Meet the 2026 Veterinary Heroes: Craig Datz, DVM, MS, DABVP, DACVIM

A self-described midcareer convert to veterinary nutrition, Craig Datz, DVM, MS, DABVP, DACVIM (Nutrition), began his career in companion animal practice. After 14 years in practice, he joined the faculty at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine before pursuing advanced training in nutrition, becoming board-certified in the specialty, and later joining Royal Canin USA as a teaching, clinical, and research nutritionist.

In an interview with dvm360, Datz said being recognized as a 2026 Veterinary Hero came as a surprise. “I hadn’t realized I had been nominated,” he said. “I was rather humbled.” According to Datz, the recognition felt especially meaningful given the many respected colleagues he considers deserving of the honor. “To be nominated and voted on was quite an honor,” he said.

Datz credits mentors and fellow nutritionists with shaping his career and has made mentorship a commitment throughout his own professional journey, finding “a lot of joy over the years” in teaching students and supporting residents and practitioners.

He encourages the next generation to explore nutrition, describing it as a broad specialty with opportunities in clinical practice, research, consulting, and education. “It’s quite an amazing field to get into,” he said

Congratulations to Datz from dvm360! You can check out the rest of our 2026 recipients, and learn more about Datz here.