Who would you trust more: veterinarians or nutritionists?

[ravennr]

In regards to feeding your pet, who do you find yourself putting your trust into generally?

[PatchworkRobot]

Nutritionists. Most vets don't learn anything about nutrition in vet school, to my understanding, other than what the supporting company (Purina, IAMS, Eukanuba) tells them.

[Fran101]

Nutritionist. for sure.

Even as a pre-vet major, what we are learning in our program is already very very influenced by sponsors/donors (aka: hills and Purina)

As it is we get pizza parties, free gifts, back packs etc..
and *gasp* what we are taught is of course pointed toward funders of the program

We do learn quite a bit on our own, and a few of my professors do feed raw and teach that.. but for the most part.. ya, pre-vet/vet students don't really get much when it comes to nutrition knowledge.

[ravennr]

The sponsored-teaching has always been a huge turn off for me in trusting my vet. Especially when I see Hills stickers all over their office.

[Fran101]

Originally Posted by ravennr

The sponsored-teaching has always been a huge turn off for me in trusting my vet. Especially when I see Hills stickers all over their office.

I used to really blame vets.. but now, being part of the system (even as just a pre-vet student). I can certainly see how easily it happens.
The reps are really REALLY nice, we are all broke college students, the free stuff, the free food, all the "research" and studies.. it's all very convincing, .
hell, if it wasn't for chaz, I would probably be totally convinced! and certainly would've continued to be convinced after hearing it over and over from now til vet school

[MafiaPrincess]

Neither honestly unless my pet had a special need.

[JessLough]

My vet, absolutely. But I trust her with anything

Hmm... Can I pick Chaz?
Definitely Chaz. LOL

[ravennr]

Originally Posted by Fran101

I used to really blame vets.. but now, being part of the system (even as just a pre-vet student). I can certainly see how easily it happens.
The reps are really REALLY nice, we are all broke college students, the free stuff, the free food, all the "research" and studies.. it's all very convincing, .
hell, if it wasn't for chaz, I would probably be totally convinced! and certainly would've continued to be convinced after hearing it over and over from now til vet school

It's a tough thing to deal with, I'm sure. Even just reading studies, I am torn all the time. Studies funded by big name companies such as Nestle and Mars for foods such as Royal Canin and Whiskas and Purina. On one hand, I hate those foods, but on the other hand, I know those companies have the funding to do these studies and depending on what the study is, I can agree with it.

I have met vets that recommend great foods, too, but who will turn their nose up when someone says they feed raw, and advise against it. It always throws me for a loop, especially when the animal being discussed is cats. I feel cat nutrition often gets thrown to the back burner in general, though.

I have found a lot of veterinarians recently that seem to be paying a very special attention to nutrition. A few of them have said that in the veterinary community, nutrition doesn't get enough attention. I'm not sure how true that is in general, but the lack of information I can find on certain aspects of nutrition with vet backing can be weird at times.

It's no wonder the pet food debate is so strong!

[ravennr]

Originally Posted by Backward_Cinderella

Hmm... Can I pick Chaz?
Definitely Chaz. LOL

There are definitely people here I trust way more than anyone else I've ever met or read on certain topics, and nutrition tends to be one of them!
Chaz is definitely an acceptable answer.