1. Introduction to Clinical Nutrition: Patient and Diet Assessment

1. Introduction to Clinical Nutrition: Patient and Diet Assessment

369,00 €

This is the first 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 explore the concept and clinical application of the “Circle of Nutrition”:

  • Nutritional assessment – screening, extended evaluation, and identification of risk factors
  • Diet-, animal-, and environment-specific factors
  • Dietary history – structure, data collection, and interpretation
  • Key calculations – energy and nutrient requirements in dogs and cats
  • Pet food evaluation – production, composition, WSAVA guidelines
  • Client communication – addressing owner concerns
  • Building trust through individualized nutrition plans

After completing this module, you will be able to perform a full nutritional assessment: collect a structured dietary history, evaluate BCS/MCS, calculate DER/MER, and identify diet-, animal-, and environment-related risk factors.

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.

The first lecture provides an in-depth review of the Circle of Nutrition and the guidelines for nutritional assessment – screening and extended evaluations, risk factors for nutrition-related problems, and emphasis of the integration of nutritional assessment into the physical exam. 

The lecture includes practical approaches to evaluating diet-specific, animal-specific, and environmental factors. Key tools, such as body condition scoring, muscle condition scoring, and dietary history, are discussed to guide evidence-based nutritional care.

It also focuses on practical calculations used in clinical nutrition, including RER, MER, and DER, with examples of how to apply them in dietary planning for dogs and cats.

This module covers effective client communication strategies when discussing pet nutrition. It emphasizes the three core questions to guide conversations – Is it safe? Is it nutritious? Is it right for this pet? – and how to address owner concerns. 

Participants will learn how to evaluate pet foods, including manufacturing practices, nutrient composition, and the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee’s guidelines for food selection. 

The lecture also discusses the importance of trust-building with clients through transparent discussions about safety, nutrition, and individualized suitability.

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.

  • I’m so glad I came across your website in the endless sea of online content, most of which isn’t really worth much. It’s such a pleasure to learn from lectures that are so professionally prepared, and at the same time delivered in a clear and genuinely friendly way.
    Anna Ożga
  • I didn’t expect such a great way of teaching – and above all, I appreciate that you are open to all types of feline diets. You don’t impose one “right” way, but instead show that every approach has its pros and cons. Your passion really comes through – it’s not just dry theory.
    Thank you for so many practical tips!
    Renata
  • During the course I learned many new things that truly surprised me. Reading posts from other nutritionists, I honestly think Karolina is the best in Poland at what she does. The course debunks myths that have been repeated for years and proves that there is always more to learn.
    Katarzyna Kuryłowicz

Yes. Each module can be purchased separately.
However, if you plan to complete the entire Vet Clinical Nutrition Academy (60 hours), purchasing the full package is more cost-effective and allows you to take the final exam.

The course is also open to veterinary technicians, animal nutritionists, students, and pet food professionals who wish to expand their clinical nutrition knowledge.
It was, however, designed primarily for veterinarians and assumes a basic understanding of pathophysiology and diagnostic principles in small animal medicine.
Lectures include short refreshers on key topics but focus mainly on nutritional management of clinical patients.

Live meetings are held online via Google Meet in English, at 7:30 p.m. (CEST).
You will receive a meeting link by email before each session.
All live sessions are recorded, so you can watch them later if you can’t attend in real time.

Yes. Upon completing all lessons and quizzes, you will receive a personalized PDF certificate (in English), signed by the lecturer and featuring the Vet Clinical Nutrition Academy logo.

You will have 12 months of access to all videos and course resources from the date of purchase.

Yes. Invoices are issued automatically after purchase – for EU companies with an active VAT number (reverse charge mechanism).
For participants outside the EU, the net price (0% VAT) applies.

No, but participation is highly recommended, as live sessions include clinical case discussions, practical calculations, and Q&A with the instructor.
Recordings are available for those who cannot attend.

Yes. In addition to video lectures, the course includes hands-on exercises (small-group workshops), calculations, quizzes, and opportunities to analyze real clinical cases and pet foods submitted by participants.

Yes. You can purchase the course as a gift voucher.
Please contact: pytania@karolinaholda.com for more details.

  • Start date: November 6, 2025
  • Total duration: 6 hours
  • Certificate: Yes
  • Access period: 12 months

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.

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