Introduction

"Health and nutrition; more closely related than ever before"

Clinical nutrition for companion animals is a fast developing discipline, as demonstrated by the many scientific articles published in this field in the last 50+ years. Indeed, in 2004 alone, there were 2,648 articles published stressing the relationship between health, nutrition and the prevention of disease representing a 100% increase in available scientific information in just over a decade.

So why add a 500-page encyclopedia to the body of scientific literature already available? "Science for science's sake" is not one of Royal Canin’s concerns. Our ultimate goal is to improve the health and well-being of dogs and cats by ensuring their diet is carefully tailored to their individual needs. This encyclopedia is therefore chiefly aimed at practitioners. We aspired to create a reference book which helps veterinary practitioners easily find answers to all of their questions (and those of their clients) concerning the role of nutrition in achieving both optimal health and in treating specific nutrition-responsive disease.

Compared to existing books, this Encyclopedia has three additional features.

1. It Provides Updated Knowledge About Nutrition

Each chapter summarizes the updated knowledge about nutritional therapies and reviews the most commonly asked questions, e.g.

• What is the role of dietary hypersensitivity in the development of intestinal bowel disease?
• Is it necessary to restrict fat intake in exocrine pancreatic deficiency?
• Is renal function affected by a high protein diet?
• What is the influence of urinary pH on the formation of calcium oxalate uroliths?
• What is the optimum sodium level for a dog with asymptomatic cardiac disease?

2. Clinical Experts and Nutritionists Have Worked Together to Ensure That Nutrition Is Included as Part of a Holistic Clinical Approach.

All chapters in this text have been written by world-recognized experts in their respective field. We would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank the authors for having responded so marvellously to our editorial request. Together, we have produced one book covering all the available knowledge in the field of canine nutrition which we hope is easy to consult, pleasant to read and colourfully illustrated.

3. "Royal Canin Nutritional Information" Offers Additional Information

Each chapter includes appendices provided by veterinarians and nutritional experts of Royal Canin. These sections summarise the key points of nutritional management as well as offering additional information about select nutrients.

Royal Canin aims to make a real difference in the communication of scientific knowledge. In addition to this book, Royal Canin produces multiple nutrition guides,The Veterinary Focus (formerly known as Waltham Focus) journal and Special Edition Focus magazines to inform and help veterinary practitioners in their day-to-day work.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this Royal Canin Encyclopedia and that nutrition is an integral part of your daily practice in veterinary medicine.

Pascale Pibot, Denise Elliott, and Vincent Biourge
The Editors