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VNG provides specialist veterinary nutrition consultancy services as well as a range of meal completer supplements and freeze-dried treats for cats and dogs.

30/01/2025

Furday Friday!
We think pets do so much to enrich our lives. So we want to share stories about our pets, and yours, to bring a smile to your face every Furday.

This week we have, Juno!

Favourite food: Cheese

Favourite place in the world: On the hiking trail

Lover of: Balls and frisbees

Please join in on the fun! Send us a photo of your beloved cat or dog to our email at [email protected] and give us two or three fun facts about them. We’ll feature a different pet each week.

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30/01/2025

While cats have impressive senses all around, there is something ‘eerie’ about their sense of hearing.

In each of their ears, cats have 32 muscles controlling their movement, allowing them to swivel their ears in various directions and hone in on particular sounds or noises. This is crucial for a good hunter and our close companions who keep an ear out for any happenings on the food front.

So, don’t be surprised next time you find your cat super attentive to even the quietest of noises, especially if it involves some delicious food!

29/01/2025

How did commercial pet food begin, and how did food for dogs and cats evolve over the years? Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at some of the most interesting products - both good and not-so-good!

Let’s start with Spratt’s Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes. Spratt’s was the world’s first commercial manufacturer of dry dog biscuits. It was founded in 1860, by James Spratt, and quickly became very successful. Spratt’s Dog Cakes contained a mix of grains, vegetables (including beetroot), and beef blood. Other varieties quickly became available, including puppy biscuits with cod liver oil, and ‘Bonio’, the first bone-shaped biscuits.

The use of Spratt’s dog cakes is well documented in the diaries of many early Antarctic expedition members, including Ernest Shackleton. In 1960, Spillers acquired Spratt’s original patent for 3.94 million pounds, and in 1998 Nestle acquired Spillers for 1.53 billion pounds. In 2008, they officially discontinued the Spratt’s brand, 148 years after its creation.

Image credit for image 3: Canterbury Museum’s Antarctic collection. Canterbury Museum 1982.147.2.

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28/01/2025

3 reasons why cats shouldn’t eat (a lot of) fish

1. Fish is a common allergen – yes, but any protein fed commonly can be a common allergen.
2. Fish contain histamines – this occurs when fish isn’t properly stored, so ensure it is.
3. Fish can bio-accumulate toxins and forever chemicals – true, so limit large, older fish such as tuna, mackerel, swordfish, and shark to only occasional feeding

Learn the reasons why cats could benefit from eating fish in our blog and Youtube video.

Blog: https://www.vngpets.com/post/can-cats-eat-fish-a-look-at-the-risks-and-benefits

YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=puzwNWTwLh0

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23/01/2025

Furday Friday!
We think pets do so much to enrich our lives. So we want to share stories about our pets, and yours, to bring a smile to your face every Furday.

This week we have, Inika!

Favourite activity: going for walks in her harness

Favourite food: Hey Bird FD
Fish Face Whiting, but anything really

Occupation: Mischief maker

Please join in on the fun! Send us a photo of your beloved cat or dog to our email at [email protected] and give us two or three fun facts about them. We’ll feature a different pet each week.

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23/01/2025

While many dogs give the impression of really enjoying the treats and human titbits that inevitably get given in response to those puppy dog eyes, their taste and flavour experience is quite different from ours.

Dogs have approximately 1,700 taste buds distributed between the tongue, roof of the mouth, and back of the mouth.

That might sound like a lot; however, let’s compare it with other species for context.

Humans - approximately 9,000 taste buds
Cats - approximately 470-480 taste buds
Pigs - approximately 15,000 taste buds

The smell, texture, and temperature of the food play a huge and complimentary role in how dogs experience their food. So, bear that in mind when trying to enrich their eating experience!

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21/01/2025

The walnut, or English walnut, is a nut that has been associated with health benefits in people. In 2021, researchers found that eating walnuts may improve life expectancy, and may also decrease inflammation, improve gut and cardiac health, and improve cognitive function.

But what about dogs? Well, there’s no evidence that walnuts provide the same health benefits for dogs. However, they are nutrient-dense, and rich in essential fatty acids and many antioxidants. In fact, walnuts contain the highest amount of antioxidants of all nuts.

However, mouldy walnuts that have been on the ground for a long time can contain dangerous toxins, so definitely don’t let your dog eat these. Be careful not to feed the shell, which could cause intestinal obstruction, and don’t feed too many nuts (of any kind), as they are high in fat. So, if you would like to give your dog walnuts for their nutritional benefits, make sure they are fresh, properly shelled, and 1-2 nuts is plenty!

References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8401409/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18536774/

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20/01/2025

Working dogs have varying increases in energy requirements depending on how strenuous the activity is, the duration of work, and the environment they are working in. Therefore, working dogs need to consume more calories than the average dog, but how much more depends greatly on their activity!

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24951343/

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17/01/2025

Furday Friday!
We think pets do so much to enrich our lives. So we want to share stories about our pets, and yours, to bring a smile to your face every Furday.

This week we have, Bernie!
Age: 5
Favourite Food: chimken
Likes: eating and cuddles
Dislikes: that Mum doesn’t feed me 24/7, also when people walk past me and don’t pat me, that is incredibly rude!

Please join in on the fun! Send us a photo of your beloved cat or dog to our email at [email protected] and give us two or three fun facts about them. We’ll feature a different pet each week.

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16/01/2025

Many people believe that a behaviour as complex as jealousy is reserved for humans. However, that’s not necessarily true.

Research has shown that dogs, like humans, exhibit jealous behaviours, although how this manifests might differ slightly. Dogs show increased snapping, getting between their owner/parent and the offending object, and pushing/touching the object or owner/parent.

So, why do dogs get jealous? Territoriality and dominance rank can be excluded, and it is believed to be a primordial trait (in other words, something dogs are born with).

Possible triggers might include:

Other dog/s
Possibly other people

In one study, dogs did not tend to show jealous behaviour towards inanimate objects (e.g., a book, a puppet, or a fake dog), which differs from studies looking at jealousy in children.

If you’re noticing your dog being jealous, be sure to share the love.

References:

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0094597
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29668684/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-27251-1

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15/01/2025

Yoghurt is an ancient and nutritious food that was likely discovered by Neolithic people around 5000 BC. It is produced by bacterial fermentation of the sugars in milk. A starter culture containing specific Lactobacillus and Streptococcus strains is added, and these bacteria produce lactic acid, giving yoghurt its tart flavour. Some yoghurt contains additional probiotic bacteria, for which specific health claims can be made.

There are a number of studies indicating the positive effects of yoghurt consumption on human health. Unfortunately, though, there isn’t much research on the health benefits of yoghurt for dogs or cats. If you want to try a probiotic supplement for your pet, it’s better to chat with your vet about dog- and cat-specific products. However, yoghurt can make a great treat for dogs, and is perfect for use in enrichment toys. Avoid yoghurt with added sugar, flavours, or artificial sweeteners (xylitol is harmful). Plain/natural yoghurt or Greek yoghurt is best.

References:
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/5/1/6

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14/01/2025

All of them, unfortunately!

Labrador, Chihuahua, Newfoundland, dachshunds, West Highland white terrier, golden retriever, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, pug, English springer spaniel, cocker spaniel, Bernese mountain dog, Lhasa apso, and shih tzu are all overrepresented. Like cats, we think genetics and a true lower energy requirement are factors.

So while everyone should always keep an eye on their dogs to make sure they are in good body weight and condition, it’s important to keep an extra eye on these guys!

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14570234/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34056782/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27417154/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33754373/

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13/01/2025

We hope you had a great Monday. If not, here are some puppies. 🐶🐶🐶🐶🧡

10/01/2025

Furday Friday!
This week we have, Squeak!

Favourite food: Fancy Feast Royale broths

Likes: Cows, horses and his Ikea Poang chair

Favourite activity: Hiking in the French countryside

Squeak was born in the French town of Entraygues-sur-Truyère and was rescued from the engine compartment of a car. He travelled to Sydney in 2022 and now lives comfortably in the suburbs, although he misses the beautiful mountains and forests of his hometown!

Please join in on the fun! Send us a photo of your beloved cat or dog to our email at [email protected] and give us two or three fun facts about them. We’ll feature a different pet each week.

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09/01/2025

There are several stories of cats who have navigated long distances and through sometimes unfamiliar territories to find their way back home. But how do they do it?

Studies more than half a century ago looked into what was coined psi-trailing (sometimes otherwise called psi-travelling), a phenomenon where animals, such as cats, can trace their owner in a distant location they have not previously visited.

How do they do this? Well, a few theories have been proposed. One is that cats use the angle of the sunlight to find their way. Another is that cats have magnetised brain cells that serve as a compass—in other words, they use the earth’s magnetic fields to navigate their journey back home. Building on this, others have proposed that cats’ whiskers could play a role in detecting magnetic fields.

Regardless of how they manage to achieve such feats, it’s certainly true that cats are incredible creatures, and we still have so much to learn about them.

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08/01/2025

Sweet potatoes are an incredibly popular carbohydrate source for dogs. They come in a rainbow of colours, are palatable, and are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and many essential nutrients.

Another plus is that sweet potatoes are a very sustainable crop, with excellent water efficiency and disease resistance.

There was some initial concern that sweet potatoes may have been linked to some cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, however no association has been found and they remain safe to feed.

Purple sweet potatoes are much loved for their high anthocyanin content, however orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are still antioxidant-rich, containing a range of carotenoids, vitamin C and some phenolic acids. There’s no need to peel sweet potatoes, as this is where much of the beneficial fibre is.

For all these reasons, you’ll find sweet potato in many of our recipes for dogs. You can also try slowly dehydrating sweet potato strips in the oven for a nutritious chew for your dog, or filling enrichment toys with sweet potato mash for some long-lasting entertainment!

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🍠 anthocyanins

06/01/2025

Some cat breeds are overrepresented when it comes to the cat population that is overweight. There are several possible reasons for this, including genetics and a lower energy requirement. So, while everyone should always keep an eye on their cats to make sure they are in a good body weight and condition, it’s important to keep an extra good eye on these guys. Let 2025 be the year of ideal body weights!

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24612018/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18774325/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30044843/
https://jarvm.com/articles/Vol3Iss2/LUND.pdf

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06/01/2025

We’re back! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break and got time to unwind and re-energise. We’re really excited about what’s in store for 2025 (hint: we already have a few things up our sleeves.) Thank you as well for all the support last year - we are so lucky to work with amazingly dedicated pet parents and veterinary professionals. Cheers to an exciting year ahead for everyone!

*Also, CompleteMe Hypo Canine is back in stock! 🐶🤗

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#2025

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Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Website

https://www.vngpets.com/

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Last day too get our products at 25% off. 🐈‍⬛ 🐕 ✅ Running from Thursday, 28 November through to the end of Monday, 2 December 2024 (Midnight AEDT). 🗓️ Get your paws on some great specials while stocks last! 🐾 Free domestic shipping (Australia only) on all orders over $99. 📦 📬 - - #vng #vngpets #nutrition #veterinarynutrition #veterinarynutritiongroup #veterinarynutritionist #vetnut #pets #petlovers #petlover #funfacts #dog #dogs #puppy #mansbestfriend #cat #cats #catlovers #kitten #treats #dogtreats #cattreats #christmas #christmastreats #limitededition #blackfriday #blackfridaysale #blackfridaysale2024 #blackfriday2024 #sale

It’s Black Friday! And all our products are 25% off. 🐈‍⬛ 🐕 ✅ Running from Thursday, 28 November through to the end of Monday, 2 December 2024 (Midnight AEDT). 🗓️ Get your paws on some great specials while stocks last! 🐾 Free domestic shipping (Australia only) on all orders over $99. 📦 📬 - - #vng #vngpets #nutrition #veterinarynutrition #veterinarynutritiongroup #veterinarynutritionist #vetnut #pets #petlovers #petlover #funfacts #dog #dogs #puppy #mansbestfriend #cat #cats #catlovers #kitten #treats #dogtreats #cattreats #christmas #christmastreats #limitededition #blackfriday #blackfridaysale #blackfridaysale2024 #blackfriday2024 #sale

Black Friday starts now! And all our products are 25% off. 🐈‍⬛ 🐕 ✅ www.vngpets.com Running from Thursday, 28 November through to the end of Monday, 2 December 2024 (Midnight AEDT). 🗓️ Get your paws on some great specials while stocks last! 🐾 Free domestic shipping (Australia only) on all orders over $99. 📦 📬 - - #vng #vngpets #nutrition #veterinarynutrition #veterinarynutritiongroup #veterinarynutritionist #vetnut #pets #petlovers #petlover #funfacts #dog #dogs #puppy #mansbestfriend #cat #cats #catlovers #kitten #treats #dogtreats #cattreats #christmas #christmastreats #limitededition #blackfriday #blackfridaysale #blackfridaysale2024 #blackfriday2024 #sale

Made with ❤️ from human-grade ingredients. Get your paws on them while stocks last! Treat ‘em right! - - #vng #vngpets #nutrition #veterinarynutrition #veterinarynutritiongroup #veterinarynutritionist #vetnut #pets #petlovers #petlover #funfacts #dog #dogs #puppy #mansbestfriend #cat #cats #catlovers #kitten #treats #dogtreats #cattreats #christmas #christmastreats #christmasdogtreats #christmascattreats #heybird #limitededition

At VNG, we sell Ethical Australian Treats (EATs) and supplements to make meals COMPLETE. If you’re preparing homemade meals for your 🐈‍⬛ or 🐕, CompleteMe is all you need to make sure their meals are COMPLETE. Our range of Hey Bird treats includes ethical and sustainable free-range eggs, pork and chicken, MSC-certified fish, and wild-caught hare - what a TREAT. 🥚🐖🐓🐟🐇 First of its kind - Re:Nu therapeutic treats suitable for cats and dogs with food sensitivities and those with kidney disease. Music: Bensound License code: Y8XMPQKS5QP0F9LI

Here’s a healthy homemade treat recipe that’s low in protein and phosphorus, but rich in beneficial nutrients like oat beta-glucans, vitamin E, fisetin, and B vitamins. Please see our blog for more information and have a chat with your vet if you have any concerns about suitability. Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas ¾ cup finely diced kiwifruit and strawberries 120 grams rolled oats 2 tablespoons almond butter (no added salt or sugar) Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180C and use some unsalted butter to grease your baking dish. Using a fork, mash the bananas and diced strawberries and kiwifruit together. Add the rolled oats and almond butter, and mix well. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, then allow to cool and cut into small squares. The slice should be slightly soft and golden brown on top. For more info, please check out our website at: https://www.vngpets.com IG: www.instagram.com/vng_pets in: www.linkedin.com/company/vng-pets And don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE! 🐶🧡🐱 - - #vng #vngpets #nutrition #veterinarynutrition #veterinarynutritiongroup #veterinarynutritionist #vetnut #pets #petlovers #petlover #funfacts #dog #dogs #puppy #puppys #kitten #kittens #mansbestfriend #cat #cats #catlovers #treatrecipe #treat #bananas #kiwifruit #strawberries #rolledoats #baking #dogtreats #cattreats

Looking for some low-fat homemade treat options for your dog with pancreatitis here’s a recipe for some sweet potato and carrot biscuits: The ingredients list and cooking instructions are below: What you’ll need: 100 g sweet potato - steamed 100 g carrot - steamed 180 g self-raising flour 20 g butter (unsalted) - melted Cooking instructions: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Steam or microwave the chopped sweet potato and carrot until soft, then mash them together in a large mixing bowl. Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave, then add it and the self-raising flour to the bowl containing the sweet potato/carrot mixture, and combine it all together - the best way to do this is with your hands! If the dough mixture is quite sticky, you can add a smidge more self-raising flour. Sprinkle some flour on a benchtop surface, then roll out the dough until it’s about half a centimetre thick. Grab your favourite cookie cutter - we recommend using a dog bone shape, given the aim is to make them biscuit-like, but you’re welcome to be more creative here. Cut the dough into the desired shapes. Transfer the dough biscuits onto baking paper on a baking tray and pop them into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes (depending on your oven - keep a close eye to make sure they don’t overcook). Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool before serving them. Happy munching! Music: Bensound License code: XYXLXY61FRAMAGI3 #dogfoodrecipe #vng #vngpets #nutrition #veterinarynutrition #veterinarynutritiongroup #veterinarynutritionist #vetnut #pets #petlovers #petlover #funfacts #canine #dog #dogs #mansbestfriend #biscuit #biscuits #dogbiscuits #biscuitrecipe #biscuitrecipes

What a great day, see you all at the next show!

Looking for some low-fat homemade treat options for your dog with pancreatitis - we’ve got you covered with a recipe for delicious pizza bites: The ingredients list and cooking instructions are below: What you’ll need: -200 g sweet potato - steamed -150 g self-raising flour -50 g mozzarella cheese (approximately 24.5% fat) - grated -30 g tomato sauce -20 g mushroom - steamed -10 g spinach - steamed Cooking instructions: -Preheat your oven to 180°C. -Steam or microwave the finely chopped mushrooms and spinach until soft, then set aside and allow to cool. -Steam or microwave the chopped and peeled sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them together in a large mixing bowl. -Add the self-raising flour to the mashed sweet potato, then mix the sweet potato and self-raising flour to make a dough - get your hands in there; they do the job best ;) -Sprinkle some flour on a benchtop surface, then roll out the dough until it’s about 1 centimetre thick. -Grab your favourite cookie cutter - we recommend using a round shape, given the aim is to make it pizza-like, but you’re welcome to be more creative here. Cut the dough into the desired shapes. -Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on top of each cut-out bit of dough, then sprinkle on the cheese (grated), mushrooms (finely chopped), and spinach (finely chopped) evenly across the pieces of dough/mini pizzas. -Transfer the mini pizzas onto baking paper on a baking tray and pop them into the oven. -Bake for 15-20 minutes until the base starts to turn golden, and the toppings are melted and deliciously combined. -Remove from the oven and allow the mini pizzas to cool before serving them up. The mini pizzas can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Enjoy! Music: Bensound License code: QHXVBZR3G2S8WSOZ - - #vng #vngpets #nutrition #veterinarynutrition #veterinarynutritiongroup #veterinarynutritionist #vetnut #pets #petlovers #petlover #funfacts #canine #dog #dogs #mansbestfriend #piz

Want to WIN some Hey Bird freeze-dried treats? At VNG, tongues out = treats out. So, we want to share our delicious freeze-dried treats with your tonguey companions. We’re giving out a bag of Hey Bird treats of your/your pet’s choosing to the five (5) best-dressed tongue-out photos (sorry, Australia-based clients only) shared between now and the end of September 2024. Here’s what you need to do to enter: 1. Share this post on your Facebook or Instagram profile and tag VNG in the post. 2. Follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram if you haven’t already. 3. Post a photo of your four-legged best friend with their tongue out on your profile. Tag VNG in the post and use #tongueouttuesday. Competition closes at midnight AEDT on Monday, 30 September 2024. Winners will be announced on 1 October 2024 (keep an eye out for a message from us on your Facebook or Instagram profile). Prizes will be sent out shortly thereafter. Full Ts&Cs on our website. Let the drooling begin. Music: Bensound License code: ORCBYE5DIAVMMJJR - - #vng #vngpets #nutrition #veterinarynutrition #veterinarynutritiongroup #veterinarynutritionist #vetnut #pets #petlovers #petlover #funfacts #dog #dogs #mansbestfriend #cat #cats #catlovers #tongueouttuesday #tongueout #tuesday#dogtongue #cattongue #tongue

Many diseases can affect the lower urinary tract of cats, but in most cases, the cause is never found. This is called feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Signs of FIC include: o Increased frequency of urination o Painful or difficulty urinating o Blood in the urine o Peeing outside of the litterbox We manage FIC through dietary, behavioural and environmental modifications, and medication. Encouraging dilute urine and more frequent urination reduces urinary compounds from forming, to reduce the risk of blockages and bladder inflammation. So just like with urinary stones, feeding a high moisture diet and encouraging drinking is key. Also, reducing environmental stress triggers and modifying the home environment is important. A cat behaviour consultation can be extremely helpful for this @PetNuture More information on FIC can be found here: https://icatcare.org/advice/feline-idiopathic-cystitis-fic/ https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/urology-renal-medicine/current-thoughts-on-pathophysiology-treatment-of-feline-idiopathic-cystitis/ - - #vng #vngpets #nutrition #veterinarynutrition #veterinarynutritiongroup #veterinarynutritionist #vetnut #pets #petlovers #petlover #funfacts #cat #cats #catlovers #feline #felineidiopathiccystitis #caturinarytract #caturinaryproblems #caturinaryhelp

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About us

We believe evidence-based, personalised nutrition can provide your dog or cat with the best possible foundation for good health throughout their lives. Every animal is an individual and every situation is different. We want our nutritional recommendations to be ideal for the pet, but also to work well for the owner too. In that sense, we are flexible and accommodating, and we never lose sight of the importance of practicality and affordability.

We offer a range of services to both pet owners and veterinarians, and have clients around the world, including the USA, China, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, the UK and many more. Our primary focus is on formulation of science-based therapeutic diets for dogs and cats with medical concerns, however we also formulate diets for healthy animals, and offer a variety of services to commercial pet food companies as well.

Our recommendations and formulations are based on the most up-to-date nutritional research, as well as a strong foundation of internal medicine, clinical pathology, and physiology and biochemistry. We are passionate about feline nutrition, critical care nutrition, ageing and cognitive health, prevention of obesity, and nutrition of dogs and cats with renal disease. Finally, even though we focus on the science in our day-to-day work, we understand and appreciate the joy of food, for pets and people alike. Food should not only be nutritious, but delicious, exciting and fun as well!

Thank you for visiting our page, please do contact us if you have any questions: [email protected]