#United States #St. Louis #Pet Health #Purina Institute #veterinary nutrition

Unlocking Nutritional Knowledge for Pets

The importance of proper nutrition for pets has never been clearer, particularly given that veterinarians are often the most trusted source for pet owners regarding dietary recommendations. To further empower veterinary professionals, the Purina Institute has unveiled the Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition. Launched on August 28, 2025, this comprehensive eBook is designed to equip vets with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed nutritional recommendations.

A Tool for Veterinary Teams

With a significant percentage of dogs and cats (71%) currently on a well-pet diet, providing accurate nutritional advice is critical. This free, product-agnostic handbook is enriched by contributions from 54 experts across 20 countries, making it a global resource that effectively addresses the challenges veterinarians encounter when discussing nutrition with pet owners.

The Handbook features concise chapters that cover essential topics, including:
1. Nutrient Functions: Understanding how various nutrients impact pet health.
2. Specialized Nutrition: Tailoring diet plans for different life stages and health needs.
3. Proactive Nutrition Strategies: Approaches that help prevent health issues through diet.
4. Communication Techniques: Effective methods for engaging pet owners in conversations about nutrition.

Each chapter is not only scientifically backed but also practical in its presentation. Key takeaways, communication tips, and visual aids are integrated to serve as quick references that can be quickly accessed during busy clinic days.

The Need for Enhanced Guidance

Despite 83% of veterinarians recognizing the critical role nutrition plays in overall pet health, only 34% proactively discuss dietary choices with pet owners. This gap highlights the necessity for resources like the Well-Pet Nutrition Handbook, which aims to change that dynamic. Natalia Wagemans, the global head of the Purina Institute, emphasized that the guide helps simplify the challenge of making informed recommendations about pet diets, thereby improving communication between veterinarians and pet owners.

More Than Just a Handbook

The Well-Pet Nutrition Handbook follows the earlier Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition, released in 2023. While that handbook focused on nutritional management for health conditions, the new release tackles the fundamental aspects of preventive care through proper nutrition and more engaging conversations about pet health. This innovative resource can significantly improve how veterinary teams interact with pet owners regarding diet, leading to enhanced client understanding and compliance with recommended nutrition plans.

Additionally, the Purina Institute offers CentreSquare™, an online toolkit that supports nutrition conversations, further enriching the veterinary experience and client engagement.

Accessing the Handbook

Veterinary professionals interested in expanding their knowledge can access the Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition for free by visiting PurinaInstitute.com. Here, members of the veterinary community can also sign up for scientific communications, newsletter subscriptions, and updates on advances in nutritional science.

Conclusion

As our understanding of pet nutrition evolves, the Purina Institute remains committed to providing veterinarians with the necessary resources and information to ensure pets lead healthier, longer lives. This new handbook is a significant step forward in bridging the gap between nutrition science and practical application in veterinary practice. By enabling discussion and understanding, Purina is helping to enhance the bond between pets and their owners through informed dietary choices.