Learn : Nom Nom Pet Experts
Nom Nom's Veterinary Nutritionist, Justin Shmalberg DVM
Philosophy
Dr.
“Feeding our pets well is the best strategy for preventing chronic diseases.”
Mission
Dr.
History
Dr.
Dr. Shmalberg’s experience with Liberty inspired him to launch a natural pet food delivery service which became a retail store, Natural Pet Outfitters, in his hometown of Lawrence, Kansas. At the time, he was working on a BA in African Studies at the University of Kansas. The goal was to offer natural diets, which weren’t really popular at the time, supplements, and other innovative pet products. One day, while working in the store, a group of executives from a large commercial dog food company approached him.
At the time, a store dedicated to natural pet diets was a novelty and they’d stopped by for a visit. When they mentioned that much of the advice he’d been giving owners was probably incorrect and that if he really wanted to know more about pet nutrition, he should pursue veterinary nutrition certification, something clicked. Dr. Shmalberg took their advice to heart and enrolled in the undergraduate courses that were prerequisites for veterinary school.
He went on to earn his DVM from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by advanced training in veterinary nutrition and integrative medicine. Dr. Shmalberg now lives in Florida with Matatu, his rescue Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Qualifications
Academic History
DVM, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2008
BA, African Studies, Highest Distinction
Clinical Training and Employment
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Florida, 2016-Present
Medical Director, Small Animal Hospital, University of Florida, 2015-2017
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Florida, 2012-2016
Resident, Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, University of Florida, 2010-2012
Associate Veterinarian, Haile Plantation Animal Clinic, Gainesville, Florida, 2009-2010
Intern, Veterinary Acupuncture (canine and equine), University of Florida, 2008-2009
Specialty Certifications
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2015
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Nutrition, 2012
Organizational Certifications
Certification in Veterinary Food Therapy, Chi Institute/China National Society of TCVM
Certification in Veterinary Chinese Herbology, Chi Institute/China National Society of TCVM
Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture, Chi Institute/China National Society of TCVM
Awards
Superior Accomplishment Award, Health Science Center, University of Florida, 2016
Elective Clinician of the Year, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2016
Bloomberg Lecturer, International Sports Medicine Symposium, 2015