What is a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®?
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.
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 Internal Medicine (ACVIM). The ACVIM (Nutrition) is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognized specialty organization for nutrition. To achieve diplomate status, after receiving a veterinary medical degree, ACVIM (Nutrition) 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. READ the Information for Owners Section AND the Consultation Fees Section BEFORE you click "Request an Appointment" in the top right-hand corner of this page
2. You will need to create an account for yourself and your pet and complete the nutrition consultation form through the online portal and request an appointment
Please ensure the information you enter when creating your account is accurate to avoid delays in this process.
3. We will send the veterinary referral form to your referring veterinarian and request your pet's medical records
4. You will receive an email with the invoice for the consultation. Once paid, your requested appointment will be confirmed.
Dr. Foster will discuss your pet’s case with you prior to formulating a nutritional plan