Pet Nutrition at OVC

11/06/2026

✨ OVC Pet Nutrition Team Spotlight: Dr. Sarah Abood ✨

This week, we recognize and thank Dr. Sarah Abood as she concludes her term as recipient of the Nestlé Purina Professorship in Companion Animal Nutrition.

Throughout her time with the OVC Pet Nutrition Team, Sarah served as an Associate Professor, mentor, educator, clinician, and champion for veterinary nutrition. Her dedication to teaching, mentorship, clinical nutrition, and patient care has left a lasting legacy within our lab and across the broader OVC community.

We are incredibly grateful for her many contributions and the positive impact she has had on students, trainees, colleagues, hospital staff, and patients alike. Sarah will always be a valued member of the OVC Pet Nutrition family, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter. 💙🐾

University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College Purina

11/03/2026

📢 Last call to participate!
Dog parents of Canada – We want to hear from you!

A new study from our team wants to explore pet guardian perceptions and decision-making for marine oil supplements.

We are looking for dog guardians who:
🐶 Live in Canada
🐶 Have access to the internet
🐶 Over 18 years of age
🐶 Proficient in English
🐶 Dog’s primary caretaker
🐶 Have at least one dog over 2 years old

What’s in it for you?
For participation in this survey, there is a chance to win one of eight Amazon gift cards 🛍️

Don't miss your chance to share your perspective. Complete the survey before it closes!

if you wish to participate, complete the 15-20 minute online survey: https://brnw.ch/21x6Sax

For more information, please check the Research page on our website (https://brnw.ch/21x6Say) or contact Brooklynn Liversidge at [email protected]

🐾 This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Board of the University of Guelph (REB #1834) 🐾

10/30/2026

As we wrap up Pet Obesity Awareness Month, we're highlighting four common myths about dog weight and nutrition. Understanding the facts behind these misconceptions can help support healthier habits and improve long-term health outcomes for pets. 🐾

Wondering whether your dog's current diet and portion sizes are the right fit? Your veterinary healthcare team can help assess your dog's body condition, calorie needs, and lifestyle to create a plan tailored specifically to them.

Thank you for following along and joining us in raising awareness about the importance of healthy weight management for our pets. 💙🐶

10/28/2026

Did you know that treats, chews, human foods, and even food used to administer medications all contribute to your dog's daily calorie intake? Small extras can add up quickly and may affect weight management over time.

A commonly used guideline is that treats and other extras should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. Your veterinary team can help you determine your dog’s treat budget.

Here we explore some common misconceptions about treats and calories:
✔️ Healthy snacks like carrots and blueberries still contain calories and should be offered in appropriate portions.
✔️ Breaking treats into smaller pieces or using a small portion of your dog’s daily kibble amount can provide more rewards without increasing total calories.
✔️ Setting aside your dog's daily treat allowance in one container can help everyone in the household stay on track.
✔️Portion out your dog’s calorie-dense treats each day.

Being mindful of treats doesn't mean taking away the fun. It means making every treat count toward a healthier, happier life for your dog. 🐶❤️

10/21/2026

This week for we're sharing tips for keeping your pup physically active 🦮🐾

Daily walks, play sessions, and enrichment activities can help maintain a healthy weight and support overall wellbeing. Every step counts! 💙



Before making big changes to your dog's exercise routine, it's always best to check in with your veterinarian 🩺

10/16/2026

🌟 Exciting Opportunity! 🌟

The OVC Pet Nutrition Team in the Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Guelph is excited to announce an opening for a Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) position in Companion Animal Nutrition beginning August 2026!

An OVC DVSc scholarship generously supported by Royal Canin is available for this position. The program is designed to provide advanced clinical training and research experience, aiming to meet the requirements for eligibility for the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition 🐾

Apply now: applications are only considered through the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program VIRMP (https://brnw.ch/21x6sKo)

University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College

10/15/2026

My pet is overweight... what should I do?🐾

Finding out your pet is overweight can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that you're not alone, and even small changes can make a big difference.

The first step is to work with your veterinary team to determine your pet's ideal weight and develop a personalized weight-loss plan. Avoid drastically reducing food or increasing exercise without veterinary guidance, as healthy weight loss should be gradual and balanced.

Some simple ways to get started:
✔️Measure every meal accurately
✔️Minimize treats
✔️Increase activity gradually
✔️Schedule regular weigh-ins with your veterinary team

Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important things you can do to support your pet's long-term health and quality of life.

10/05/2026

10/01/2026

🐾 October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month! 🐾

Did you know that maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important things you can do to support your dog's health and quality of life?

Throughout October, we'll be sharing practical, evidence-based tips to help dog owners prevent and manage obesity through nutrition, exercise, enrichment, and regular monitoring.

This year's theme is:

🦴 Move More, Feed Smart: Helping Dogs Stay Healthy for Life

Over the next month, we'll cover:
✅ How to tell if your dog may be overweight
✅ What to do if your pet needs to lose weight
✅ Fun ways to increase activity beyond daily walks
✅ Hidden calories lurking in treats and table scraps
✅ Common myths and facts about pet obesity

Small changes can make a big difference.

Whether your dog is a growing puppy, an active adult, or a senior companion, healthy habits can help support lifelong wellness.

Follow along throughout October for tips, quizzes, myth-busting posts, and practical tools you can use at home.

🐕 What's one healthy habit you and your dog already enjoy together? Let us know in the comments!

09/24/2026

🌍🐱🐶 The OVC Pet Nutrition Team had a fantastic time at the European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ESVCN) Congress 2026 in Naples, Italy, from September 16-18!

We were proud to have a strong University of Guelph presence, with team members showcasing innovative research in companion animal nutrition and health:

🎤 Dr. Manuela Fischer (DVSc Candidate and ECVCN Resident) presented her research on the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on the feline f***l microbiome in response to acute stress.

🎤 Dr. Laura Teeger (DVSc Student and ECVCN Resident) presented her research examining the choline content of over-the-counter and veterinary therapeutic diets for cats as well as a case report on nutritional management of protein-losing enteropathy in a Yorkshire terrier.

🎤 Shawna Morrow (PhD Candidate) delivered an oral presentation on pet guardian knowledge and perspectives regarding post-operative nutrition and physical rehabilitation care at OVC and also presented a poster highlighting findings from her survey on understanding pet guardian health and nutrition practices and canine nutritional care.

📌 Brooklynn Liversidge (PhD Candidate) presented a poster investigating pet guardian perceptions for marine oil supplementation in dogs.

🎤 Dr. Hannah Godfrey (Postdoctoral Fellow) presented her PhD research examining changes in the feline serum metabolome in response to diets with different macronutrient content.

🏆 A special congratulations to Dr. Laura Teeger, recipient of the Best ECVCN Residency Class Case Report Award and the Purina Cat Nutrition Award for her outstanding presentations!

It was also wonderful to connect with the broader University of Guelph community, with past and present students coming together to celebrate research, collaboration, and advances in veterinary nutrition.

Congratulations to everyone who represented OVC and the University of Guelph so exceptionally on the international stage! 👏