Pet Nutrition at OVC

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Pet Nutrition at OVC

Our mission is to explore innovations in pet nutrition based on a firm foundation of nutritional science.

Our research investigates new ideas in pet nutriton; how changing their food can help to give them longer, healthier lives. Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe graduated as a companion animal veterinarian (DVM) from Ghent University, Belgium in 2005 and continued her education in companion animal nutrition at the same university. She finished her PhD dealing with nutritional modulation of carbohydrate metabolism in cats in 2009 and became board certified for the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN) in 2010. In December 2011, Dr. Verbrugghe joined the Ontario Veterinary College as Royal Canin Endowed Chair in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition. The major goals of this position at OVC are to enhance nutrition education, to develop a companion animal nutrition research program and to provide a referral nutrition consultation service.

02/11/2026

🐾 Constipated cat? 🐾 It’s more common than you think. If your kitty’s straining, skipping poops, or leaving behind hard stools, it could be a sign something’s wrong. Check out our latest blog post to learn all about feline constipation. From signs to watch for, to tips on prevention and when to call the vet, we’ve got you covered!

✨ Click the link to read more: https://brnw.ch/21wZRdy ✨

02/05/2026

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of our clinical trials? 👀🐾

Today we’re giving you a sneak peek at what data collection really looks like in an ongoing study led by the OVC Pet Nutrition team. This project is exploring the use of omega-3 supplementation (seal oil vs. salmon oil) to see how it may affect pain and mobility of dogs with osteoarthritis.

These photos capture one of our four-legged participants, Jasper, hard at work. As part of the study, Jasper participated in several key assessments, including gait analysis [photo 1] and range of motion assessments [photo 2], all with receiving some well-deserved love between procedures [photo 3].

Every visit, measurement, and wagging tail contributes valuable information to improving canine health!

👉 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 found at https://brnw.ch/21wZHiR

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 bliversi@uoguelph.ca

This clinical trial is supported by Mitacs, Seals and Sealing Network, Carino, Big Country Raw, and Petcurean

Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph OVC Veterinary Clinical Trials

01/30/2026

🚨 REMINDER! 🚨 The OVC Pet Nutrition Team is looking to fill two summer student positions: Hill's Pet Nutrition Summer Student and the Nestlé Purina Petcare Summer Student Opportunity starting May 2026! 🐾

Wondering what this experience looks like day-to-day?

Our summer students from 2025 share their experiences in our blog 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wZwMW

For more info or to apply, head to Experience Guelph
Job IDs: 143591and 143592

01/28/2026

🐾 Join Our Team! Hill's Pet Nutrition Summer Student Opportunity 🐾

The OVC Clinical Nutrition Team at the University of Guelph is hiring a Hill's Pet Nutrition Summer Student! We are looking for a University of Guelph student who is passionate about pet nutrition and looking for a summer job 🌟

Responsibilities:
• Work with the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Weight Care Program and Clinical Nutrition team at OVC
• Shadow nutrition consults
• Conduct nutritional assessments and feed hospitalized patients
• Assist with graduate student research
• Create website and social media content

Requirements:
• UofG student in the BSc, DVM or veterinary technology program
• Passion for pets and nutrition
• Proof of positive rabies titer

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Apply via: Experience Guelph
Job ID: 143591

Don't miss this chance to make a difference in pet health! 🐶🐱

01/26/2026

🐾 Join Our Team! Nestlé Purina Petcare Summer Student Opportunity 🐾

Are you a University of Guelph student who is passionate about pet nutrition and looking for a summer job? The OVC Clinical Nutrition Team is hiring a Nestlé Purina Petcare Summer Student! 🌟

Responsibilities:
• Work with the Clinical Nutrition Service in the OVC Health Sciences Centre
• Shadow nutrition consults
• Conduct nutritional assessments and feed hospitalized patients
• Assist with graduate student research
• Create website and social media content

Requirements:
• UofG student in the DVM or veterinary technology program
• Passion for pets and nutrition
• Proof of positive rabies titer

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Apply via: Experience Guelph
Job ID: 143592

Don't miss this chance to make a difference in pet health! 🐶🐱

01/21/2026

🍽️ Introducing Tasty Tidbits: Your Monthly Bite of Pet Nutrition! 🐾

We’re excited to launch a brand-new series: Tasty Tidbits! Each month, we’ll spotlight one essential nutrient that plays a key role in your pet’s health and well-being. From amino acids and fatty acids to vitamins and minerals, these nutrients are the building blocks of a balanced diet—and understanding them helps you make informed choices for your furry friends.

Why are we doing this?
Because nutrition matters! Whether you’re a pet owner or a veterinary professional, knowing the “why” behind what goes into your pet’s bowl can make a big difference in their health, longevity, and happiness.

What can you expect?
✅ Easy-to-digest science
✅ Practical tips for everyday feeding
✅ Fun facts to share with your clients or friends

Stay tuned for our first nutrient spotlight coming soon! Got a nutrient you’re curious about? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.

Follow along and let’s make pet nutrition simple, science-based, and tasty!

01/14/2026

🐕‍🦺 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 🛍️

if you wish to participate, complete the 15-20 minute online survey: https://brnw.ch/21wZ53A

For more information, please check the Research page on our website (https://brnw.ch/21wZ53z) or contact Brooklynn Liversidge at bliversi@uoguelph.ca

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

01/07/2026

📢 New research alert! 🐾 Our team at the OVC Pet Nutrition Research Lab has just published the paper titled “Serum metabolomics reveals one-carbon metabolism differences between lean and obese cats not affected by L-carnitine or choline supplementation " in the Journal of Animal Science. 📚 Head to our blog to read about the highlights of our findings and their implications for the future of pet nutrition research and a link to the full article! 🔬
https://brnw.ch/21wYTOn

Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health Ontario Veterinary College Elmira Pet Products Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

01/04/2026

[NUTRIQUIZ]
🏆Hot pick from 2025
Each month, a nutrition specialist member of the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition - CAVN puts your nutrition know-how to the test thanks to a FIVE-question quiz.

Take the quiz 👀 https://www.communivet.com/en/ca/education/nutriquiz/troubling-toxicoses-menu

This educational content is made possible through the support of Hill’s Pet Nutrition

12/24/2025

That’s a wrap on this semester! We hope you take time this winter break to relax and recharge as much as your pets do. Stay tuned for more exciting pet nutrition education and resources in the new year!

Address

50 Stone Road E
Guelph, ON
N1G2W1

Website

https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/

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