Global pet nutrition company Royal Canin has partnered with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association to support the Global Nutrition Committee (GNC), which provides an expert source of accurate nutritional information and recommendations for veterinary healthcare teams and the public to understand the importance of nutrition in companion animal health.

The GNC offers a regularly updated Toolkit of resources for veterinary teams, including educational content for pet owners and promotes the importance of performing a nutritional assessment on every animal at every visit. It is also advocating for the inclusion of nutrition as a component in all veterinary and veterinary nurse/technician curricula. The GNC is co-chaired by Marge Chandler DVM, MS, MANZCVS, DACVN, DACVIM, MRCVS and Gregg Takashima DVM, owner and clinician at The Parkway Veterinary Hospital in Oregon, USA. The Committee’s members lecture and publish widely on all aspects of nutrition for companion animals.

Commenting on its ‘Silver Partnership’ relationship with the WSAVA, Dr Thomas Brenten, Global Scientific Affairs Manager for Royal Canin, said: “Misinformation about pet nutrition is widespread, creating a confusing landscape not only for pet owners but also for veterinarians looking for a credible source of information. The GNC is a lighthouse, providing unbiased tools and resources reflecting the current state of knowledge. This is invaluable. “

Dr Thomas Brenten

Dr Shane Ryan, WSAVA President, said: “The GNC is one of our longest established clinical committees. Through the advocacy of its members and the resources it creates, the GNC raises awareness of the central role of nutrition in companion animal health globally and advances the role of the veterinary healthcare team as the expert source of information for optimal pet nutrition.

“We are very pleased that Royal Canin, as one of the world’s global nutrition brands, is supporting the work of GNC and look forward working together.”

The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 113 member associations and works to enhance standards of clinical care for companion animals. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, nutrition and vaccination, together with lobbying on important issues affecting companion animal care worldwide.

About Royal Canin

The Royal Canin Company, owner of the ROYAL CANIN^® brand, is a division of Mars Petcare and a global leader in health nutrition for cats and dogs. Founded over 50 years ago by a French veterinarian, Dr.Jean Cathary, Royal Canin’s purpose is to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETST by pushing the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals and experts.

Royal Canin works closely with pet professionals, such as breeders and veterinarians, not only to design the most precise nutrition for cats and dogs, but also to develop a variety of services, monitoring and diagnostic tools to help understand and care better for them.

Its unique approach always places cats and dogs’ nutritional requirements at the heart of the innovation process. Their age, lifestyle, size, breed, sensitivities and activity level are studied through science and observation in order to produce diets for each pet’s specific needs. The company accelerates sustainable practices, particularly in terms of responsible sourcing, emission and waste reduction and use of sustainable packaging.

Operating in more than 100 markets, Royal Canin counts approximately 7,800 associates, including 500 veterinarians and nutritionists. It also manages 16 factories around the globe, 1 research and development center, 2 innovation centers and 4 laboratories. Royal Canin’s nutritional products are available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide. Outside of Europe, Royal Canin company also owns the Eukanuba TM brand – a high performance nutritional offer for dogs.

To learn more about the Royal Canin company, visit www.royalcanin.com