Pet parents are faced with a multitude of options for feeding their dog or cat and often turn to their veterinarian for advice. With so much information available to the public about pet nutrition from multiple sources, it can be a daunting task to evaluate this information for accuracy and to determine what is pertinent for each individual pet. A major objective of this lecture is to help the veterinarian have a nutrition conversation and educate their clients to critically evaluate information regarding pet nutrition. We will discuss common questions surrounding pet food ingredients, organic pet food, grain-free diets, raw diets, and dietary supplements. After this lecture the audience will be more confident when they discuss commercial pet food selection with clients and will be able to offer resources to pet parents who wish to cook for their pet.

RACE & NYS approved for 2 CE credits

Co-Sponsored by Hills

Laura Eirmann, DVM, DACVN

Dr. Eirmann graduated from Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. She then practiced at Cornell University Companion Animal Hospital where she focused on preventative medicine and routine healthcare. She joined the general medicine staff at Oradell Animal Hospital in 1998 and developed a strong interest in veterinary nutrition. She completed a residency in clinical nutrition under the supervision of veterinary nutritionists at University of Pennsylvania, Tufts University, and Angell Memorial Animal Hospital and became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. She is responsible for overseeing the nutritional support of hospitalized patients at Oradell, consults with Oradell clinicians regarding the nutritional needs of their patients, and provides out patient consultation appointments for clients seeking dietary recommendatons for their healthy or ill pets. Dr. Eirmann also works for Nestle Purina in addition to her part-time clinical appointments at Oradell Animal Hospital.