Rachel Lumbis , MSc , BSc ( Hons ), PGCertMedEd , CertSAN , RVN , FHEA

WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee

Rachel qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2002 . She developed an interest in companion animal nutrition and completed the City & Guilds Certificate in Small Animal Nutrition in 2006 . She is a passionate advocate for correct nutrition and educates veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses on the subject , in the UK and overseas , as a member of the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee and a past member of the European Veterinary Nutrition Educators Group . Rachel is a former lecturer in veterinary nursing and Course Director for the BSc and FdSc VN degree programmes at the Royal Veterinary College . She is currently embarking on a PhD .

ABSTRACT Dogs and cats have unique nutritional requirements that vary throughout their lives , so it is important to feed a diet suited to their age and physiological state . The plethora of pet foods makes it hard for owners to decide what , and how much , to feed their animals , so the veterinary team must be able to provide accurate advice on optimal life-stage nutrition . Part 2 ( of a two-part series ) reviews the nutritional adaptations required during the growth and senior stages of life and considers the vital role veterinary nurses play in educating pet owners about optimal nutrition and dietary choices .

Keywords companion animal nutrition , life stage , dietary requirements , canine , feline

Introduction

As outlined in Part 1 of this article ( VNJ , July 2022 ), nutrition is a key consideration in the maintenance of a pet ' s health , longevity and wellbeing . Three main components influence the life of an animal : genetics , environment and nutrition . Of these , nutrition is the primary factor the veterinary profession can influence to maximise health , enhance performance , improve longevity and manage disease ( Burns , 2014 ).

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen an increased demand for domestic pets , which has had a significant impact on pet welfare , especially among pets with new and inexperienced owners . Diet has been notably affected , with over 1.4 million pets gaining weight since the start of the pandemic , contributing to a growing pet obesity crisis ( PDSA , 2021 ). Owner knowledge about

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