A holistic approach to creating a nutrition plan for hospitalised inpatients

Abstract

Proper nutrition ensures adequate intakes of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins and it is essential for dogs and cats to ensure health and longevity. Veterinary nurses play a vital role in educating pet owners about nutrition as well as implementing the majority of nutritional support to hospitalised animals. As part of a holistic approach to delivering nutritional support, nutrition plans can be used successfully. This article will discuss and educate on how to implement and deliver this systematic approach using a basic nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation to ensure an organised and more successful method is used to deliver nutritional support to inpatients.