Share How You Feed Your Pets and Help Improve Nutrition Research.

I am a PhD student at The University of Glasgow. My research is exploring the knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and practice of small animal nutrition.

My current study is investigating the diet choice and dietary decision-making of cat and/or dog owners and parents or guardians of babies and young children, up to 10 years of age. Aims of the project are to:

• Explore how caregivers choose an appropriate diet for their children and pets
• Identify caregivers' trust and acceptance of nutritional guidance and information
• Determine popular sources of nutrition information and the factors influencing this selection. 

Pet caregivers and parents/guardians play a central role in the nutritional care, diet choice and feeding environment of, respectively, their pets and children. By investigating their dietary decision-making and trust in nutrition information and acceptance of nutrition guidance, this study will enable us to establish the relevance and importance that caregivers place on nutrition-related care, information and advice. This data will enable deeper understanding of, and inform, the approaches required for effective nutrition-related communication and education in veterinary and human healthcare.

The study has been awarded ethical approval by the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences Ethics Committee (reference number 200230319).

Who can take part?

• Aged 18+
• Parent or guardian of a young child (aged 0–10 years)
• Caregiver of a dog and/or cat

What would I have to do?

The study will involve the completion of an online anonymous questionnaire which is estimated to take up to 15 minutes to complete. Whatever your dietary and feeding preferences are, your opinions are of great value to this research.

 How do I take part?

Please click on the following link which will take you to the anonymous questionnaire.

https://uofg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_czNqox04d10csCy

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Rachel Lumbis

PhD student in Veterinary Companion Animal Sciences, University of Glasgow.

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