In this candid episode of Head 2 Tail, we sat down with Kim, Veterinary Technician Specialist in Nutrition (VTS, Nutrition)—one of only 36 in all of North America. This conversation goes beyond the basics of “what to feed your dog,” offering an in-depth look at veterinary care, the emotional toll on vet staff, and the myths surrounding pet nutrition.
Whether you’re a pet parent, a vet professional, or someone curious about canine nutrition, this episode highlights the unseen heroes who dedicate their lives to animal health.
The Specialist’s Journey: Becoming a VTS
Kim shared the rigorous path to becoming a VTS in Nutrition. This isn’t just a certification; it’s a multi-year commitment:
5,000 hours of specialized work
Compiling over 60 case studies
Passing a demanding, high-stakes exam
Her journey highlights how scarce and valuable specialized nutrition expertise is in veterinary medicine. Kim credits her success to the unwavering support of her doctor and husband, which helped her navigate the emotional roller coaster of this intense process.
The Emotional and Financial Toll of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine is women-dominated, yet it comes with high emotional and financial stress:
High rates of burnout and mental health struggles, including suicide
Lower salaries compared to human medicine, despite high vet school debt
Chronic staffing shortages, worsened by COVID-19
Kim emphasized that the emotional weight of treating sick animals and performing euthanasia is heavy, and often invisible to the public.
Bridging the Gap: Respect, Patience, and Financial Literacy
A major frustration for vet staff is the perception of overcharging. Kim clarified: corporations set the cost, not the individual vet or technician. Unlike human medicine, pet owners see the full cost upfront, which can feel shocking.
Advice for pet parents:
Practice patience and respect for vet staff
Set up a dedicated pet savings account instead of relying solely on insurance, especially for pets with pre-existing conditions
This approach helps ensure pets get the care they need without the stress of unexpected bills.
Dog Nutrition: Nutrients Over Ingredients
One of the biggest myths Kim addressed: “What you feed your dog must mirror human trends.”
Pets have nutrient requirements, not ingredient requirements. Key takeaways include:
Raw Diets: High risk of bacterial contamination (zoonotic), not recommended
Byproducts: Organ meats like liver and kidney are nutrient-dense and essential
Home-Cooked/Specialty Diets: Must be properly balanced, preferably with a veterinary nutritionist or a trusted resource like BalanceIt.com
She also highlighted the importance of supplements for overall health, including:
Fish/Algae Oil (EPA DHA)
Fiber (Psyllium Husk)
Probiotics
For senior dogs, proper nutritional support can help prevent muscle wasting (cachexia) and maintain quality of life.
Show Notes: Episode 20 – Head 2 Tail: Navigating Dog Nutrition, Adoption, and Vet Care with Kim, VTS (Nutrition)
Guest: Kim, VTS (Nutrition), Registered Veterinary Technician Specialist in Nutrition
Join us for a heartfelt conversation celebrating National Dog Day while exploring the realities of veterinary work, nutrition, and pet ownership.
Key Discussion Points & Timestamps
07:34: Kim’s introduction and rarity of VTS specialization
12:47: Veterinary Technician role parallels an RN in human medicine
15:49: Women-dominated field and importance of professional support
17:13: Mental toll, burnout, and high suicide rates
22:32: Financial realities: vet school debt vs. lower pay
23:32: Advice for pet owners: patience and respect
25:30: Why pet care seems expensive
32:03: Alternative to insurance: dedicated pet savings account
33:58: Dog nutrition: nutrient requirements, not ingredient trends
35:39: Raw diets are risky; why byproducts are valuable
44:44: Properly balancing home-cooked diets
51:11: Pet supplements: what’s effective and safe
54:04: Nutrition support for senior dogs and cachexia
Resources and Internal Links
Learn how to support pet health with proper nutrition: Nutrition Coaching
Build resilience and mental strength for high-stress roles (like vet staff): Performance Coaching
Explore mindful movement and stress management for caregivers: Rooted in Strength
For more episodes and insights on wellness, pets, and holistic health, visit our Head 2 Tail Podcast page.
