11. Nutritional imbalances
197,00 €
This is the eleventh module of Vet Clinical Nutrition Academy.
The full bundle of 60-hour program (12 modules) is available here: Vet Clinical Nutrition – 60-hour course
In this module, we focus on nutritional imbalances and diet-induced disorders in dogs and cats. Participants learn how to recognise, diagnose and treat conditions caused by nutritional excesses, deficiencies or inappropriate diet formulation. The module provides a structured, evidence based approach to identifying risk factors, interpreting clinical findings and implementing targeted nutritional corrections.
Key topics include:
• Pathophysiology, clinical signs and diagnostic approaches for diet related diseases
• Diet associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – current evidence and controversies
• Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (Ca:P imbalance)
• Thiamine deficiency – causes, diagnosis and treatment
• Vitamin A toxicity – risk factors and dietary sources
• Other key nutrient excesses and deficiencies (vitamin D, iodine, copper, zinc, taurine and more)
• Designing nutritional interventions to correct imbalances and restore physiologic function
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this module, you will be able to:
• Detect and correct common nutritional excesses and deficits, including Ca:P imbalance, vitamin D abnormalities and iodine related disorders.
• Critically appraise claims related to diet associated conditions, including the ongoing DCM debate, using evidence based reasoning.
• Communicate risks and benefits clearly to owners and document shared decision making in a transparent and professional way.
Schedule:
3 Sep 2026 – Pre‑recorded material (1 h)
10 Sep 2026 – Live: cases + Q&A (2 h)
Total ~3 h
(Live sessions take place at 7:30 p.m. CEST via Google Meet.)
Live meetings include case discussions and small-group workshops. The course also includes supporting literature, practical tools, knowledge-check quizzes, and access to a private Facebook community.
It is conducted in English.
This is a fully online program that you can complete from anywhere, at your own pace.
This module provides a comprehensive exploration of nutritional imbalances in dogs and cats and how they contribute to clinically significant disease. Participants learn the underlying pathophysiology of nutrient deficiencies and excesses, how these conditions present clinically and which diagnostic tools are most appropriate for confirming suspected diet induced disorders.
The module covers a range of key diseases, including diet associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, thiamine deficiency, vitamin A toxicity, and other essential nutrient imbalances. Each condition is examined from an evidence based perspective, with emphasis on differentiating diet induced causes from other differential diagnoses.
Participants learn how to recognise specific clinical signs, evaluate laboratory abnormalities and use diagnostic imaging or diet recall to identify the underlying imbalance. The module then guides clinicians through designing targeted nutritional interventions, adjusting macronutrients and micronutrients, integrating appropriate supplements and monitoring response to therapy.
Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of critical thinking and evidence appraisal, enabling clinicians to navigate controversial topics such as diet associated DCM without bias or brand influence. The module also addresses communication strategies for discussing diet related risks and benefits with owners, including how to document shared decisions and ensure clarity in the clinical record.
By the end of this module, participants will be able to confidently identify, diagnose and correct nutritional imbalances, improving patient outcomes and preventing recurrence through informed, evidence based dietary guidance.
Dr Moran Tal‑Gavriel, BSc, DVM, DVSc, Dip ECVCN
Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition
She has a multidisciplinary background that spans clinical practice, public health, academic research, and the pet food industry. She is first and foremost passionate about supporting pets and their families, striving to create nutrition strategies that improve health and quality of life. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) from the University of Guelph, where her research focused on feline obesity and the gastrointestinal microbiome. Her academic work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and she continues to serve on advisory boards supporting graduate student development. After several years with Royal Canin in a global role focused on nutritional product development and international regulatory advocacy, Dr. Tal-Gavriel returned to clinical practice in 2024. She first served as a Veterinary Nutritionist at Central Toronto Veterinary Referral Clinic, supporting specialists with nutrition strategies for complex medical cases. She then founded VetWell Nutrition, an independent platform providing expert nutrition services to veterinarians, pet owners and the pet food industry. Most recently, Dr. Tal-Gavriel joined Open Farm as Head of Veterinary Nutrition, expanding her impact in the pet food industry by driving evidence-based product innovation and nutritional excellence. Through her dual roles at Open Farm and VetWell Nutrition, she delivers individualized nutrition plans for pets with medical or wellness needs, offers clinical support to veterinarians through direct case collaboration, and consults for pet food companies on science-based formulation, innovation, and compliance. Above all, Dr. Tal-Gavriel’s approach blends clinical expertise, scientific evidence, and regulatory insight with a heartfelt commitment to improving pets’ lives. She is dedicated to empowering veterinary teams and pet owners alike with practical, impactful nutritional solutions that truly support the health and wellness of the animals she serves.
The VCNA course has been designed primarily for veterinarians who wish to deepen their expertise in the dietary management of canine and feline diseases.
It is also suitable for veterinary technicians, animal nutritionists, veterinary students, and pet food professionals interested in the clinical application of nutrition.
