About "Basics of Canine Nutrition"
Designed for trainers, behavior consultants, shelter/rescue staff and volunteers, pet industry professionals and all who wish to learn more about the science of canine nutrition
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This is the first in a series of three Science Dog nutrition and feeding courses! (Coming soon: "Puppies to Seniors - Feeding through the Life Cycle" and "Pet Food Smarts")
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Unlimited 6-month access to this completely self-paced course, plus Q/A and discussion sessions with the instructor and other students
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Ten chapters covering all of the essential nutrients and nutritional requirements of dogs - Everything you need to know about the basic science of canine nutrition
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Video lectures, readings, recorded webinars and knowledge checks keep material interesting and support students with different learning styles
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Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available with IAABC (18 units), CPDT (trainers, 11 units; behavior consultants, 10units), KPA (18 units), and PPAB (16 units)
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Students who complete the course receive a certificate of achievement to help pet professionals advance their careers and to market their knowledge to clients
Course Curriculum
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1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
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Basics of Canine Nutrition - Introduction to Course
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Guidelines for Using the Course Player
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New! Use the Courses Mobile App!
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Tips for Success
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Introduce Yourself!
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Terms and Definitions to Get You Started
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2
Chapter 2 - Water, The Elixir of Life
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Water (The Most Essential Nutrient)
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Reading: Water Balance in Dogs
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Water - Test Your Knowledge!
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3
Chapter 3 - Energy Essentials
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Energy Needs of Dogs
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Energy Needs - Knowledge Check!
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Calculating Dogs' Daily Caloric Requirements
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Optional Assignment: Estimating Your Dog's Energy (Caloric) Needs
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Calculating Needs - Check Your Knowledge!
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4
Chapter 4 - Protein and the 'Mean Acids
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Protein Structure and Measurement
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Understanding Protein Quality
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Protein Quality - Knowledge Check!
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The Protein Requirements of Dogs
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Protein Requirements - Knowledge Check!
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Essential Amino Acids of Interest
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Reactive Lysine in Pet Food
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Tryptophan, the Calming Amino Acid?
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Important Amino Acids - Check Your Knowledge!
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5
Chapter 5 - Fat: The Alpha and the Omega
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Dietary Fat: Structure and Classification
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The Omega-3 Fatty Acid, DHA: Do Puppies Need It?
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Understanding Fat - Knowledge Check!
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The Essential Fatty Acids and Functions of Dietary Fat
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Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dog Foods
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The Omegas - Checking Your Knowledge!
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6
Q/A and Discussion (Chapters 1 - 5)
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Q/A and Discussion - Chapters 1 - 5
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7
Chapter 6 - Carbohydrate Controversies
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Dietary Carbohydrate: Structure and Function
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Dietary Carbs: What do you know?
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So, Do Dogs have a Carbohydrate Requirement?
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Reading: Dogs and Carbs - Its Complicated
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Carb Requirement? Check Your Knowledge!
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Optional Webinar: Diet and Dilated Cardiomyopathy - State of the Science
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8
Chapter 7 - Get Things Moving with Fiber
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Dietary Fiber: Types and Functions
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What is Fiber - Check Your Knowledge!
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Understanding Prebiotics
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Should You Feed Prebiotics to Your Dog?
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Prebiotics - Knowledge Check!
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9
Chapter 8 - Take Your Vitamins
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The Fat Soluble Vitamins
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2019 FDA Report - Vitamin D Toxicity in Dogs
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2019 FDA Report - Vitamin K Substances and Animal Feed
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Fat Soluble Vitamins - What Do You Know?
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The Water Soluble Vitamins
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Vitamin Deficiency and Toxicity Signs in Dogs
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Water Soluble Vitamins - Knowledge Check!
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10
Chapter 9 - Minerals for Healthy Bones & Bodies
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What are the Essential Minerals?
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Mineral Deficiency and Toxicity Signs in Dogs
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Minerals - Check Your Knowledge!
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Zinc and Copper in Dogs' Diets
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Copper-Associated Hepatitis and Diet in Dogs
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Zinc and Copper - Knowledge Check!
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11
Chapter 10 - Digest This!
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Digestion and Absorption
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Measuring Digestibility in Dog Food
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Webinar: Dogs are Carnivores, Right?
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Digestibility Matters - Check Your Knowledge!
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12
Q/A and Discussion (Chapters 6 - 10)
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Q/A and Discussion - Chapters 6 -10
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13
Additional Resources
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AAFCO Nutrient Profiles for Dogs
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European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) Nutritional Guidelines for Dogs
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National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Guidelines for Dogs
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Suggested Books and Websites
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Basics of Canine Nutrition - Free Preview Video
FREE PREVIEW
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14
CEUs and Certificates
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Completing the Course!
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Certificate of Course Completion
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Review the Course!
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Instructor

Owner, The Science Dog
Linda Case
What Our Students are Saying About
"Basics of Canine Nutrition"
Full of wonderful scientific information!
Kari Bastyr
I have always been a nutrition geek when it comes to gut health, so when I had the opportunity to take this course for CEUs, I jumped on it. I loved Linda's ...
Read MoreI have always been a nutrition geek when it comes to gut health, so when I had the opportunity to take this course for CEUs, I jumped on it. I loved Linda's book, Dog Food Logic, so I knew this course would piggy back on it but having Linda narrate the information made it that much better. I highly recommend this course for anyone who has a dog, or works with dogs.
Read LessSuper course
Diane Buytaert
I really loved this course. Now I am going to study your books! I am very curious for your next course. It feels so good to learn from someone who is so pas...
Read MoreI really loved this course. Now I am going to study your books! I am very curious for your next course. It feels so good to learn from someone who is so passionate and has such a knowledge on the subject.
Read LessComprehensive and enjoyable course
Anna Nussey
Wonderfully comprehensive course that covers everything you need to know about the nutrients required in dog's diets. It is presented in nice, achievable chu...
Read MoreWonderfully comprehensive course that covers everything you need to know about the nutrients required in dog's diets. It is presented in nice, achievable chunks and provides you with further reading if you so wish. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot.
Read LessFor those who want a deeper understanding of nutrition.
Glenn Massie
I highly recommend this comprehensive science-based course for those interested in developing a deeper understanding of the essential nutrients and nutrition...
Read MoreI highly recommend this comprehensive science-based course for those interested in developing a deeper understanding of the essential nutrients and nutritional requirements of what we should be feeding our dogs. This is exactly the type of course you would expect from a world renowned nutrition expert who has written books on the subject of canine nutrition. Linda Case provides a condensed version of "Canine Nutrition" in 10 simple to follow chapters that include video lectures, supplemental reading, and a short quiz to test yourself on your comprehension of the individual subjects. You will learn things like what a true quality protein is, and why the omega 3s in your dog’s food may not be contributing the health benefits like helping with inflammatory disorders such as joint pain.
Read LessSolid, current canine nutrition information; excellent ed...
Lisa Burgoon
Linda is a master at taking relevant, evidence-based research on canine nutrition and putting it into understandable and practical applications for the learn...
Read MoreLinda is a master at taking relevant, evidence-based research on canine nutrition and putting it into understandable and practical applications for the learner. The course provides up-to-date information on macro- and micro-nutrient needs for dogs as well as so incredibly helpful information about many of the myths and trends in feeding our canine companions. She approaches feeding issues from a scientific lens, recognizing the need for guidance in current trends and offers pros and cons of various feeding methods that help us, the consumer and canine guardians, decide the best food in proper amount to help our dog friends thrive. As a human nutritionist and registered dietitian, I was impressed with the advanced level clinical/technical information provided, and I learned or re-learned a ton of information in both the macro- and micro-nutrient areas. An added bonus is the clearly described biochemistry that underpins all of nutritional processes. As an instructor in both face-to-face and online teaching formats at the college level, I was completely wowed by this educational format. The online learning platform, the pace, videos, voice-over power points, and opportunities to interact with Linda online and multiple other learning tools in this course are stellar. I can't wait for the next course!
Read LessSubstantive and clear!
Gina Walls
This course was excellent. It was well organized with clear information delivered with appropriate details. Nicely done.
This course was excellent. It was well organized with clear information delivered with appropriate details. Nicely done.
Read LessExcellent course
Bianca Steinmetz
I absolutely loved this course. The information is up to date and well explained!
I absolutely loved this course. The information is up to date and well explained!
Read LessSuper informative
rosa coords
Text is clear and to the point. Thank you for facilitating the understanding and learning of the material.
Text is clear and to the point. Thank you for facilitating the understanding and learning of the material.
Read LessCanine nutrition
Karen Greenfield
Very good introduction to canine nutrition. Done in a way that was not too technical for a non-science major to understand. Good foundation. Looking forwa...
Read MoreVery good introduction to canine nutrition. Done in a way that was not too technical for a non-science major to understand. Good foundation. Looking forward to the next course!
Read Less