Nestlé Purina Petcare's Purina Research Institute has launched a new reference guide for veterinarians on pet nutrition management - the Purina Research Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition Manual. This guide provides insights to help veterinarians discuss nutritional needs with pet parents and support pet health.

According to a May 2023 Purina Institute survey, 96% Pet owners claim veterinarians are their most trusted source of pet nutritional information. Additionally, 78% of pet parents reported that nutritional expertise is an important factor in satisfactory veterinary care. Despite this, only one in five veterinarians claim to provide nutritional advice during clinical appointments, according to the survey.

The good news is that surveys show customers are more likely to trust the advice of veterinarians and staff about pet nutrition than what they glean from internet searches, said Dr. Natalia Wagemans, global head of the Purina Research Institute. Whether clients and patients are visiting a veterinary hospital to see a sick or healthy pet, it's clear that nutrition discussions are an important opportunity to build trust."

To help bridge the gap between pet parents and veterinarians when it comes to nutrition. Gaps in information, the Purina Institute developed this handbook with information from more than 40 professionals in veterinary nutrition, internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, emergency care and other pet health fields.

“We know nutrition helps our patients thrive, but it’s hard to get clients on board nutrition discussion,” says Andrew Sparkes, Ph.D., BVetMed, an independent veterinary consultant and editor of The Nutrition Handbook. "This handbook is an excellent new resource that helps facilitate conversations about nutrition and provides practical tips for busy veterinary team members, making it easier to prioritize nutritional recommendations and meet client needs."