According to research reviewed by Gram Research analysis, most veterinary students (82%) want to learn about pet nutrition and recognize its importance, but only 53% feel confident enough to guide pet owners toward trustworthy nutrition information. A 2026 survey of 321 UK and Irish veterinary and nursing students found that while students trust veterinarians and scientific articles most, they often turn to less reliable sources like social media and friends for actual nutrition advice.
A new study of UK and Irish veterinary students reveals an important gap: while most future vets and vet nurses want to learn about pet nutrition, only about half feel confident enough to guide pet owners toward trustworthy information. The research shows that students trust veterinarians and scientific articles for nutrition facts, yet many still turn to social media and friends for advice. This matters because pets are increasingly fed special diets, and pet owners need reliable guidance to avoid misinformation that could harm their animals’ health.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional survey of 321 UK and Irish veterinary and nursing students found that 82% expressed interest in learning about small animal nutrition, yet only 53% felt sufficiently knowledgeable to help pet owners access evidence-based nutritional information.
According to the 2026 study of 321 veterinary students and nursing students, 93% considered evidence-based information important for pet owners’ dietary decisions, but students frequently relied on social media and friends despite rating these sources as less valuable than veterinary professionals.
A 2026 survey of 321 veterinary and nursing students in the UK and Ireland revealed that 73% perceived qualified veterinarians as knowledgeable about pet nutrition, compared to only 53% who rated veterinary nurses as knowledgeable, highlighting a training gap in the profession.
Research from 321 UK and Irish veterinary students in 2026 showed that veterinary healthcare professionals and journal articles ranked as the most trusted nutrition information sources, while media, social media, and friends ranked as least valuable despite being frequently consulted.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Where veterinary students and vet nursing students get their information about pet nutrition, and whether they feel ready to give pet owners reliable advice
- Who participated: 321 students total: 135 first-year veterinary students and 186 veterinary nursing students from schools in the UK and Republic of Ireland, surveyed between October 2023 and January 2024
- Key finding: While 82% of students want to learn about pet nutrition and 93% think evidence-based information matters for pet health, only 53% feel knowledgeable enough to help pet owners find trustworthy sources
- What it means for you: Pet owners should ask their veterinarian directly about nutrition rather than relying on social media or friends. Vets are working to improve their training, but there’s currently a gap between what students know and what they feel confident teaching
The Research Details
Researchers sent online surveys to first-year veterinary and veterinary nursing students at schools across the UK and Ireland. The survey asked students where they get nutrition information, how much they trust different sources, and whether they feel ready to guide pet owners. A total of 321 students voluntarily completed the survey between October 2023 and January 2024.
This type of study is called a cross-sectional survey, which means researchers took a snapshot of students’ opinions at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. The students were recruited through their schools using email invitations, so the sample represents students who were willing to participate rather than a completely random selection.
Understanding what information sources students trust and use is important because these future veterinarians and vet nurses will be advising pet owners for decades. If they’re not confident in finding and explaining evidence-based nutrition information, pet owners may continue relying on unreliable sources like social media. This research helps veterinary schools know what training gaps need to be filled.
The study included a reasonable number of participants (321 students) and asked clear questions about their information sources and confidence levels. However, because students volunteered to participate, the results may skew toward more engaged students. The survey was conducted at a specific time (late 2023 to early 2024) and only included UK and Irish schools, so results may not apply to all countries or time periods. The study is descriptive rather than experimental, meaning it shows what students think and do but doesn’t prove that changing their training would improve pet nutrition outcomes.
What the Results Show
The study found a striking contradiction: most students (82%) expressed interest in learning about pet nutrition, and nearly all (93%) agreed that evidence-based information is important for pet owners’ dietary decisions. Yet only 53% felt they had enough knowledge to actually help pet owners access trustworthy nutrition information.
When asked which sources they trusted most, students ranked veterinarians and scientific journal articles at the top. However, students also reported using less reliable sources like social media, friends, and family for nutrition information—even though they rated these sources as less valuable. This gap between what students trust and what they actually use suggests that convenient sources sometimes win out over reliable ones.
Students perceived qualified veterinarians as significantly more knowledgeable about pet nutrition (73% rated them highly) compared to veterinary nurses (53% rated them highly). This perception may reflect current training differences, though it also suggests an opportunity to strengthen nutrition education for nursing students.
The research revealed that both veterinary students and veterinary nursing students showed similar patterns in their information-seeking behavior, though nursing students may benefit from additional nutrition training. The high interest level (82%) suggests that students recognize nutrition’s importance for pet health and want to develop expertise in this area. The gap between interest and confidence indicates that current educational programs may not be fully preparing students to evaluate and communicate nutrition information effectively.
This study adds to growing evidence that nutrition misinformation is a widespread problem in pet care, similar to what’s been documented in human health. Previous research has shown that pet owners increasingly turn to unconventional diets and alternative feeding practices, often without veterinary guidance. This new research from Gram Research analysis shows that the veterinary profession itself recognizes the problem but is struggling to equip the next generation with the skills to address it. The findings align with broader concerns about health misinformation in the digital age.
The study only included first-year students, so it doesn’t show whether confidence and knowledge improve as students progress through their programs. Students who volunteered to take the survey may be more interested in nutrition than the average student, which could make the results seem more positive than they actually are. The survey was conducted in the UK and Ireland only, so results may not apply to other countries with different veterinary education systems. The study describes what students think and do but doesn’t measure whether their advice actually improves pet health outcomes.
The Bottom Line
Pet owners should prioritize getting nutrition advice directly from their veterinarian rather than from social media, friends, or unverified online sources. If your vet seems uncertain about nutrition, ask them to refer you to a veterinary nutritionist or recommend peer-reviewed resources. When evaluating pet diet information online, look for sources written by veterinarians or published in scientific journals. Confidence level: Strong evidence supports trusting veterinary professionals over social media for pet nutrition guidance.
Pet owners considering special diets (grain-free, raw, homemade, or other unconventional diets) should especially pay attention to this research. Pet owners with animals that have health conditions requiring dietary management should definitely consult their vet. Veterinary schools and professional organizations should use these findings to strengthen nutrition training. People who work in pet nutrition or pet food marketing should understand that veterinarians are the trusted source for pet owners.
Changes in veterinary education take time—typically several years for curriculum updates to be implemented and for newly trained vets to enter practice. Pet owners can benefit immediately by asking their current vet more questions about nutrition and requesting evidence-based resources. If your vet can’t answer nutrition questions confidently, asking for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist is a practical next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I trust my vet’s nutrition advice or look up pet diet information online?
Trust your vet first. A 2026 study of 321 veterinary students found that veterinarians and scientific articles are the most reliable nutrition sources, while social media and friends are least reliable. If your vet seems uncertain, ask for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist.
Why do vets sometimes seem unsure about pet nutrition?
A 2026 survey of 321 veterinary and nursing students revealed a gap: while 93% recognize evidence-based nutrition matters, only 53% feel confident accessing and explaining this information. Veterinary schools are working to improve nutrition training for future professionals.
Is it safe to feed my pet a special diet I found on social media?
Not without veterinary approval. Research shows veterinary professionals are significantly more knowledgeable than social media sources about pet nutrition. Special diets can harm pets if not properly balanced. Always discuss any diet changes with your vet before implementing them.
What should I do if my veterinarian can’t answer my pet nutrition questions?
Ask your vet to refer you to a veterinary nutritionist or recommend peer-reviewed nutrition resources. A 2026 study found that veterinarians and journal articles are the most trusted sources. Your vet should be able to point you toward evidence-based information even if they need a specialist’s input.
Are veterinary nurses as knowledgeable about pet nutrition as veterinarians?
According to a 2026 survey of 321 students, 73% rated veterinarians as knowledgeable about pet nutrition versus 53% for veterinary nurses. This gap suggests nursing students need more nutrition training, though many nurses have strong nutrition knowledge depending on their experience.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your pet’s diet changes and any health improvements or concerns. Log the source of nutrition information you used for each dietary decision (veterinarian, social media, friend, journal article, etc.) and note the outcome. Over time, you’ll see which information sources led to better health results for your pet.
- When considering a new pet diet or supplement, commit to asking your veterinarian first before researching online. Use the app to set a reminder to schedule a nutrition consultation with your vet before making major dietary changes. Save veterinarian-recommended nutrition resources in the app for easy reference.
- Create a long-term nutrition log that tracks your pet’s weight, energy level, coat quality, and digestive health alongside dietary changes. Review this log with your vet at each visit to build an evidence-based picture of what works best for your individual pet. This personal data becomes your own ‘research’ on your pet’s optimal diet.
This article summarizes research about veterinary students’ nutrition knowledge and information sources. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet, especially if your pet has health conditions, is very young, very old, or pregnant. If your veterinarian cannot answer your nutrition questions, ask for a referral to a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. This research describes educational gaps in veterinary training and does not provide medical recommendations for individual pets.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.