FAQ

1. What does it mean to be a canine nutritionist?

A canine nutritionist is a broad term used to describe a person that has completed one or more courses in canine nutrition. Not all courses are the same, so the knowledge base of those claiming to be a nutritionist will vary. At Real Dog Box, our canine nutritionist provide consultations on species-approprite diets, meal planning and preparation, whole food supplementation, and health monitoring tips for your dog.

2. What is the cost of the course?

The Dog Food Basics Course For Dog Parents is $149.

3. How will this course benefit me?

This course is designed for dog parents that want a basic understanding of their dog and its nutritional requirements. You will gain the knowledge needed to prepare fresh food meals for your dog that will enhance your dog’s health and even increase its lifespan!

4. How does the Feedreal Institute Nutrition Course for Dog Parents differ from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute course on Canine Nutrition?

The biggest difference between the CASI course and our course is practicality! Although our course is is all written materials, all units have been designed to be easily understood and digested (yes the pun was intended). You are provided practical information based on current scientific findings. The exminations at the end of each unit allows you to apply you new knowledge.

5. What are the qualifications of the Feedreal Institute team members?

All Feedreal Institute team members have successfully passed the Companion Animal Science Institute Canine Nutrition course. They have also had practical training in-house by the other team members.

6. Is the course accessible from a cell phone or other mobile device?

The course format is best viewed on a computer. Although accessible froma mobile device, it is not easy to use the links throughout the units and to view the pages entirely.

7. How long do I have to complete the course?

You have one year front the time that you begin the course to complete it.

8. What topics are covered in the course?

    There are seven untis in the course. Topics include:
  • Basics of dog anatomy and the physiology of the gut microbiome
  • Essential vitamins and minerals for healthy dogs
  • The components of fresh food (protein, calcium, fats, fiber, liver/other secreting organs)
  • What AAFCO & NRC standards are and what this means when feeding a raw diet
  • How to balance fats (omega-3s/6s)
  • How to put your bowl together
  • Supplements & Alternatives
  • Tip and tricks to confidently transition to fresh food

9. Who should take this course?

All dog parents and dog lovers will benefit from this course. Although we advocate for a raw, whole food diet, there is a wealth of information on all types of feeding. We discuss how to enhance the standard bowl of kibble with fresh food. We also discuss nutrition-related diseases, how to understand food labels, monitoring your dog’s health, and a basic understanding of nutrition that applies to all feeding plans.

10. How hard is it to complete the course?

Each unit of the course has a short examination that covers the topics within the unit. You must score 70% on the the test to advance to the next level. At the end of the course, there is a final exam. You can take each test as many times as needed to pass.

11. What follows the course?

    After successfully completing the course, you will have 4 prompts offered.
  • You can complete the Dog Parent Course Supplemental Worksheet. This is a form that you print and complete to use as a guide throughout your raw feeding journey.
  • You can sign up for a Real Dog Food Workshop. We know that a hands-on experience adds to your overall learning and is a great confidence builder!
  • Schedule a consultation with one of our canine nutritionists.
  • You can sign up for a Feedreal Subscription.

12. What tools are needed for the course?

All you need is an internet connection and a computer. All course materials are online. You can access the course on mobile devices, such as cell phones and tablets, but the course format is best viewed and navigated with a computer.