Conflicting Nutritional Priorities: Navigating Dietary…

Presented by Laura Teeger, BSc, DVM, CVA, DVSc Student (Clinical Studies), Veterinary Nutrition Resident (ECVCN)

Continuing education questionnaire

CE credit: 1

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Name

First name *

Last name *

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Questions

1. What is the first step in developing a nutritional plan for a pet with comorbidities? *

Choose multiple appropriate therapeutic diets to feed simultaneously.

Let client know that they can no longer feed over-the-counter options

Perform a full nutritional assessment

Choose a therapeutic diet labeled for the most significant condition

2. Which of the following factors should be included in a comprehensive nutritional assessment according to the Circle of Nutrition? *

Animal factors only

Animal and diet factors only

Diet and environmental factors only

Animal, diet, feeding management, and environmental factors

3. True or False. Veterinary therapeutic diets may be appropriate for disease conditions beyond those suggested by their product name or list of medical indications. *

True

False

4. Which medical condition should generally be given the highest priority when balancing competing nutritional needs? *

The condition that was diagnosed first

The condition requiring the least dietary modification

The condition with the greatest impact on quality of life

The condition with the most available commercial therapeutic diet options

5. True or False. Nutrients should be compared on a calorie basis (e.g. g/100 kcal) rather than an as-fed basis because moisture and energy density can make as-fed comparisons misleading. *

True

False

6. Why is monitoring and reassessment an essential part of nutritional management for pets with comorbidities? *

Therapeutic diets are only intended for short-term feeding.

Disease status, body condition, appetite, and nutritional needs may change over time.

Commercial diets frequently become nutritionally inadequate after six months.

Nutritional recommendations should be changed regularly because pets enjoy variety.

7. Which statement best describes the role of veterinary therapeutic diets? *

They are nutritionally superior to all maintenance diets.

They should be fed for life once prescribed.

They are only appropriate for hospitalized patients.

They are formulated with specific nutrient modifications to help manage disease and should be used under veterinary supervision.

8. True or False. A therapeutic diet should primarily be evaluated and recommended based on its product name (e.g., "renal" or "gastrointestinal") *

True

False

9. When compatible nutritional strategies exist but no suitable commercial diet is available, what is the ideal next step? *

Mixing two therapeutic diets together.

Feeding the diet that is highest in protein.

Considering a customized homemade diet formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.

Feeding any complete maintenance diet.

10. True or False. Over-the-counter diets are almost never appropriate in patients with concurrent medical conditions. *

True

False