Veterinarians and nutrition

Question
I distrust the allegations I frequently see on the net.  How much nutrition are you taught in school?  Is it true that it is heavily influenced by Hills of Science Diet?  If true, I would be very surprised.  After all, when I was studying chemistry in college, DuPont didn't dictate the curriculum. I would really like to have some links backing up what you say to give those that say www.dogfoodanalysis.org is the last word in dog nutrition.  

Note, you may review my answers in the dog area.

Answer
Labman -

You are right to distrust many things you read on the internet.  I can tell you that my education was not heavily influenced by Hills or any other diet.  True, the companies do come speak to us about their products - but all food companies present their products to veterinary students.  

I cannot speak for all veterinarians, but I recommend the food that gets the best results.  If a dog or cat has skin problems, I recommend the food that can help those problems.  If that food repeatedly does not help my patients, I will not continue to recommend it. My patients are too important to me to risk them being ill or uncomfortable because I am being influenced by dog or cat food companies.  

We are taught quite a bit of nutrition in veterinary school; we have to know the nutritional requirements for large and small animals and poultry; some individual breeds of dogs and cats also have special nutritional requirements.  Nutrition can influence the overall health of animals and it was considered an important part of our veterinary curriculum.  

Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with websites; I just do not have the time.  It seems that you are on the right track when it comes to making the right decision in choosing dog food. One suggestion - I do think that it is important to chose a high quality dog food.  Usually, the high quality premium dog foods give the highest nutritional value and can often prevent unnecessary visits to the veterinarian - sort of like the old saying - "an apple a day keeps the doctor away".  It means that good food can keep us healthy.  The same goes for out pets.