What is it about?
This study explored where first-year veterinary and veterinary nursing students in the UK and Republic of Ireland look for information about pet nutrition, and whether they feel confident identifying trustworthy sources. More than 320 students took part in an online survey.
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Why is it important?
With so much conflicting advice about pet nutrition, it can be difficult for owners to know who to trust. As more people explore alternative diets for their pets, veterinary professionals have an increasingly important role in providing reliable, evidence-based nutritional advice. Our findings revealed that, whilst students valued evidence-based information, only around half felt confident finding it. The research also showed that the information sources students trust are not always the ones they most commonly use.
Perspectives
The study uncovered the surprising finding that students' most trusted sources of nutrition information are not always the ones they commonly turn to. This insight into the nutrition information-seeking behaviour of student veterinary professionals can help inform educators in the provision of skills and knowledge to evaluate information and utilise trustworthy sources.
Rachel Lumbis
University of Glasgow
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A survey of UK and Irish veterinary and veterinary nursing Students’ engagement with small animal nutrition information, PLOS One, July 2026, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0351963.
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