What is a pet nutritionist?
Their are millions of pet owners around the world seeking answers to the question "What should I feed my pet". As a result, there are many who readily profess their opinions regarding dog and cat nutrition and the pet food industry with little or no formal training. The purpose of this post is to describe some of the different "pet nutritionists" lurking on the internet so you can make informed decisions regarding their recommendations.
We will begin with the term "Veterinary Nutritionist". This term should be reserved for veterinarians who have undergone formal residency training in nutrition. This training typically lasts 2-3 years after completion of veterinary school and an internship. To become board-certified by the American or European College of Veterinary Nutrition, one must complete residency training and pass a rigorous examination. Veterinary nutritionists are considered experts in the nutritional management of healthy and diseased animals. For a list of veterinary nutritionists check out the website www.acvn.org.
Other pet nutritionists may hold advanced degrees with PhD's in small animal nutrition. These types of nutritionists most commonly work in the pet food industry, but may be appropriate for consultations with healthy pets.
The next group of "pet nutritionists" can range from those taking a few courses in small animal nutrition to those who are self-taught. These individuals most often do not have the expertise needed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs and cats and do not warrant expensive consultation fees. When making decisions about your pet's health, it is best to take advice from knowledgable doctors and avoid unfounded opinions and hidden agendas.
-Dr. Angela Witzel
