Course Description

Self-Paced Learning via Distance – suggested 12 months part-time study (330 hours)

The Certification in Canine Biological Nutrition covers what canines are designed to eat and how this pertains to a species-specific diet. The information contained in this course has been complied with the astute help of two very important Veterinarians who have made biological nutrition for dogs a priority. At the end of this course the student will understand the merit of food products available, versus the nutritional quality, digestibility and purity of biologically appropriate foods and therefore how to prescribe a complete diet that meets each nutritional requirement for dogs.


Course curriculum

  • 1

    Course Orientation

    • Orientation: Welcome to Canine Biological Nutrition

    • Student Handbook

    • Study Guide

    • How to Reference Your Work

    • Blank Assessment Cover Sheet: To be submitted with any written assignments sent in to be marked.

  • 2

    Course Resources and Bonus Materials

    • A Scientific Guide to Natural Nutrition By Dr. Bruce Syme

    • Give Your Dog A Bone by Dr. Ian Billinghurst

    • NRC: Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats

    • EBook: 'Miller's Anatomy of the Dog'

  • 3

    Module One : Unit One- Species Appropriate Nutrition

    • Course Manual: Unit 1

    • Blank Assessment Cover Sheet

    • Conversation Series: Overview of Canine Senses

    • Conversation Series: Canine History

    • Conversation Series: Overview of Canine Digestion

    • Unit One Quiz

  • 4

    Module One : Unit Two - Daily Nutritional Requirements

    • Course Manual: Unit 2

  • 5

    Module One : Unit Three - Evolution of Domestic Feeding

    • Course Manual: Unit 3

    • Audio: Development of the Commercial Pet Food Industry

    • Unit Three Quiz

  • 6

    Module One : Unit Four - Reading Pet Food Labels

    • Course Manual: Unit 4

    • Blank Assessment Cover Sheet

    • Unit Four Quiz

  • 7

    Module One : Unit Five - Essential Nutrients (Vitamins/Minerals)

    • Course Manual: Unit 5

    • Blank Assessment Cover Sheet

    • Unit Five Quiz

  • 8

    Module Two : Unit Six - Proteins & Fats (Bones, Organs and Muscle Meats)

    • Course Manual: Unit 6

    • Blank Assessment Cover Sheet

    • Unit 6 Quiz

  • 9

    Module Two : Unit Seven - Vegetables and Fruits

    • Course Manual: Unit 7

    • Unit 7 Quiz: Part 1

    • Unit 7 Quiz: Part 2

    • Blank Assessment Cover Sheet

    • Unit 7 Quiz: Part 3

    • Unit 7 Quiz: Part 4

  • 10

    Module Two : Unit Eight - Cereals, Grains and Legumes

    • Course Manual: Unit 8

    • Unit 8 Quiz- Part 1

    • Unit 8 Quiz- Part 2

  • 11

    Module Two : Unit Nine - Dairy, Eggs, Nuts and Seeds

    • Course Manual: Unit 9

    • Unit 9 Quiz- Part 1

    • Unit 9 Quiz- Part 2

  • 12

    Module Two : Unit Ten - Body Condition Scores and Diet Plans

    • Course Manual: Unit 10

    • Blank Assessment Cover Sheet

Course Requirements

  • Course is suggested to be completed within 12 months part-time from commencement date. There is no course expiry, students can complete the course at a pace that is suitable and sustainable for their own work/study/life balance.

  • Students can enrol at anytime.

  • Course is delivered via distance education through the ANME online learning portal.

  • Prerequisites not required for enrollment into this course.

  • Student require a Computer/Laptop/or Smart Phone with internet access A headset (If your computer is without an internal speaker).

  • Students must have basic computer skills.

  • Students must have basic English language skills. As we do have subtitle options on webinars, unfortunately the online test assessments are conducted in English.

Course Accreditation

Graduates are eligible to join the the International Institute of Complimentary Therapies or the Small Animal and Equine Naturopathic Association as a full member. Association accreditation and insurance to work as a professional in the industry as a qualified and industry recognised Canine Nutritionist.


Course Material

Course material is accessed via an online learning portal with downloadable course manual. All course lessons delivered through the mediums of text/audio/webinars/videos.

  • Bonus material- EBook

    o 'Give your dog a bone' by Dr. Ian Billinghurst.

  • Bonus material

    o ‘A Scientific Guide to Natural Nutrition’ by Dr. Bruce Syme.

  • Bonus material

    o ‘Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats’ by NRC.

Let's Get Started!

Begin your journey in Canine Biological Nutrition.