AAHA develops new nutritional assessment guidelines for dogs and cats

Lakewood, Colo.

-- The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has developed a set of nutritional assessment guidelines to help veterinarians and team members properly assess and explain to clients the need for therapeutic diets.

The guidelines break down nutritional assessment into "screening" and "extended" evaluations. Every pet is given a screening evaluation, and pets who show one or more nutrition-related risk factors then undergo an extended evaluation.

“Incorporating nutritional assessment into the routine examination protocol for every patient is important for maintaining optimal health, as well as their response to disease and injury,” says Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP, AAHA executive director. “The goal of the new guidelines is to provide a framework for the veterinary practice team to help make nutritional assessments and recommendations for their patients.”

Click here to view or print the guidelines.