Pet nutrition expert to address local dog breeders

Local veterinarians, dog breeders, and pet lovers are to hear from a leading industry expert on providing optimal nutrition for their dogs during a seminar to be held today at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel.

The event, sponsored by Purina One, will feature a presentation by Dr Manuel Flores Garcia, an internationally renowned medical and surgical specialist for cats and dogs.

Garcia is a professor of animal nutrition and biochemistry at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

For almost two decades, Garcia has been associated with the Pet Food Institute, which represents 97 per cent of providers of food for dogs and cats in the United States.

The institute provides education and advocacy on pet care.

Garcia is a sought-after speaker at veterinary conferences internationally and has published in several specialist journals on the subject of pet nutrition. He is an active member of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition and the Veterinary Gastroenterology Society.

Georgia Balfour, Purina brand manager at Cari-Med Limited, said this initiative by Nestlé Purina in Jamaica is well anticipated and appreciated by pet owners and pet-care professionals as it provides an opportunity for participants to learn about the latest research on pet-food nutrition.

She noted that the same passion that Nestlé Purina has for providing proper nutrition for cats and dogs is being extended to owners, veterinarians, and dog breeders to ensure a healthy pet "not just for the present, but for years to come".