A board certified veterinary nutritionist is a veterinarian (DVM) specifically trained in the nutritional management of both healthy animals and those with one or more diseases.
What is a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®?
They are uniquely qualified to formulate and evaluate commercial foods and supplements, formulate home-prepared diets, manage the complex medical and nutritional needs of individual animals, and understand the underlying causes and implications of specific nutritional strategies that are used to prevent and treat diseases. Board certified veterinary nutritionists® are diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN®). The ACVN is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognized specialty organization for nutrition. To achieve diplomate status, after receiving a veterinary medical degree, ACVN diplomates must complete at least 1 year of internship or clinical experience followed by at least 2 years of residency training. Residency training involves intensive clinical, teaching, and research activities under the mentorship of at least one board certified veterinary nutritionist. Trainees must prepare written case reports and publish a peer-reviewed scientific article. They are also required to pass a two-day written examination.
Why consult with a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®?
There are a number of reasons you may find yourself in need of a veterinary nutritionist!
Your pet might have a nutritionally responsive disease but will not accept the prescription diet prescribed. Your pet may have more than one nutritionally responsive disease and you are unsure how to manage their multiple conditions. You may already be feeding a homemade diet recipe but need to ensure nutritional adequacy. You might simply have questions about feeding during specific life stages, such as growth or gestation/lactation.
Nutrition consultations are commonly sought for all kinds of medical conditions including:
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- Obesity
- Multiple concurrent medical conditions
- Balancing homemade diet recipes
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease
- Renal disease and lower urinary tract disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes mellitus
- Food allergies
How does the consultation process work?
1. Complete the online nutrition consultation form
At this time, do not use Safari as the web browser to complete this form. This form starts the consultation process by collecting information about your pet including their medical history and specific needs. Only ONE pet’s information PER FORM.
2. You receive an email containing the link to the VCPR form and forward that to your referring veterinarian. They complete the veterinary referral form and submit medical records
These records should include results from lab work as well as any relevant medical history
3. Pay invoice for nutrition consultation fees
These fees vary based your pet’s specific needs and whether you need additional consultation such as creating a homemade diet recipe
4. Schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Foster
Dr. Foster will discuss your pet’s case with you prior to formulating a nutritional plan