Science of Nutrition Symposia

SON

Science of Nutrition Symposia

Discover how unlocking the power of nutrition through scientific research results in innovations that help improve pet health.

Events

Purina Institute International Symposium 2025 – 17-18 July

Microbiome, Nutrition

Purina Institute International Symposium 2025 – 17-18 July

The Purina Institute International Symposium 2025 brings together global veterinary experts to explore how advanced nutrition can transform feline health outcomes through evidence-based strategies and clinical innovation.

A transformational approach to managing allergies to cats

Cat Allergens

A transformational approach to managing allergies to cats

Antonella Muraro, MD, PhD
Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD

What if the simple act of feeding a cat provided more options for your cat-allergic patients? Learn about an innovative approach that neutralizes the major cat allergen at its source in the cat’s saliva. 
This innovation reduces the major cat allergen while keeping the cat in its loving home – allowing you to reframe your conversations with cat-allergic patients. 

VIEW EVENT

Less than 30 minutes

Feline idiopathic cystitis… what we know and what we don't know

Feline Hydration

Feline idiopathic cystitis… what we know and what we don't know

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common syndrome in veterinary practice and typically represents 4-6% of cases presented in general practice. While a number of different identifiable causes of FLUTD are recognised, studies have found that feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) accounts for 55-75% of cases. An evidence-based review of the causes and management of FIC is provided, with an emphasis on dietary management and environmental modification.

VIEW EVENT

Less than 30 minutes

Hydration support and encouraging voluntary fluid intake in cats

Feline Hydration

Hydration support and encouraging voluntary fluid intake in cats

Sarah M. A. Caney, BVSc, PhD, DSAM (Feline), MRCVS

Encouraging cats to consume more water is an important recommendation in a number of situations, including conditions associated with polyuria or increased fluid loss, lower urinary tract disease, chronic constipation and advanced age. Using different cases from her practice, Dr. Caney provides suggestions for supporting patient hydration and encouraging voluntary fluid intake.

VIEW EVENT

30-60 minutes

Water supplement as a hydration solution for cats

Feline Hydration

Water supplement as a hydration solution for cats

Brian Zanghi, PhD

Studies have indicated that water supplements can be highly palatable to cats. These studies demonstrated that cats not only drink more liquid, but maintained higher liquid intake when given access to nutrient-enriched water. Consequently, urine volume increased and urine specific gravity decreased. Cats that need greater hydration would benefit from a water supplement.

VIEW EVENT

Less than 30 minutes

Immunity and Probiotics

Immunity, Probiotics

Immunity and Probiotics

Michael R. Lappin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM

Probiotics are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a beneficial health effect on the host. Most information about pet probiotics focuses on gastrointestinal disease management. But could a probiotic modulate the immune response of dogs and cats? Dr. Michael Lappin reviews evidence that shows some probiotics may enhance or dampen the immune system.

VIEW EVENT

30-60 minutes

Bovine colostrum for immune and gut health in companion animals - what is the link between immunity and nutrition

Immunity, Microbiome

Bovine colostrum for immune and gut health in companion animals - what is the link between immunity and nutrition

Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD

Discover the answers to two key questions: Why enhance the immune health of healthy dogs and cats? and How can food influence the immune system? Dr. Ebenezer Satyaraj shares findings from studies into immune and gut health benefits of adding bovine colostrum to diets.

VIEW EVENT

Less than 30 minutes

Medical benefits associated with a higher water in-take in cats

Feline Hydration

Medical benefits associated with a higher water in-take in cats

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

Cats are efficient at maintaining hydration. However, those cats with certain health conditions may benefit from greater total water intake. Dr. Sparkes provides a brief overview of feline hydration and the conditions in which water intake may be critical for health.

VIEW EVENT

Less than 30 minutes

The Power of Nutrition

Nutrition

The Power of Nutrition

Lizzie Parker, PhD

A significant evolution in nutritional science has occurred during the past 20 years. Learn about science-based nutritional interventions for dogs and cats that demonstrate the true power of nutrition.

VIEW EVENT

Less than 30 minutes

Keep the cat, change the care pathway – a transformational approach to managing Fel d 1, the major cat allergen

Cat Allergens

Keep the cat, change the care pathway – a transformational approach to managing Fel d 1, the major cat allergen

Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD

Allergy to cats is one of the most common animal-origin allergies in humans and affects as many as one in five adults worldwide. Cat allergies have significant consequences for humans and cats. A novel, simple solution safely reduces cat allergens, offering an opportunity to bring cats and people closer together and benefitting pets and their owners. Explore the science behind the innovation and the research that supports its efficacy and safety.

VIEW EVENT

30-60 minutes

Discovery & Insights for Canine Brain Development, Epilepsy, Cognitive Decline and Dietary Management

Brain Development, Cognition

Discovery & Insights for Canine Brain Development, Epilepsy, Cognitive Decline and Dietary Management

Brian Zanghi

Several studies support the use of nutrition in the management of brain health across the various life stages of dogs. DHA is critical for puppy brain and vision development, while medium-chain triglycerides help "feed" an aging brain. Explore numerous studies which show the benefits of nutritional intervention in cognitive decline, cognitive dysfunction syndrome and idiopathic epilepsy.

VIEW EVENT

30-60 minutes

The Gut-Brain Axis and Those "Gut Feelings:" the Impact of B. longum (BL999) on Anxiety in Dogs

Anxiety, Gut-Brain Axis

The Gut-Brain Axis and Those "Gut Feelings:" the Impact of B. longum (BL999) on Anxiety in Dogs

Ragen T. S. McGowan, PhD

Anxiety-related behavioral issues are a top reason why pet owners relinquish dogs to shelters. Learn about anxiety prevalence, its signs, contributing factors and methods for modification. Dr. McGowan details the research that supports the roles of nutrition, the gut-brain axis and a novel dietary intervention in behavioral modification of anxious dogs.

VIEW EVENT

30-60 minutes