Initiative with The Ohio State University, University of California, Davis, University of Georgia and University of Tennessee to increase the number of board-eligible veterinary nutritionists and embed nutritional expertise in clinical practice

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Sept. 17, 2026 -- Hill's Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-led pet nutrition, announced an expansion of its commitment to advancing veterinary nutrition by sponsoring four clinical nutrition residency programs for the upcoming year at The Ohio State University, University of California, Davis, University of Georgia, and University of Tennessee.

The limited number of board-certified veterinary nutritionists in the U.S. can hinder access to specialized care for pets with complex health needs. To help bridge this gap, Hill’s sponsors intensive, three-year residencies in the U.S. The residency programs provide experienced veterinarians with the advanced training required to become board-eligible clinical nutritionists, with the goal of integrating specialized nutritional care into veterinary practices nationwide.

“Investing in the next generation of veterinary nutritionists is fundamental to our mission of transforming lives through science-led nutrition,” said Dr. Chelsie Estey, U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Each sponsorship creates a ripple effect that keeps nutrition top-of-mind and fosters excitement for the field. As these residents become experts, they remind their colleagues of nutrition’s importance and go on to train others, multiplying the impact of our commitment to building a stronger future in nutritional education for the entire profession.”

The programs provide residents with hands-on experience, allowing them to work and learn alongside university specialists to assess patients, create diet-based treatment plans and make nutrition a core part of veterinary care. These residency programs, as well as a Hill’s-sponsored Kansas State University clinical nutrition internship program, allow students to dive into the science of nutrition and how to leverage it as part of a multimodal approach to care.