At the Feed Real Institute, we've created a certification course in canine nutrition to bridge the gap between feeding real food and ultra-processed dog food. Veterinary professionals are traditionally trained to focus on kibble or canned commercial dog food, but our course offers a fresh perspective. We chose the course name and certification title carefully to stay within regulatory guidelines. Terms like "board-certified" and "licensed" are regulated, whereas "certified," "professional," and "nutritionist" are not. 

Our Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN) program is a unique certification designed for dog professionals who want to help dog parents feed fresh food to their pets. It also offers continuing education for veterinary professionals to learn about species-appropriate diets for dogs.

There are many paths to becoming a canine nutritionist, some with official education and others with online training. 

Board-certified veterinary nutritionists are veterinarians who have undergone additional specialized training in animal nutrition and have been certified by a recognized veterinary board previously as diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN). They are now officially Diplomates of the ACVIM, Now DACVIM (Nutrition). 

The journey of the board-certified veterinary nutritionist is to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary school. After obtaining their veterinary degree, they typically complete a minimum of one year of clinical practice or a rotating internship in veterinary medicine. They must then complete a residency program in veterinary nutrition, which usually lasts two to three years.

The residency involves extensive training in animal nutrition, including clinical nutrition, research, and teaching. During their residency, veterinarians must conduct original research in veterinary nutrition and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. After completing their residency, they must pass a rigorous board examination administered by the certifying organization. This exam tests their knowledge and expertise in all aspects of veterinary nutrition. To maintain their certification, board-certified veterinary nutritionists must participate in continuing education and stay current with advancements in animal nutrition. 

Most board-certified veterinary nutritionists focus on diet formulations that meet AAFCO standards or the use of commercial kibble diets, especially prescription or veterinary diets. The few who advocate for fresh food are still adamant that each meal be complete and balanced as per AAFCO guidelines. 

Currently, there are only 96 board-certified veterinary nutritionists worldwide. Many of these veterinarians are employed by big kibble companies or veterinary schools. Less than 30 veterinarians list that they do remote consults with clients or primary veterinarians. 

Certified veterinary nutritionists receive certification from a recognized body such as the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians (AVNT) for veterinary technicians. Becoming a board-certified veterinary technician in nutrition involves several key steps, starting with completing an accredited veterinary technician program. This typically means enrolling in and graduating from an associate's degree program in veterinary technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Following their education, they must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), a standardized exam that assesses their knowledge and skills as a veterinary technician.

After passing the VTNE, gaining relevant work experience in veterinary nutrition is essential. Experience often involves working under the supervision of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or in a veterinary clinic with a focus on nutrition. Accumulating several years of experience in this specialized area is usually required. Additionally, participating in continuing education (CE) courses focused on veterinary nutrition helps them stay updated on the latest advancements and practices.

Once technicians have sufficient education and experience, they can apply for specialty certification through the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians (AVNT). This application process includes providing documentation of their education, work experience, and continuing education. The AVNT oversees the certification process for veterinary technicians specializing in nutrition. Finally, they must study for and pass the AVNT certification exam, which tests their advanced knowledge and skills in veterinary nutrition.

Like the board-certified veterinarians, the certified veterinary technicians advocate for complete and balanced diets, with most recommending kibble or other commercial diets.

Currently, 30 board-certified veterinary technician nutritionists work in veterinary clinics and dog food manufacturing companies. 

Certified Professional Canine Nutritionists (CPCN) obtain certification from the Feed Real Institute professional canine nutrition course. They come from various educational backgrounds, including veterinary professionals, dog trainers, and behaviorists. The seven units provide a comprehensive overview of canine nutritional requirements and the benefits of feeding real and fresh food to dogs, emphasizing how to incorporate fresh food into a dog's diet. 

CPCN graduates have completed a two-hour interactive virtual workshop that guides them through thoroughly preparing seven days' worth of food for their dogs. CPCNs are equipped with the knowledge to provide nutritional consultations for dog parents who want to feed their dogs fresh food. 

Certificate in Canine Nutrition (Cert.CN) and Advanced Canine Nutrition Certificate (Cert. ACN) graduates have completed the nutrition programs through the Companion Animal Sciences Institute (CASI). The Cert.CN program provides a solid foundation in canine nutrition, while the Cert.ACN builds on this foundation. Graduates have comprehensive knowledge of canine nutrition but lack practical experience in meal preparation or consultation skills.

College degree programs are included in the following programs:

Colorado State University – Certificate in Animal Nutrition – for students majoring in Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Mississippi State University – Master of Science in Agriculture, Concentration in Animal Nutrition

Cornell University – Master of Professional Studies in Animal Nutrition

University of Illinois – Companion Animal Nutrition Certificate

Iowa State University – Master of Science in Animal Nutrition

Many other universities offer advanced degrees in nutrition. Master's and PhD programs prepare students to formulate species-appropriate diets for various animals, including zoo animals. However, most graduates will not be trained in species-appropriate companion animal nutrition.

There are many online canine nutrition courses available to dog enthusiasts. Several online programs on small animal nutrition cover many topics, including nutritional requirements for all stages of life, pet food manufacturing, and pet food formulation. Both the commercial food process and homemade diets are discussed. Programs range from short introductory videos to 2-4 semester nutrition certifications.

Graduates of the CPCN program are equipped to work directly with dog owners who want to transition their dogs to fresh-food diets. They can help tailor meals to meet each dog's specific needs. With their practical knowledge and skills, CPCNs empower dog owners to take charge of their pets' health and well-being.

Many dog owners seeking to improve their dog's health through diet often turn to their veterinarians for advice, only to hear the same recommendation: feeding a complete and balanced kibble diet. Veterinarians often discourage adding fresh food, citing potential imbalances. They haven't been taught about the benefits of fresh, real food and are cautious about making dietary recommendations that might lead to nutritional imbalances. When pressed, veterinarians typically refer clients to websites like BalanceIt.com for fresh food guidance.

While tools like Balance It can be informative, creating a diet based on their recipes can be overwhelming and often involves using synthetic vitamins and minerals to meet AAFCO guidelines. For example, Balance It recipes commonly include seed oils like canola, safflower, or sunflower oil despite research showing the harmful impact of seed oils on dogs. Additionally, these recipes often require specific vitamin and mineral supplements.

Until veterinarians broaden their understanding of nutrition to include fresh food, dog owners must seek advice from other professionals regarding their dog's dietary needs. As the CPCN certification gains recognition, these experts will become the go-to resource for dog parents seeking nutritional guidance. Given the national shortage of veterinarians, CPCNs are well-positioned to fill this knowledge gap. They can educate dog owners on the benefits of fresh feeding and how to use the Feed Real calculator to prepare balanced meals using whole food ingredients to meet their dogs' nutritional requirements.

Although a board-certified veterinary nutritionist did not develop the CPCN program, it achieved RACE approval for veterinary professionals through a rigorous endorsement process. To meet the approval criteria, the primary author had to be endorsed by two board-certified veterinary nutritionists or other professionals with advanced degrees in animal nutrition. Two Ph.D. animal nutrition experts specializing in formulating species-specific diets for zoo animals endorsed the author. This endorsement enabled the course to be approved for ten continuing education credits. Obtaining RACE approval validates the credibility and relevance of the course materials to veterinary medicine.

The Feed Real Institute's Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN) program is designed for dog professionals and offers continuing education for veterinary professionals to learn about species-appropriate diets.

Various paths lead to becoming a canine nutritionist, including board-certified veterinary nutritionists, certified veterinary nutrition technicians, and CPCNs. Each path provides different levels of expertise and practical experience, with the CPCN program focusing on fresh food diets and practical meal preparation skills.

CPCNs are equipped to help dog parents transition their dogs to fresh-food diets, providing tailored nutritional advice and practical meal preparation guidance. As the CPCN certification gains recognition, these experts will become critical resources for dog parents, especially given the national shortage of veterinarians.

Certified Professional Canine Nutritionists (CPCN) obtain certification from the Feed Real Institute <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/pro-nutrition-certification">professional canine nutrition course</a>. They come from various educational backgrounds, including veterinary professionals, dog trainers, and behaviorists. The seven units provide a comprehensive overview of canine nutritional requirements and the benefits of feeding real and fresh food to dogs, emphasizing how to incorporate fresh food into a dog's diet. 

There are many <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/online-canine-nutrition-courses">online canine nutrition courses</a> available to dog enthusiasts. Several online programs on small animal nutrition cover many topics, including nutritional requirements for all stages of life, pet food manufacturing, and pet food formulation. Both the commercial food process and homemade diets are discussed. Programs range from short introductory videos to 2-4 semester nutrition certifications.

While tools like Balance It can be informative, creating a diet based on their recipes can be overwhelming and often involves using synthetic vitamins and minerals to meet <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/aafco-and-nrc-why-were-standards-established">AAFCO guidelines</a>. For example, Balance It recipes commonly include <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/should-dogs-be-fed-seed-or-vegetable-oils">seed oils</a> like canola, safflower, or sunflower oil despite research showing the harmful impact of seed oils on dogs. Additionally, these recipes often require specific vitamin and mineral supplements.

Until veterinarians broaden their understanding of nutrition to include fresh food, dog owners must seek advice from other professionals regarding their dog's dietary needs. As the CPCN certification gains recognition, these experts will become the go-to resource for dog parents seeking nutritional guidance. Given the national shortage of veterinarians, CPCNs are well-positioned to fill this knowledge gap. They can educate dog owners on the benefits of fresh feeding and how to use the <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/calculator">Feed Real calculator</a> to prepare balanced meals using whole food ingredients to meet their dogs' nutritional requirements.

Types of Canine Nutritionists: The Benefits of Working With a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN)

Feed Real Institute

Services

Summit

We help with