What Does a Canine Nutritionist Do?
What is Canine Nutrition?
When we are referring to ‘canine nutrition’ we are not just talking about dog food.
When it comes to a dog’s health, they can have a broad range of requirements and needs to sustain a happy life. Canine nutrition looks at the combination of ingredients that a canine needs to live a healthy and fulfilling life. This encompasses the physical and psychological benefits it has on the dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
If you are a caring pet owner then you will recognise that pet shops, retailers and dog food suppliers offer multiple canine consumables that cater to a variety of needs - ranging from their age (puppy food vs mature dog) to breed-specific formulas (Great Dane vs Dachshunds).
Many food brands combine certain nutrients, vitamins and formulas that are designed to support and improve specific illnesses and disabilities in dogs. (i.e. allergies, arthritic conditions, and canine obesity).
Why is Studying Canine Nutrition Important?
Canine nutrition and dog food is a highly regulated and growing sector worth over £2.8 billion in the UK.
Trends have started to emerge where producers of dog food are offering free-from alternatives and are discovering different health benefits but also health hindrances in certain food categories.
Mintel, a market intelligence industry, has highlighted that younger pet owners are becoming more and more conscientious of their pets’ diets and are looking for eco-alternatives.
Not only are pet owners and animal caregivers opting for highly innovative and health-conscious alternatives for their animal companions, but these consumer trends are also driving the demand for more sustainable and environmentally friendly consumables that have a positive impact on our planet.
However, whilst these trends are evolving for a better future, there is still a duty of care to educate the consumer and produce and develop products that provide the most amount of health benefits for a dog.
Research and development in nutritional benefits for dogs is an essential goal for this industry and canine professionals. It is paramount that we educate and promote dietary and nutritional needs for dogs, cater to their various requirements and provide an accurate and healthy option.
What is a Canine Nutritionist?
A Canine Nutritionist can work in a variety of capacities. Some are hired to work for dog food brands, some are working in a research and development capacity and others are self-employed working in a veterinary environment, pet shops, charities or even local councils and government-led agencies.
Qualified Canine Nutritionists can then pursue a career in a consultancy-based capacity, where they can book appointments with their own clients and provide health advice for a variety of issues in canines. This is often followed up with higher education and training in a degree or a PhD.
A Canine Nutritionist’s job can vary depending on where they are working. A traditional day may involve a variety of tasks and responsibilities including:
- Meeting specific pet owners and clients
- Developing nutritional and diet plans for dogs
- Research and develop ingredients in a laboratory environment
- Studying the behaviours and movements of your clients (dogs)
- Studying and practising regulations and legislation
- Testing a variety of consumable dog products for the market
- Working with veterinary professionals for specific client cases
- Networking with a variety of animal professionals
- Researching and studying new developments in scientific publications in canine care
- Conduct primary and secondary research studies in canine nutrition
- Learning and updating knowledge of canine illnesses, diseases, and health complaints
How Do I Become a Trained Canine Nutritionist?
Our Level 3 Certificate in Canine Nutrition is an Ofqual regulated qualification designed by canine professionals and developed for the canine nutrition Industry. This course is a great first step for someone considering a career in this exciting industry.
This comprehensive course is made up of 7 core modules that will help you develop a range of knowledge in canine nutrition, digestive anatomy, evolution, and commercial dog food.
This course is flexible, covers an extensive range of theory in canine nutrition and can be studied online and in the comfort of your own home.
Being such a vastly growing sector, training in this field can lead you to a highly rewarding career if you have a passion for canine welfare and want to improve the life and wellbeing of dogs.
Find out more about how our online canine nutrition course can help you kick-start a career in animal nutrition by calling our Course Advisors today on 01202 006 040 or contacting them online.
Alternatively, click below to view the course in more detail!
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