How can veterinary teams talk to clients about online pet food trends and treats without making them feel judged?

Interviewer Mohana Marathe leads a detailed discussion with Cat Henstridge and Rachel Lumbis to help clinics take back control of the food conversation. First, Cat Henstridge explores how social media algorithms play on owner guilt, explaining how fear-based online advertisements can dangerously delay sick animals from getting proper veterinary care. Then, Rachel Lumbis focuses on treats and snacks, detailing how to comfortably ask for permission to discuss food, limit extra calories to a strict 10% limit, and use specific goals to handle learned begging.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee
• WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines
• UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) – Report an Ad – The official portal mentioned for flagging and reporting misleading or non-compliant commercial pet food marketing campaigns in the UK

Contributors

• Mohana Marathe, BVSc & AH: Episode Interviewer, Recent graduate, member of the WSAVA Education Committee, and former Cornell University Veterinary Investigator Leadership Program participant. (LinkedIn)
• Cat Henstridge, BVSc, MRCVS: First-opinion small animal Veterinary Surgeon, prominent clinical commentator on social media and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook)
• Rachel Lumbis MSc, BSc (Hons), PGCert (MedEd), CertSAN, RVN, FHEA: Postgraduate Research Student at the University of Glasgow, and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (ORCID)

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.