Vet tech-led nutritional conversations in the clinic

Introduction

Nutrition plays an important role in the overall health of pets, and proper dietary guidance is essential to improve an animal’s quality of life and prevent chronic disease. Furthermore, pet owners are increasingly aware of the impact of nutrition on their pet’s health and are expecting more from professional nutritional advice 1, yet many clients still feel that nutrition is not adequately addressed during the veterinary consultation 1,2. Whether it is managing obesity, preventing chronic disease, or simply ensuring that pets receive the right balance of nutrients, nutrition must be a central topic in every veterinary consultation as “the fifth vital assessment” 3,4 – the other four being temperature, pulse, respiration, and pain evaluation.

Effective communication and a thorough understanding of a pet’s diet are crucial components in delivering optimal veterinary care. However, before making any nutritional recommendations or initiating discussions on nutritional management, it is essential to first collect a comprehensive nutritional history 3,5. This article delves into the essential role of nutrition in veterinary care, with an emphasis on the importance of effective communication and the active involvement of the veterinary technician/nurse in optimizing pet health 6.

The importance of nutrition 

Veterinary care is not just about treating illness; it is about preventing disease and promoting long-term well-being. Good nutrition plays an essential part in this role, maintaining a pet’s health and preventing obesity, diabetes, chronic enteropathies, and even orthopedic disorders 6. Despite the known benefits of proper nutrition, studies show that many pet owners still do not receive adequate nutritional advice from their veterinarian 1,2. The veterinary healthcare team is reported to be the primary and most important source for dietary advice for owners, yet many will still seek additional guidance from external, often unreliable sources 1,2 – highlighting a significant communication gap between veterinary professionals and pet owners on this essential topic.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends addressing nutrition in every veterinary consultation (Figure 1) 4, but veterinarians often face challenges in fulfilling this, such as time constraints, client disengagement, and a lack of training on how to effectively incorporate nutrition into consultations. Overcoming these challenges requires a structured, consistent approach, with veterinary technicians/nurses playing a central role in leading these conversations 6.

Successful nutritional conversations

Registered veterinary technicians/nurses are uniquely positioned to lead nutritional discussions, as their training equips them to deliver practical advice and create a supportive environment for pet owners 6. Routine weight monitoring, coupled with informed conversations at critical life stages, can have long-term benefits 3,4,5. These discussions, though impactful, may not yield immediate results, but their value lies in influencing the pet’s health over time. For example, studies have shown that tracking bodyweight and using growth charts for puppies and kittens can dramatically aid in preventing obesity, a major contributor to many chronic conditions. Maintaining an ideal body condition score (BCS) throughout life not only extends the lifespan but also significantly improves the health of a pet 7,8. These findings underscore the importance of proactive nutritional management at every stage of a pet’s life.

Veterinary technicians/nurses can incorporate discussions about nutrition into their regular clinics or consultations (Figure 2) 6; these interactions do not have to focus solely on recommending specific diets, but may include general advice such as transitioning to lifestage-appropriate products or implementing weight loss plans. A discussion on possible inclusion of feeding methods – such as puzzle feeders, scatter feeding, or structured feeding times – further enriches the topic and addresses both nutritional and behavioral needs.

Gathering a comprehensive nutritional history

A successful consultation begins with a detailed understanding of the pet’s diet, feeding habits and health conditions 5. WSAVA nutritional history forms (https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Diet-History-Form.pdf) (Figure 3) are a useful tool to collect such information, and can define vital details about a pet’s diet, feeding habits, and health conditions, ensuring no critical information is overlooked 4,9. However, they may not capture the full picture; veterinary technicians/nurses should complement them with open-ended questions, such as, “If you were away for a week and I was caring for your pet, what would you want me to know about their daily routine?” This approach encourages detailed responses, helps uncover habits, and strengthens the bond between the veterinary team and the pet owner, ensuring accurate nutritional histories and fostering cooperation 3,4,5,6.

Why get the owner engaged?

Engaging an owner in their pet’s nutritional decisions is key to ensuring long-term success. When owners feel informed and involved in the process, they are more likely to adhere to dietary recommendations. Studies show that when the veterinary team provide clear, evidence-based guidance, owners feel more confident and are more likely to implement dietary changes 1,2,3,4,5. Veterinary technicians/nurses are particularly suited for leading this engagement and can guide pet owners through every step of the decision-making process. By conducting nutritional assessments and explaining dietary recommendations clearly, veterinary technicians/nurses ensure owners understand and are motivated to follow through with prescribed changes. When nutrition becomes a routine part of every consultation, it fosters better adherence and enhances pet health 3,4. Follow-up appointments are crucial for ensuring the success of dietary plans; pets with chronic conditions or specific dietary needs, such as obesity or renal disease, require ongoing monitoring and adjustments. Regular visits allow veterinary technicians/nurses and the rest of the veterinary team to assess progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure the nutritional plan continues to meet the pet’s evolving needs (Figure 4) 3,4.

Navigating communication challenges

Discussing nutrition can be challenging, as owners will often see feeding their pet as an emotional act; indeed many will view feeding as an expression of love, and giving them dietary recommendations can feel like personal criticism. This emotional connection can lead to resistance, particularly if suggested changes conflict with long-standing feeding practices 1,3,10,11. In today’s digital age, owners frequently turn to non-expert sources for dietary advice, such as social media groups or internet forums 1,2,12. Unfortunately, these sources often offer conflicting, anecdotal, and scientifically unproven guidance. For instance, despite the lack of solid scientific support, alternative diets – such as raw or unbalanced homemade diets – are on the rise, and they pose significant health risks 13,14,15,16,17,18,19. Veterinary professionals must take a proactive role in educating owners on the importance of balanced, evidence-based nutrition, and should offer science-based guidance while respecting an owner’s perspectives 2,4,6,10,12.

Addressing unconventional diets

If a pet is on a “non-traditional” or unconventional diet, such as a raw, vegan, or other potentially imbalanced diet, it is essential to approach the conversation with empathy, understanding and factual information. Here’s how to navigate these discussions effectively:

1. Understand the owner’s perspective: Start by asking the owner about their pet’s current diet, and listen to their reasoning for choosing it. Many clients may have heard about certain diets – such as raw food – from online sources or other pet owners. It is essential to remain non-judgmental and inquire about their goals – for example, do they hope it will offer their pet better coat quality, more energy, or weight loss? Understanding their motivations will help guide the conversation toward both the potential benefits and risks of their pet’s diet.

2. Discuss the risks of an unconventional diet, identifying and explaining the potential problems: 

• Bacterial contamination: raw meat can carry harmful bacteria (e.g., Salmonella spp., E. coli), leading to gastrointestinal issues in both pets and humans, especially in YOPI (Young, Old, Pregnant, Immunosuppressed) animals 13,14,15,16,17.
• Nutrient imbalances: alternative diets often lack essential vitamins and minerals, leading to deficiencies and health problems over time 13,14,18. 
• Bone hazards: raw bones, especially those that are improperly sized or cooked, can pose choking risks, damage teeth, or harm the digestive tract (Figure 5) 19.
• Parasites: raw meat may contain parasites, which can further complicate health issues for pets and their owners 15,16,17.

If an imbalanced diet is being offered, the main risks include:

• Nutrient deficiencies: a poorly balanced diet can lead to malnutrition, affecting a pet’s energy, coat quality and overall health 13,14,18,20.
• Obesity or underweight: an imbalanced diet may contribute to weight issues, such as obesity or poor growth, particularly in puppies and kittens 18,20. 
• Health risks: an improper balance of nutrients can strain organs, leading to kidney, liver, or cardiac problems over time 18,20. 

3. Discuss balanced alternatives: Emphasize that balanced commercial diets, formulated by veterinary nutritionists, are scientifically designed to meet all of a pet’s nutritional needs. Discuss labeling claims with the owner, as not all commercial diets are necessarily good for their pets. A useful FEDIAF (the European Pet Food Federation) publication explains in detail how to use/read labels and what claims may be made 20,21. If the owner prefers homemade meals, explain that it is possible to prepare balanced meals with proper planning and supplementation, under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist 10,18.

If the owner insists on a raw diet, explain that it can be done safely but requires careful planning, supplementation, and proper hygiene. They should be advised to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure their pet gets all the necessary nutrients 13,14,19, and emphasize the importance of hygiene when storing and preparing (raw) food to prevent contamination. This can be reinforced by providing written educational resources 9,13,14,15,16,17.

4. If the owner persists: when an owner insists on continuing with a non-traditional diet despite concerns, the response should remain respectful and supportive. You might say:

• Acknowledge their choice: “I understand you feel strongly about this diet, and I respect your commitment to your pet’s well-being.”
• Offer guidance: “If you choose to continue with this diet, I highly recommend that we monitor your pet’s health closely with regular check-ups. Blood tests and other diagnostics can help us catch potential issues early.”
• Suggest supplements: “Some raw diets or homemade meals may require additional supplements to ensure your pet is getting all the necessary nutrients, especially if you’re not working with a veterinary nutritionist.”
• Provide educational resources: Offer articles, books from trusted sources or contact information for veterinary nutritionists to help the owner make informed decisions about their pet’s diet.

Always provide support and encourage an open line of communication. Some pet owners may feel strongly about their choice of diet, and the role of the veterinary professional is to educate them without alienating them. Keeping the conversation focused on the health and safety of their pet, providing information they can use, and offering guidance as necessary, ensures the pet remains as healthy as possible. Practical tips for engaging pet owners are given in Box 1.

Box 1. Tips for engaging with pet owners about their pet’s nutrition.

Conclusion

Nutrition is essential to veterinary care, shaping both the immediate and long-term health of pets. Incorporating nutrition into every veterinary consultation is essential for better preventive care, improving outcomes and fostering trust with pet owners. Veterinary technicians/nurses, with their expertise and empathetic approach, are at the forefront of these efforts. By making time for comprehensive nutritional discussions and follow-ups, veterinary professionals can support owners, enhancing their pets’ quality of life and improving their health and well-being.