Hill's Pet Nutrition Sponsored Four Residency Programs
The company has expanded its support for veterinary clinical nutrition training across four U.S. universities.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
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Hill's Pet Nutrition has sponsored three-year clinical nutrition residency programs at four major universities. These initiatives aim to increase the number of board-eligible veterinary nutritionists practicing in the United States.
Why it matters
There is a limited number of board-certified veterinary nutritionists in the U.S., and these programs are designed to address that shortage through specialized training.
The sponsored residency programs are structured as 3-year commitments at The Ohio State University, University of California, Davis, University of Georgia, and University of Tennessee. Additionally, the company supports a clinical nutrition internship at Kansas State University.
The players
Hill's Pet Nutrition
This is a global pet food company that provides specialized nutrition products and supports veterinary medical education programs.
The Ohio State University
This public research university serves as one of the four sites for the newly sponsored veterinary clinical nutrition residencies.
University of California, Davis
This institution hosts one of the veterinary clinical nutrition residency programs funded by the sponsorship.
University of Georgia
This university participates in the clinical nutrition residency program designed to increase the number of specialized veterinarians.
University of Tennessee
This institution is one of the four universities where Hill's Pet Nutrition has established its clinical nutrition residency training.
The details
Veterinarians participating in these residencies work directly with university specialists to evaluate clinical patients and develop tailored, diet-based treatment protocols. This training provides the necessary experience for residents to become board-eligible clinical nutritionists.
Timeline
Residency programs are scheduled for the upcoming year.
Culture Shift
This investment highlights a shift toward prioritizing specialized clinical nutrition in veterinary medicine to bridge the gap between general practice and advanced dietary therapy. By aligning with academic standards, these programs follow a pattern set by requirements for the American College of Veterinary Nutrition's board certification.
These programs may eventually increase access to specialized dietary consultations for pets with complex health conditions at local veterinary clinics. For pet owners, this translates to more veterinarians having the training to offer evidence-based nutritional treatment plans.
The takeaway
Specialized nutrition is becoming a more central component of effective long-term veterinary care for animals with chronic health needs. Pet owners should consult their local veterinarian about whether a board-certified nutritionist could benefit their pet's specific health condition.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in Veterinary Medicine and clinical standards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Petage.
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