Canine Health & Nutrition Course
PETbc Accredited & 240 hours CPD.


Canine health and nutrition is a topic that not enough people know about, and the demand for canine nutritionists is growing. The announcement of this course, exclusive to BCCS has been well received and much anticipated.

There are a variety of variables which can affect the health of our dog. If we know how we can prevent diseases and parasites, it can give some peace of mind that we are giving our dogs the best possible start, as well as keeping those vet bills down. Choosing a new puppy or dog is also covered as you want to get this right for your family.

Nutrition is a vital part of your dogs health. There are so many different foods on the market for dogs it can be very confusing choosing the right one for your dog. However if you know what nutrients they need, you can make an informed decision. Canine health and nutrition can be very scientific, so this course aims to break it down to the essentials that you need to know. Many dogs now also suffer from allergies and have special nutritional needs during different stages of their life.

As with humans many believe that a holistic approach to healthcare is better than using drugs to treat ailments and so alternative therapies are sought. Raw feeding is a part of this holistic approach to health for many owners and this is covered in depth and considered as a preventative to ill health and behaviour – as well as an approach to address the same.



On completion the student will:

Be able to identify a healthy dog and the symptoms of ill health.
Know how to prevent problems arising, such as disease and parasites.
Provide a good balanced diet for dog which has all the nutrients it requires.
Understand the special nutritional needs of canines that have allergies or suffer from ill health.
Understand how the canine body functions.
Be able to identify common conditions, viruses and bugs that dogs may suffer from and how to fight them.
Be able to perform basic first aid on a dog.
Understand the alternative or holistic health therapies that can be used instead of conventional medicine.
Understand how important exercise is to canine health and wellbeing.
Identify the needs of canines as they reach old age.

The iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition is designed to explore the most up to date research and practice permeating the canine nutrition arena. It is aimed at candidates who see and experience how nutrition affects the canine and subsequently want to develop their learning and understanding to inform their own development or professional practice. It is designed to be flexible to meet the real life needs of those who are currently working in the industry. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of canine welfare and be committed to developing their personal and professional development.

Leading industry experts Lisa Hannaby, Jacqui Byrne and Caroline Griffith have helped write and review this qualification to ensure the outcome is appropriate for the Canine Nutrition industry and the continued growth and development of the sector.

Objectives of the qualification

This qualification is aimed to lead Candidates into being able to develop a knowledge and understanding to a superior and professional level. Depending on the needs of the individual Candidate, the qualification can:

– prepare individuals to progress within their current role

– prepare Candidates for career development

– support a role in the workplace

– support continuous professional standards

– encourage engagement in learning.

This qualification has been designed to enable Candidates to:

– access flexible, distance learning

– work within the pet food, canine health, and welfare industry to a professional standard

– understand the Principles of Canine nutrition and at different life stages

– gain knowledge and understanding of canine anatomy and physiology and the impact of canine evolution

– carry out research and compile a literature review of their findings

– understand the history and development of the pet food industry

– understand the importance of the microbiome and behaviour

Level 3 Certificate in Canine Nutrition (RQF)
Key Points
Gain a recognised qualification in canine nutrition
Achieve a Level 3 Certificate qualification
Enjoy flexibility in your study
Start and study at any time
About Your Qualification
This Level 3 Certificate in Canine Nutrition will provide you with the necessary knowledge and understanding of canine nutrition to pursue a rewarding career within the canine health and diet sector.

During this Ofqual regulated qualification, you will study canine nutrition, feeding regimes and the impact that diet has on canine health and behaviour.

Whether you already work in the industry and would like to progress in your role, or, you care for or work with dogs and would like to learn more about canine nutrition – then this qualification is just for you.

At the end of this qualification, you will be able to demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the necessary knowledge and understanding to work within the pet food, canine health, and welfare industries to a professional standard.

All the material is readily available once you enrol, so you’re able to start right away!

Getting Started
learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider. Our online courses and qualifications give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best.

Whilst studying the Level 3 Certificate in Canine Nutrition, you’ll gain essential skills and knowledge regarding canine nutrition and health, allowing you to work towards a fulfilling career.

The benefit of online learning means that you can plan your studies around your existing commitments. So, you’re able to progress with your learning in a way that works for you, without the stressful balancing act. With no classes to attend or a timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning.

What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your qualification. As well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol so you’re able to start right away.