Pet Nutrition at OVC

06/12/2026

Want to learn more about feeding your guinea pig to keep them happy and healthy? 🐹💚

Check out our latest blog post, “Feeding Your Guinea Pigs,” for tips and facts on guinea pig nutrition! 📝✅ https://brnw.ch/21x3eTI

We explore how the guinea pig digestive system functions, what they should eat and what they should avoid, as well as possible health risks ⚠️🥬🥕🌾

06/05/2026

Time to highlight another clinical trial underway with the OVC Pet Nutrition team! 🐾

In this trial, we’re exploring how a structured at-home physical activity program supports weight loss and overall health in dogs with obesity.
These snapshots feature one of our amazing participants, Kronk, in action:

1️⃣ Tracking his progress on the weight scale
2️⃣ Measuring Kronk’s pelvic and thoracic circumference as part of our morphometric assessments
3️⃣ Trotting across the Strideway gait analysis system
4️⃣ And of course, enjoying a well-earned belly rub after a hard day’s work

Each of these assessments helps us understand how the program is improving mobility and supporting healthy weight loss, so dogs like Kronk can live healthier, happier lives.

👉 We’re still recruiting!
If you’re interested in learning more (or think your dog might be a good fit), complete the 15–20 minute online screening survey (https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHrN6RoX48gtD5I)

This project has been reviewed by the Research Ethics Board for compliance with federal guidelines for research involving human participants (REB 2156). All experimental procedures are approved by the University of Guelph Animal Care Committee (AUP #5396).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shawna Morrow at [email protected]

This clinical trial is supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College Hill’s Pet Nutrition OVC Veterinary Clinical Trials

05/29/2026

Just a reminder for our upcoming seminar on June 1st!

🐾 Pet Nutrition Seminar Series 🐾

We are pleased to announce that two members of the OVC Nutrition Team, Dr. Sarah Abood (DVM, PhD) and Becky Hunt (RVT, VTS Nutrition), have collaborated on a summer series of engaging, practical seminars designed to help pet owners better understand their pet’s nutrition.

Upcoming sessions:
• May 20th: Reading pet food labels: Nutrition news you can use
• June 1st: Am I overfeeding my pet? Counting calories for health
• July 8th: Ask the nutritionist! Your questions answered
• August 13th: What’s the scoop on supplements?

Location: Smith Lane Animal Hospital, University of Guelph (Room 101)

Time: 5:30–7:00 PM

Who can come?
• Open to adults and teens 16+
• No registration required

Parking available across the street (Lot P31)

Suggested $15 donation to OVC Pet Trust: https://brnw.ch/21x2sAp)

Come learn, ask questions, and feel more confident in your pet’s care. We hope to see you there! 🐶🐱

Ontario Veterinary College OVC Pet Trust University of Guelph

05/20/2026

Cushing’s disease is a hormonal condition in dogs that affects metabolism, appetite, body weight, and overall health. Check out our latest blog to learn the signs to watch for, why weight gain happens, and how to help manage it, so you can keep your dog feeling their best!
https://brnw.ch/21x2Fcm

Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph

05/19/2026

🐾 Join us for the Pet Nutrition Seminar Series!

Sponsored by the OVC Nutrition Team, this free seminar series will feature Dr. Sarah Abood and Becky Hunt, RVT, VTS-Nutrition, sharing practical pet nutrition information for pet owners and animal lovers.

Upcoming sessions include:

📅 Wednesday, May 20
Reading Pet Food Labels: Nutrition News You Can Use

📅 Monday, June 1
Am I Overfeeding My Pet? Counting Calories for Health

📅 Wednesday, July 8
Ask the Nutritionist! Your Questions Answered

📅 Thursday, August 13
What’s the Scoop on Supplements?

All sessions run from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Room 101, Smith Lane Animal Hospital, University of Guelph.

No registration required. Adults and teens over 16 are welcome.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3PS4U54

05/13/2026

🐾 Pet Nutrition Seminar Series 🐾

We are pleased to announce that two members of the OVC Nutrition Team, Dr. Sarah Abood (DVM, PhD) and Becky Hunt (RVT, VTS Nutrition), have collaborated on a summer series of engaging, practical seminars designed to help pet owners better understand their pet’s nutrition.

Upcoming sessions:
• May 20th: Reading pet food labels: Nutrition news you can use
• June 1st: Am I overfeeding my pet? Counting calories for health
• July 8th: Ask the nutritionist! Your questions answered
• August 13th: What’s the scoop on supplements?

Location: Smith Lane Animal Hospital, University of Guelph (Room 101)

Time: 5:30–7:00 PM

Who can come?
• Open to adults and teens 16+
• No registration required

Parking available across the street (Lot P31)

Suggested $15 donation to OVC Pet Trust: https://brnw.ch/21x2sAp)

Come learn, ask questions, and feel more confident in your pet’s care. We hope to see you there! 🐶🐱

Ontario Veterinary College OVC Pet Trust University of Guelph

05/09/2026

Happy National Dog Mom Day 🐾💛

Today we are celebrating the love, dedication, and care that dog moms bring to their dogs’ lives every single day. From the little routines to the big adventures, dog moms play an essential role in helping their dogs live happy, healthy lives.

We’re especially proud to highlight some of our own team members and their pups who remind us just how special that bond can be 🐶

05/06/2026

The OVC Pet Nutrition Team was proud to be part of Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri, USA from April 27 to 29, a leading event dedicated to advancing pet food research, innovation, and industry collaboration 🐾

Swipe through to see our student’s contributions:

1️⃣ Dr. Manuela Fischer, DVSc Candidate and ESVCN Resident, presenting her research on probiotic supplementation and its influence on the gut microbiota of cats during acute stress.

2️⃣ Yushu (Veronica) Cheng, MSc Student, presenting her literature review on beta-glucan in pet food.

3️⃣ Brooklyn Liversidge, PhD Candidate, presenting her research on omega-3 content in over-the-counter and veterinary therapeutic diets
4️⃣ And as cherry on top of an already wonderful conference, Brooklynn received the best oral presentation award! 🥇

We’re proud of our team’s contributions to advancing pet nutrition science and grateful for the opportunity to connect with leaders across the pet food industry.

Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph

04/22/2026

🍽 Tasty Tidbits: Histidine!

Welcome to our monthly series where we break down key nutrients for your pet’s health. This month’s spotlight: Histidine!

Role in the Body:

Histidine is an essential amino acid that has an important structural role in proteins.

✅ Sources:
• Animal-based: Poultry, fish, eggs
• Plant-based: Soybeans, peas, oats

💡 How Much?
Needs vary by life stage—growing pets or those reproducing require more. Choose a complete and balanced diet for optimal health.

⚠️ Watch Out:
• Deficiency: Reduced or impaired growth, weight loss, loss of appetite
• Excess: No toxic levels reported

Balanced nutrition = a happy, healthy pet! 🐶🐱

👉 Learn more in our full blog post: https://brnw.ch/21x1PCK

04/15/2026

Do you have a dog suffering from osteoarthritis?

If so, we want to help! A new study from our team seeks to evaluate the health effects of seal oil versus salmon oil in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Dog food and supplements will be provided for over 4 months! For more information, complete the 15-20 minute online screening survey found at https://brnw.ch/21x1Ctc

This project has been reviewed by the Research Ethics Board for compliance with federal guidelines for research involving human participants(REB 23-09-013). All experimental procedures for this study are approved by the University of Guelph Animal Care Committee (AUP #5093).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brooklynn Liversidge at [email protected]