Science of Nutrition Symposia

Events

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.
90+ minutes

Cat Allergens
A transformational approach to managing allergies to cats
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.
Less than 30 minutes

Brain Development, Cognition
Discovery & Insights for Canine Brain Development, Epilepsy, Cognitive Decline and Dietary Management
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.
30-60 minutes

Immunity, Microbiome
Bovine colostrum for immune and gut health in companion animals - what is the link between immunity and nutrition
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.
Less than 30 minutes

Immunity, Microbiome
Select clinical syndromes in dogs and cats that may benefit from feeding colostrum
A number of positive effects have been documented in healthy research dogs and cats while being fed bovine colostrum-supplemented food. Dr. Michael Lappin discusses potential clinical uses of bovine colostrum-supplemented food using three common clinical problems in cats and dogs as examples.
Less than 30 minutes

Immunity, Microbiome
Bovine colostrum for gut and immune health: perspectives from human physical stress models
Bovine colostrum has received considerable attention as a dietary supplement that may confer immune and gut health benefits. Explore the research that indicates the beneficial effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on immune function and intestinal integrity in people during acute and chronic exercise-induced stress.
30-60 minutes

Immunity, Probiotics
Immunity and Probiotics
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.
30-60 minutes

Chronic Kidney Disease, Nutrition
What's Really Important in Dietary Management of Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
When it comes to cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), veterinary professionals need to feed the cat, not just the kidneys. Explore the functions of diet for cats with CKD, key nutrients of concern and supporting evidence. Dr. Dottie Laflamme outlines important considerations when selecting a diet for geriatric cats with CKD.
30-60 minutes

Anxiety, Gut-Brain Axis
The Gut-Brain Axis and Those "Gut Feelings:" the Impact of B. longum (BL999) on Anxiety in Dogs
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.
30-60 minutes

Nutrition
The Power of Nutrition
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.
Less than 30 minutes

Cat Allergens
Human Allergy to Cats: Essential Information for Veterinarians
What do veterinarians need to know about human allergies to cats? Get a brief overview of the condition, including its prevalence, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management. Since human allergies to cats impact cat welfare and the human-animal bond, veterinary professionals may be able to help clients reduce their exposure to cat allergens as part of allergy management.
Less than 30 minutes

Cat Allergens
Keep the cat, change the care pathway – a transformational approach to managing Fel d 1, the major cat allergen
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.
30-60 minutes