Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition

Comprehensive resource providing holistic coverage of the effect of body microbiomes on the health status of dogs and cats

Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition offers new perspective on the prevention and treatment of common health conditions in dogs and cats that arise from or result in dysbiosis of the body’s microbiomes, along with providing alternative first-line solutions of utilizing nutrients―less invasive procedures in comparison to prescription drugs to treat dysbiosis in the body’s microbiomes. This practical manual guides the reader through body systems that are commonly influenced by the microbiota in the microbiomes as well as accompanying dietary recommendations.

Initially, an overview of the body’s microbiome including common terminology and functions of microbiomes precede the chapters on development of the body’s microbiomes and factors influencing their diversity and density. The following three sections provide readers with a different perspective of commonly observed health conditions by focusing on the state of the microbiome and how the condition may be prevented and/or treated with the use of nutrients.

Written by a highly qualified author with significant experience in the field, Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition includes information on sample topics such as:

• Results of research on alternative diets and emerging ingredients’ effect on the microbiomes and how to have the discussions with pet parents
• Nutrition focused calculations, feeding directions, and templates for history, and recommendation for follow-up conversations with pet parents
• Factors affecting the diversity and density of the microbiomes, such as genetics, age, sex, environment, stress, antibiotic therapy, and nutrition
• Integumentary microbiomes, covering the skin’s microbiome, dysfunctional barrier syndrome, atopy (atopic dermatitis), and key nutritional factors

Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition is an essential resource for students completing companion animal health courses in two- and four-year programs, particularly those in veterinary technology, veterinary technician, and animal health technology diplomas and degrees, and it is also highly useful for students in other veterinary and animal science focused programs. Additionally, this book is essential in veterinary practices as a reference guide to support the transition into the utilization of microbiome medicine.

Robin Saar, RVT, VTS (NUTRITION), Canada. Robin became a Registered Animal Health Technologist in 1996 and obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Nutrition in 2019. Robin’s professional experience includes working in small and mixed animal practices as an RVT, and a Practice Manager, and she developed a nutrition program for a veterinary corporation. Robin has written multiple peer reviewed articles and chapters about nutrition and this is her first dedicated textbook. Her current role with AnimalBiome in the veterinary department, meets her interest in nutrition and microbiome health. Currently, Robin is the Education Director for the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, is the President-Elect for the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians, and is a Member at Large at the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition. She is currently completing her MSc in Animal Nutrition through Glasgow University. Her principle is “Nutrition is a part of every pet, every day.”

Dr. Sarah Dodd, BVSc, MSc, PhD, DECVCN, EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition, member of European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition. Dr. Dodd received her veterinary degree from Massey University, New Zealand, in 2016. This was followed by an MSc and a PhD in Clinical Studies and Population Medicine at the University of Guelph in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Whilst completing the academic degrees, Dr. Dodd simultaneously undertook first an internship then a residency with the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition and became board certified in 2022. She has authored a number of peer-reviewed publications (articles, abstracts, and textbook chapters), co-authored a textbook on Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition and reviews manuscripts for a number of journals. Dr. Dodd is a founding member and active fellow of the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition.