Pet Nutrition Course

Lesson 1 • Nutrients and Their Functions

Defines the six nutrient classes and their physiological roles. Provides the vocabulary needed for all subsequent nutritional analysis.

Lesson 2 • Nutritional Terminology and Units

Standardises the language and measurement units used in pet nutrition. Ensures accurate interpretation of labels and research throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Digestive System Anatomy Basics

Maps the gastrointestinal tract of companion animals. Connects anatomy to nutrient absorption efficiency discussed throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Small Mammal and Exotic Pet Needs

Addresses macronutrient profiles for rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and birds. Expands species coverage beyond dogs and cats for broader practice readiness.

Lesson 2 • Dietary Fat Needs and Fatty Acids

Covers essential fatty acid requirements and fat's role in energy and cell function. Links fat quality to coat, skin, and inflammatory outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Protein Requirements Across Species

Compares protein needs of obligate carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. Builds species-specific reasoning used in formulation chapters.

Lesson 1 • Water-Soluble Vitamins Overview

Covers B-complex vitamins and vitamin C requirements across species. Highlights species differences in endogenous synthesis capacity.

Lesson 2 • Trace Minerals and Antioxidant Roles

Examines iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and iodine functions and safe ranges. Links trace mineral status to immune function and metabolic health.

Lesson 3 • Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Pet Health

Examines vitamins A, D, E, and K and their storage and toxicity risks. Connects fat-soluble vitamin status to clinical signs seen in practice.

Lesson 1 • Neonatal and Pediatric Nutrition

Covers colostrum, milk replacers, and weaning nutrition for puppies and kittens. Establishes early-life feeding practices that influence long-term health outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Senior and Geriatric Pet Nutrition

Addresses declining organ function, muscle loss, and altered nutrient absorption in ageing pets. Enables targeted dietary modifications to extend healthy lifespan.

Lesson 3 • Feeding Growing Puppies and Kittens

Defines energy and nutrient densities needed during rapid growth phases. Connects large-breed puppy calcium limits to skeletal disease prevention.

Lesson 1 • Guaranteed Analysis and Nutrient Profiles

Converts guaranteed analysis data to dry matter basis for meaningful comparison. Links nutrient profile completeness to long-term dietary adequacy.

Lesson 2 • Ingredient List Interpretation

Teaches how ingredient ordering and splitting affect perceived quality. Connects ingredient analysis to actual nutrient delivery in the finished product.

Lesson 3 • Food Safety and Quality Control

Covers contamination risks, recall history patterns, and manufacturing quality indicators. Equips students to advise clients on safe product selection.

Lesson 4 • Comparing Food Types and Formats

Evaluates dry, wet, raw, freeze-dried, and fresh-cooked formats on nutrition and safety. Enables objective format recommendations based on individual animal needs.

Lesson 1 • Feeding Schedules and Portion Control

Establishes meal frequency, portion sizing, and transition protocols for different animals. Links structured feeding to weight management and behavioural outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Calculating Daily Energy Requirements

Uses resting energy requirement formulas adjusted by life-stage and activity factors. Provides the quantitative foundation for all meal planning exercises.

Lesson 3 • Using Nutritional Analysis Software

Introduces diet analysis tools to verify nutrient completeness of formulated recipes. Connects software outputs to nutrient profile standards for compliance checking.

Lesson 4 • Validating and Adjusting Diet Plans

Teaches follow-up assessment using body condition, coat quality, and bloodwork markers. Closes the formulation loop by connecting outcomes to dietary modifications.

Lesson 1 • Urinary Tract Disease and Diet

Explains how diet modifies urine pH, mineral concentration, and crystal formation risk. Enables dietary recommendations for struvite and oxalate urolithiasis prevention.

Lesson 2 • Obesity Assessment and Weight Loss Diets

Quantifies excess body fat using scoring systems and sets safe caloric deficits. Provides structured weight loss protocols applicable to clinical and home settings.

Lesson 3 • Gastrointestinal Disorder Nutrition

Addresses dietary management of IBD, pancreatitis, and food-responsive enteropathy. Links ingredient selection and fat levels to GI symptom control.

Lesson 4 • Diabetes and Endocrine Diet Support

Covers carbohydrate management, meal timing, and weight control for diabetic pets. Connects dietary consistency to glycaemic stability and insulin dosing accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Documentation and Follow-Up Protocols

Establishes record-keeping standards and structured follow-up timelines for nutrition cases. Supports continuity of care and legal defensibility of dietary recommendations.

Lesson 2 • Communicating Nutritional Recommendations

Adapts complex nutritional information to client literacy and motivation levels. Connects clear communication to improved dietary adherence and pet outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Behaviour Change and Compliance Strategies

Applies motivational interviewing and goal-setting frameworks to nutrition counseling. Increases the likelihood that clients implement and sustain dietary changes.

Lesson 4 • Managing Multi-Pet Household Feeding

Solves feeding logistics when multiple pets have different dietary needs. Provides practical strategies to prevent food competition and dietary cross-contamination.