Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced a September 17, 2026 expansion of its clinical nutrition residency program, backing specialized training at four U.S. veterinary universities to help address a scarcity of board-certified pet food experts. The initiative targets a limited number of advanced specialists that can hinder access to specialized care for animals with complex health needs.
University Programs Backed by Hill’s Residencies
The Overland Park, Kansas-based pet food manufacturer is sponsoring intensive three-year programs for the upcoming year at The Ohio State University, the University of California, Davis, the University of Georgia, and the University of Tennessee. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, these university residencies train experienced veterinarians to become board-eligible clinical nutritionists, bridging a gap that limits access to specialized nutritional care.
In addition to the four university residencies, Hill’s also sponsors a clinical nutrition internship program at Kansas State University. Dr. Chelsie Estey, U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, stated that investing in the next generation of veterinary nutritionists is fundamental to the company’s mission of transforming lives through science-led nutrition.
Dr. Phantira Krisadasima, a Hill’s-sponsored nutrition resident at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, described the position as a meaningful opportunity to develop as a clinician. Krisadasima noted that advanced training helps veterinary professionals guide pet owners through complex dietary decisions for both healthy animals and those living with illness.
Addressing the Scarcity of Board-Certified Specialists
Small animal veterinarians frequently field client questions regarding puppy diets, grain-free safety, feline diabetes management, and renal support. However, board-certified veterinary nutritionists certified through the American College of Veterinary Nutrition remain among the rarest specialists in the profession. Because residency positions depend on funding to exist, sponsorships help maintain the training pipeline for future experts.
Expanding the pool of board-certified specialists provides general practitioners with stronger referral options for complicated cases, such as patients with multiple diseases requiring conflicting dietary modifications or pets needing carefully formulated home-cooked meals. It also places advanced nutritional educators in positions to teach veterinary students.
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