New Handbook Supports Veterinary Teams in Canine and Feline Nutrition
Veterinarians are the most trusted source of nutritional guidance for pet owners. With 71% of dogs and cats currently on a well-pet diet¹, the need for science-based, practical advice on maintaining pet health has never been greater.
To support veterinary teams in these discussions, a new Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition has been released. Featuring contributions from 54 experts across 20 countries, this free, product-neutral eBook provides evidence-based guidance on the nutritional management of healthy dogs and cats. It is designed to equip veterinary professionals with practical knowledge and tools to confidently advise clients.
What the Handbook Covers
The guide is concise and accessible, with chapters that include key takeaways, visual aids, and communication tips for busy clinic settings. Topics include:
Functions of essential nutrients
Nutritional strategies for different life stages
Proactive approaches to diet and wellness
Best practices for discussing nutrition with pet owners
The handbook is a follow-up to the 2023 Handbook of Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition, which focused on nutrition for health conditions. This new resource specifically addresses well-pet nutrition and the challenges veterinary professionals face when initiating conversations about diet and wellness.
Why It Matters
While 83% of veterinarians recognize nutrition as critically important to pet health, only 34% discuss it proactivelywith clients². Resources like this handbook aim to bridge that gap by providing guidance on how to start these conversations and make informed recommendations.
As Natalia Wagemans, global head of the institute that produced the handbook, explains:
"A well-pet diet involves many factors, including life stage, activity level, and body condition, as well as the owner’s lifestyle, budget, and preferences. This resource simplifies the process of making informed recommendations and can be a valuable tool for veterinary professionals."
Accessing the Resource
The Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition is freely available online. Veterinary professionals can access it by signing up to receive scientific updates, newsletters, and educational communications. The handbook complements other tools, such as guides on nutrition for specific health conditions and online toolkits to support client education and compliance.
