Course Summary
This iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition is designed to explore the most up to date research and practice within the canine nutrition arena. It is aimed at professionals wishing to progress within their role in the pet food, canine health and welfare industries.
This Ofqual regulated qualification is designed to be flexible to meet the real-life needs of those who are currently working in the industry and for those who want to work with dogs and want to learn more about canine nutrition.
This comprehensive course is made up of 7 units of in-depth theory. During your study, you will develop a range of knowledge covering different aspects of canine nutrition, digestive anatomy, evolution, and commercial dog food. The qualification has been developed by leading industry experts to ensure that it supports the continued growth and development of the sector.
A career involving canine nutrition is a fascinating specialism, the commercial canine food industry is vastly in growth and there is a demand for more canine nutrition experts to contribute to efforts towards optimising canine health and wellbeing. This qualification will equip learners with the required skills to work within the industry and will provide practical working knowledge of canine anatomy and nutrition needs.
What you will study:
This qualification has been designed to enable canine professionals to work within the pet food, canine health, and welfare industry to a professional standard. The course materials explore:
- Nutrients essential for canine health
- Food digestion in canines
- Nutritional needs of the canine life cycle
- Nutritional canine evolution
- Pet food industry and its history
- Composition of the microbiome and how it influences behaviour
- Understanding the purpose of research in canine nutrition
Unit 1
Principles of Canine Nutrition
Learn about the characteristics of nutrients essential to canine health including the characteristics of macro and micronutrients. Through this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand concepts of nutritional health and characteristics of both macronutrients and micronutrients
- Differentiate between essential and non-essential nutrients
- Discuss the role and function of relevant minerals and vitamins in canine health
- Understand factors affecting intake, digestion, and absorption
- Evaluate the dog’s dietary use of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and water
Unit 2
Canine Digestive Anatomy and Physiology
This unit explores how food is digested and utilised in the canine. It includes the main stages of food processing and understanding health conditions associated with digestion. Learn about the main stages of food processing, health conditions relating specifically to the digestive system in the dog and the physiology of the canine digestive system.
Unit 3
Life Stage Canine Nutrition
This unit explores how a dog’s nutritional needs change over its lifetime. Learn how to recognise the nutritional requirements for stages of pregnancy and weaning, the nutritional needs for puppies to support growth and the nutritional challenges for ageing dogs.
Upon completion of Unit 3, learners will be able to:
- Understand the nutritional requirements of a pregnant bitch and a puppy
- Know the purpose and use of a body condition score
- Understand the role of nutrition and antioxidants for the ageing dog
- Be able to identify factors which suggests that a dietary change is warranted for an adult dog
Unit 4
Canine Evolution
Learn about the evolution of the dog and the nutritional requirements. This unit explores the nutritional needs of the canine ancestors, the domestication of the dog and the resulting impact on canine nutrition. Learn how to apply lessons learned from the evolution of the dog for optimal canine health
Unit 5
Pet Food
This unit explores the history of the pet food industry and the resulting range of pet foods on the market including the benefits and pitfalls of various canine diets. Learners will gain an understanding about how wet and dry dog food is processed, along with the requirements of manufacturers guidelines and why these are important.
Unit 6
Canine Microbiome, Immunity and Behaviour
Learn about the composition of the microbiome and how the microbiome influences behaviour. This unit explores the factors affecting microbiome composition, including how this affects the skin in canines. The influence that microbiomes have on immune function and behaviour is also examined in the unit.
Unit 7
Research in Canine Nutrition
This unit explores the purpose of research in canine nutrition and the implications and ethical issues relating to this research. Learn about the function of research in canine nutrition, the ethical issues relating to research and the research methodologies relevant to canine nutrition. Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to conduct a literature review and interpret research findings.
Career Progression
Canine nutritionists offer dietary advice and diet-based treatment plans for dogs. Career options include being self-employed, working for a pet food manufacturer, pet shop, veterinary practice, animal charity or government agency.
After gaining some experience in canine nutrition it is possible to become a specialist consultant. Nutritionists who have started out with a smaller dog food manufacturer may progress to a larger multinational company where a greater opportunity for promotion is likely.
You may decide to continue with your education. Post-PhD careers might include research on a funded project or lecturing in animal nutrition.
Why study the Level 3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition?
This Level 3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition is designed to explore the most up to date research and practice within the canine nutrition arena. It is aimed at canine professionals who want to develop their learning and understanding to inform their own development or professional practice. It is designed to be flexible to meet the real-life needs of those who are currently working in the industry.
This Ofqual regulated and nationally recognised qualification will demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the correct knowledge and understanding to work within the pet food, canine health, and welfare industries to a professional standard.
We offer a selection of accredited and employer recognized courses specifically designed for careers working with animals.
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