Technology Can Be Useful, But Can It Replace Us?

It is known that pet nutrition has been questioned by myths and posts on social networks, as well as by people's speech—with less or no scientific basis. This allows pet owners to decide the nutritional path.
 

Technology is often a trend or a style. Our dear ChatGPT cannot smell, touch, or feel, nor follow a medical or nutritional procedure, nor know how accurate or wrong its diagnosis is.
 

There are also positive effects; it is undeniable that technology eases access to research-backed information. Moreover, it enables colleagues to connect, share, and plan research, as well as optimize the use of digital tools.

A Question for ChatGPT

What role do you think AI has or will have in dog and cat nutrition?

The answer was 'artificial intelligence (AI) has a big potential to transform dog and cat nutrition in the near- and long-term future. These are the roles AI has and may have in the animal nutrition sector:
 

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Did you know that the global trend increases adoption even more?

Candela Bonaura

• Diet personalization: AI can analyze specific data of pets (breed, age, weight, activity level, health, and preferences) to design personalized dietary plans that optimize their well-being and health.
   
• Monitoring and early detection of health problems: By analyzing food consumption patterns, behavior, and vital signs, AI can identify early indications of diseases or nutritional disorders, allowing fast intervention.
   
• Food development: AI accelerates research and development of ingredients and innovative formulas for pet food, enhancing quality, palatability, and nutritional benefits.
   
• Production optimization: In pet food manufacturing, it can improve processes, reduce waste, and ensure consistency and product safety.
   
• Education and consultancy: AI tools can recommend and serve as a consultant in real time to pet owners, helping them make informed decisions about animal feeding and care.'
   

While technology advances, it is possible that AI becomes a more integral tool for health management and pet nutrition, contributing to their healthier and longer life.
 

In my opinion, AI and other technological tools are helpful to enhance our daily and professional lives, which cannot replace human judgement but improve it.
 

Another negative point is that many professionals and employees are afraid that technology could replace them.
 

One of my principal worries when I became a vet was not to forget my criteria and not to treat my patients as another number in the medical record. I promised myself to change career if that happens—so far, it hasn't. I still feel happiness, love, or even sadness for the condition of my patients and their families. That is what sets the difference and cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.
 

We should appreciate the contribution of technological tools while adding value from our human condition. 
 

By Dr. M. Candela Bonaura
Source: All Pet Food Magazine