Canine Nutrition (RQF) Level 3 Diploma.

This qualification is aimed at canine enthusiasts who are aged 18 years or over and have either completed a level 2 or can provide evidence of an equivalent or a minimum of 5 years of knowledge and experience within the canine and welfare industry.

*You will have access to the course for 9 months only. You can purchase course extensions.

Leading industry experts have helped write and review this qualification to ensure that it adheres to the high standard within the Canine Nutrition industry.

Students will learn the necessary theory covering different aspects of:

• Canine nutrition
• Canine digestive anatomy
• Canine evolution
• Commercial dog food

Unit 1: Principles of Canine Nutrition

On completion of this unit you will:

• 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

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the main stages of food processing
• Understand features of health conditions relating specifically to the digestive system in the dog
• Describe the physiology of the canine digestive system

Unit 3: Life Stage Canine Nutrition

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the nutritional requirements of a pregnant bitch and of 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 that suggest a dietary change is warranted for an adult dog

Unit 4: Canine Evolution

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the nutritional needs of the canine ancestors
• Understand the domestication of the dog
• Apply lessons learned from the evolution of the dog for optimal canine health

Unit 5: Pet Food

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the history of the pet food industry
• Understand how wet and dry dog food is processed
• Understand the benefits and pitfalls of diets available to the dog
• Know and understand the requirements of manufacturers guidelines and why they are important

Unit 6: Canine Microbiome, Immunity and Behaviour

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand factors affecting microbiome composition
• Understand how the microbiome influences behaviour

Unit 7: Research in Canine Nutrition

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the function of research in canine nutrition
• Understand the ethical issues relating to research
• Understand research methodologies relevant to canine nutrition
• Be able to conduct a literature review
• Be able to interpret research findings

Students will be assessed through several internal assessments, conducted by one of our qualified tutors. Assessments will differ for each unit, and units must be passed or completed before students can move on to the following units. Assessments are not graded; they are either pass or fail.

The assessments must be completed of your own accord and be completed on your own: students will be required to provide evidence through an online portfolio showing completion of their assessments. 
 

When are you assessed?

This qualification requires full completion of the specified units and features a summative assessment.

Once you have successfully completed all your assessments you will receive your final grade and receive your certificate of completion alongside your qualification.