The WSAVA's Global Nutrition Committee (GNC) has launched a Nutrition Toolkit for veterinary professionals. The WSAVA's Global Nutrition Committee (GNC) has launched a Nutrition Toolkit for veterinary professionals.

The non-branded toolkit contains the following materials:

  • A document outlining the calorie requirements for healthy dogs
  • A document outlining the calorie requirements for healthy cats
  • Nutritional assessment checklists (both quick and extended versions) which can be completed by the veterinary healthcare team and pet owner
  • An advice sheet for owners searching for nutritional information on dogs and cats online
  • An advice sheet for owners on selecting the right food for their dog or cat
  • A hospitalized patient feeding guide
  • A nutrition monitoring chart for hospitalized dogs and cats
  • A body condition score chart

The toolkit is available for download at http://wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit.

Based on its importance to overall health, the WSAVA is campaigning to have a nutritional assessment confirmed as the fifth vital assessment in a standard physical examination and for the veterinary healthcare team to provide nutritional recommendations for each animal as an integral component of patient care.

The launch of the Nutrition Toolkit follows on from the Global Nutrition Committee's first initiative, the creation of a set of Nutrition Guidelines in 2011. These were aimed at helping veterinary professionals and pet owners ensure that pets are fed according to an optimal and individually tailored nutrition plan. According to WSAVA, they have been successful, securing endorsements from 19 veterinary organizations in 16 countries. They have been translated into ten languages and are available for download at http://www.wsava.org/guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines.

GNC Co-Chair Dr Marge Chandler said: "Research shows that more than 90% of pet owners would like nutritional advice but fewer than 15% feel they receive it. In some parts of the world, pet malnutrition remains a major challenge, while in many other countries, pet obesity is an increasing problem. In addition, there is confusion about optimal nutrition because there is now so much conflicting and inaccurate information available online.

Our Nutrition Toolkit is designed to help the veterinary healthcare team address nutrition at every patient visit and to advance the central role of the veterinary healthcare team as the expert source of nutrition information."

 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.