Nutrition is a cornerstone of preventive and therapeutic care in veterinary medicine. From tailored growth formulas to diets designed for ageing pets, every ingredient, nutrient level, and formulation decision is guided by extensive scientific evidence. The Vet’s Hub interviews Drs Angeliki Kaldelis and  Debby Bain, Scientific Communications Managers at Royal Canin South Africa. They shares insights on trends, dietary strategies, and the latest evidence in small animal nutrition, helping veterinarians better support the health and wellbeing of their patients.

Q: What are some of the most common dietary challenges in cats and dogs?
A: Obesity/overweight, dermatological issues, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues are the top three problems seen by veterinarians.

Q: How do your nutritional formulations differ for developmental versus maintenance life stages, and is there new evidence guiding these distinctions?
A: Growth is a more demanding life stage compared to adult maintenance. Puppies and kittens need enough nutrients and energy to support normal body functions and growth, so their diets are more nutrient- and energy-dense. They also require proper mineral balance, particularly calcium and phosphorus, for healthy bone and joint development; and support for their immature immune and  digestive systems Unique needs vary by breed and size. All Royal Canin products comply with global nutritional guidelines published by the American Association of Food Control Officers and the European Pet Food Industry Federation, and neonatology research continues to inform best practices.

Q: What role does nutrition play in mitigating age-related sarcopenia, cognitive decline, and metabolic slowdown in senior pets?
A: Nutrition plays a critical role in supporting ageing pets. Diets with highly digestible protein’s help manage sarcopenia, antioxidants and essential fatty acids support brain function, lower phosphorus levels protect kidney function, and palatability ensures adequate intake. These strategies address the complex needs of senior pets.

Q: How is Royal Canin integrating behavioural insights, satiety research, and microbiome data into weight-management diets?
A: Weight management is a major focus. Royal Canin partners with institutions like the Obesity Care Clinic at the University of Liverpool (United Kingdom) and other leading researchers to incorporate the latest insights.

Q: How do you approach weight-loss resistance in pets already on calorie-restricted diets?
A: Weight-loss resistance is approached individually, considering factors such as owner compliance, pet behaviour, or underlying diseases.

Q: With food allergies implicated in chronic dermatological cases, what is your perspective on hydrolysed versus novel protein diets?
A: True food allergies are less common than many think, and most skin disease cases are due to parasites or non-allergic causes. Environmental allergies are more prevalent, though overlaps exist. Hydrolysed protein diets reduce the antigen load by breaking proteins into smaller components, preventing immune reactions. Novel protein diets rely on feeding a protein source the pet hasn’t encountered before. Hydrolysed diets are the gold standard when conducting a food elimination trial.

Q: Are there emerging biomarkers to distinguish adverse food reactions from environmental allergies?
A: While serological tests may contribute to diagnosis, they are not definitive. Not all adverse food reactions (AFRs) are immunological, not all immunological AFRs are potentially immunoglobulin E-mediated, and cross-reactions or chronic inflammation can complicate interpretation. Elimination diet trials remain the gold standard.

Q: How do your GI-support diets address conditions from acute diarrhoea to chronic enteropathies?
A: Royal Canin offers a comprehensive GI portfolio, including:

• First response diets: High-energy diets for urgent gut health needs.
• Low-fat diets: For fat-triggered conditions.
• Fiber precision diets: High Fiber or Tailored fiber blends for responsive conditions.
• Hepatic diets: For chronic liver insufficiency or copper storage disease.
• Hydrolysed protein diets: to reduce food-related reactions causing chronic GI inflammation.

Q: In cats with chronic vomiting, how does nutrition fit into early diagnosis and management?
A: Nutrition is part of a treatment plan once the cause of vomiting is determined. For GI-related causes, dietary trials with GI or hydrolysed diets can help manage conditions and assist diagnosis.

Q: What findings support phosphorus restriction, alkalinisation strategies, and acid–base management in renal diets?
A: Feeding phosphate-restrictive renal diets reduces plasma parathyroid hormones and phosphate concentrations in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), helping manage secondary renal hyperparathyroidism and increasing survival time. Dietary phosphate restriction should be tailored individually depending on the stage of CKD, and possibly combined with phosphate binders to achieve optimal plasma phosphate levels.

Q: How is microbiome research reshaping formulation strategies and is personalised nutrition feasible in practice?
A: The GI microbiome affects energy homeostasis, metabolism, gut health, immunity, and neurobehavior. Personalised nutrition exists but is largely cost-prohibitive, multifunction diets are commonly used.

Q: What evidence supports using pre-, pro-, or postbiotics in chronic GI and immune-mediated disease?
A: Prebiotics feed beneficial gut bacteria, reducing inflammation and supporting GI health. Dietary fiber composition affects microbiome balance, and probiotics improve immunomodulatory barrier function. The GI tract is key in immunity, complementing systemic health.

Q: For working dogs, how do you balance energy, protein quality, and joint support?
A: Macronutrients are tailored to the type and duration of exercise. Fat provides high energy density, carbohydrates fuel digestion and short-term energy, and protein supports muscle but is not a primary energy source. Feeding amounts vary based on activity type and chondroprotectants are important to support joint health.

Q: What misconceptions exist about fat and carbohydrate utilisation in canine endurance versus sprint activities?
A: High carbohydrates support short, intense (anaerobic) efforts, while high fat supports long, sustained (aerobic) efforts.

Q: Which nutrients support cognitive function in ageing pets, and what gaps exist?
A: Protein quality and amount, adequate omega-3s, antioxidants, and medium-chain triglycerides support cognitive health and frailty management. Assessment tools like body weight, body condition score, and muscle condition score are crucial. Many recommendations are extrapolated from human studies, more canine-specific research is needed.

Q: Can nutrition reduce stress-related behaviours in cats?
A: Yes. Tryptophan, a serotonin precursor, and alpha-casozepine, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-promoting biopeptide, can moderate anxiety and stress. Behavioural interventions should combine medication, management, and modification.

Q: What advancements in maternal nutrition and neonatal dietary support should veterinarians apply?
A: Detailed guidance is provided in Royal Canin’s Science in Dog Reproduction booklet and Paediatric handbook, available on The Vet’s Hub website. These resources cover gestation, lactation, and weaning nutrition. To access these resources, go to [website address to be inserted here].

Q: How do you ensure correct DHA and micronutrient levels during pregnancy and early growth?
A: Royal Canin’s Start of Life products contain adequate docosahexaenoic acid sourced from marine fish or sustainable algae oil. Supplementation is unnecessary with properly formulated diets.

Q: How do you balance sustainability with nutrient bioavailability in therapeutic diets?
A: Royal Canin constantly strives to source ingredients in a sustainable manner, but this will never come at the cost of the quality of our products, or regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

Nutrition is a foundational component of preventive and therapeutic veterinary care, with tailored diets supporting pets at every life stage – from growth to ageing. Evidence-based formulations address common challenges such as obesity, GI disorders, dermatological issues, and cognitive decline. Advances in protein quality, fiber composition, pre- and probiotics, and macronutrient balance allow veterinarians to manage chronic conditions, support working and senior animals, and optimise maternal and neonatal health. Ongoing research into the microbiome, satiety, and behavioural nutrition continues to inform innovative strategies. By integrating these scientific insights into clinical practice, veterinarians can ensure pets receive the right nutrients for their unique needs, improving health outcomes and quality of life across the lifespan.

Innovation on the horizon: What’s next from Royal Canin

Royal Canin’s research and development team is continuously monitoring the latest scientific publications in small animal nutrition and assessing the evolving needs of pets and their owners. This commitment ensures that new products are grounded in evidence and designed to address real-world veterinary challenges.

From concept to market, the development of a new diet typically takes around four years, with timelines varying depending on product complexity and regulatory requirements in each country. Looking ahead, Royal Canin has several renovations and innovations planned for 2026, reflecting the company’s ongoing focus on advancing pet health through nutrition. Veterinarians can expect exciting new offerings in the coming year – stay tuned!