular integrity. Dehydration can impair kidney function, disrupt gastrointestinal motility and exacerbate chronic conditions, particularly certain urolithiasis conditions. Nutrition plays a crucial role in meeting a pet’s hydration needs; diets with appropriate moisture...

As with dogs, it is important to feed cats a nutritionally complete diet that provides them with all of the nutrients they need. Checking pet food labels for a nutritional adequacy statement can help ensure pet owners are choosing a food that will meet these needs. This quiz will help elevate your knowledge for a deeper understanding of some of the unique nutritional requirements of cats.

Determining what is the “best” food for our patients can be a daunting conversation in the appointment room. Decisions about feeding are determined by many different factors and may depend on the person, their motivations and their pet’s needs. Cost, ingredients, brand, type of feeding style, ease of purchase or availability, safety, health concerns, health benefits/harmful effects (perceived or true) and personal beliefs can all play into finding the right choice for the individual pet and...

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...