Blog Details

Animals require a healthy diet just like their human counterparts. It’s essential for protecting them from chronic disease and adverse health conditions that could otherwise lower their quality of life. Different animals, however, have different dietary requirements, which is why owners often the expertise of a veterinary nutritionist. If an owner is concerned about the wellbeing of his or her animal, the owner may contact a veterinary nutritionist. What is a veterinary nutritionist exactly, and how do they differ from traditional veterinarians?

The Basics of Veterinary Nutritionists

A veterinary nutritionist is a licensed and board-certified veterinarian who specializes in animal nutrition. They are formally trained in the dietary needs of many common animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles, horses and more. Veterinary nutritionists can recommend specific food or supplements to improve an animal’s health, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg regarding their typical activities.

What Does a Veterinary Nutritionist Do?

Veterinary nutritionists focus on preventing and treating adverse health conditions in animals through the use of nutrition. When an owner brings his or her animal for an initial consultation, the veterinary nutritionist may start by performing a basic evaluation of the animal’s health. During this evaluation, the veterinary nutritionist will weigh the animal, check the animal’s breathing rate and investigate the animal’s diet by talking to its owner. The veterinary nutritionist may then recommend a specific type of food, as well as supplements, to improve the animal’s health.

Animals often suffer from adverse health conditions attributed to food. Many dogs, for instance, suffer from food allergies. Some reports suggest that as many as one in 10 dogs have a food allergy. Some dogs are allergic to beef or chicken, whereas others are allergic to eggs or fish. Dogs that consume a food-based allergen may experience symptoms of an allergy attack, such as itching or digestive distress. A veterinary nutritionist can help owners identify the substance to which their dog is allergic, after which the veterinary nutritionist can recommend a type of food that doesn’t contain the identified allergen.

Animals require different ratios of nutrients depending on their age. Puppies, for example, require a higher ratio of protein to fat than senior dogs. Puppies also need more calories than senior dogs. Veterinary nutritionists can help owners make a well-informed decision on what type of food is right for their dog or owner. If an owner isn’t confident with choosing a particular type of food, he or she can schedule an appointment with a veterinary nutritionist.

Veterinarian vs Veterinary Nutritionist: What’s the Difference?

Both veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists are licensed veterinary professions, meaning they both hold a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Veterinarian nutritionists, though, are considered veterinary specialists, whereas traditional veterinarians are not.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes over a dozen board-certified veterinary specialties, one of which being veterinary nutrition. After earning a DVM, a veterinary can work towards becoming board certified in veterinary nutrition.

Veterinary nutritionists still aim to treat and prevent adverse health conditions in animals — just like all veterinarians. They are distinguished from traditional veterinarians, however, by focusing on nutrition. Adverse health conditions are often the result of poor dieting. Rather than simply prescribing medication that suppresses an animal’s symptoms, a veterinary nutritionist will attempt to treat the underlying cause by recommending food or supplements.

Education Requirements for Veterinary Nutritionists

How much education does it take to become a veterinary nutritionist? As a specialized field of veterinary medicine, veterinary nutritionists spend a substantial amount of time in school. They must first earn their DVM, followed by completing a residency program. Next, an aspiring veterinary nutritionist must complete the prerequisites for board certification, which includes the publication of a medical journal that focuses on veterinary nutrition. The final step to becoming a veterinary nutritionist involves passing a rigorous exam. Only after passing this exam will an aspiring veterinary nutritionist be board certified.

It’s important to note that veterinary nutritionists have continued education requirements to maintain board certification. If a veterinary nutritionist fails to complete these requirements, he or she may lose their certification, in which case they won’t be able to practice as a veterinary nutritionist.

Benefits of Working as a Veterinary Nutritionist

Working as a veterinary nutritionist offers several benefits. Most veterinary nutritionists, for instance, earn a higher salary than other veterinary professionals. It’s a high-paying career with strong demand throughout the country.

Veterinary nutritionists have the opportunity to help animals in need. If an animal is in distress due to improper nutrition, a veterinary nutritionist may offer a solution through the use of food or supplements. Therefore, it’s a rewarding profession.

Veterinary nutritionists also have the freedom to move around without being tied down to any single or specific location. While some veterinary nutritionists work in a single veterinary clinic, many of them work from multiple clinics. If a clinic needs help treating a nutrition-related disease in a client’s animal, it may contact a veterinary nutritionist for assistance.