Veterinary nutrition residency is launched at the University of Tennessee

A new veterinary nutrition residency has been established at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) with sponsorship from The Farmer’s Dog, a fresh pet food. The 2-year program was developed by UTCVM faculty and meets the standards for board eligibility set by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).¹

Image courtesy of The Farmer's Dog

The sponsorship by The Farmer’s Dog is designed to fully fund the training of a select resident in clinical nutrition, preparing them for board certification in nutrition through ACVIM. The selected resident will receive extensive clinical, teaching, and didactic training with a strong emphasis on research and scholarly activity under the mentorship of university faculty members as well as and Angela Rollins, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), and Maryanne Murphy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition).

“Programs like this are critically important to develop the next generation of veterinary nutritionists and leaders in animal health,” Rollins, said in a news release. “The Farmer’s Dog’s support allows us to expand on crucial nutrition-based training opportunities while also elevating clinical practice and research standards in pet nutrition.”

The goal for program is to contribute to the growing body of published research in animal health, open doors for new clinical nutrition training opportunities, and ultimately shape the future of pet health through academic partnerships and scientific collaboration, according to The Farmer’s Dog. While nurturing the next generation of leaders in veterinary nutrition, the company’s sponsorship of the new residency also represents a milestone for the fresh pet food industry.

“There’s been a lot more interest lately in the science behind fresh, human-grade dog food,” Murphy said in a news release. “This program lets a resident dig deeper into that research.”

Additionally, the sponsorship underscores The Farmer’s Dog’s commitment to rigorous, evidence-based pet health research, according to the company. Jonathan Regev, cofounder and CEO of The Farmer’s Dog, said the company is excited to work with UTCVM and help equip veterinary residents with tools, support and knowledge they’ll need to flourish and help the pet health industry progress.

“Veterinarians have always been critical partners in helping us improve the lives of dogs, and sponsoring this residency program is one of the many ways we're putting real, tangible support to continue that partnership,” Regev said in a news release. “The Farmer’s Dog’s mission is to improve pets’ lives through minimally processed, science-backed food, and we’re proud to support the veterinary community that makes this progress possible.”

The UTCVM currently offers 8 residences in biomedical and diagnostic sciences, large animal clinical sciences, and small animal clinical sciences, in addition to veterinary nutrition.² Additional information about UTCVM residencies and applications can be found online at vetmed.tennessee.edu/academics/internships-and-residencies.

References

1. The Farmer’s Dog funds veterinary nutrition residency at the University of Tennessee. News release. The Farmer’s Dog. June 16, 2025.
2. Internships and residences. University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/academics/internships-and-residencies/