Companion Animal Sciences Institute

Course Title: Introduction to Canine Diets 306

Instructor: Susan Dillon, Dip.NS., Dip. C.N., Dip.ACBS., Dip.CFNA.

Course Description:

This course provides a foundational examination of the types of diets available  for dogs almost everywhere. It does not focus on brands because not every brand is available around the world and not all brands are consistent from country to country (although we discuss individual brands in Class). Instead, this course will explain ingredients and additives in dry foods and help the student understand home-prepared diets. All diets are examined objectively including both the pros and cons of each type. This course is evaluated by way of assignments.

Part one of 306 explores home-cooked diets. It discusses the major elements of this type of diet as well as what supplements might be added and safe food handling practices.

Part two of 306 explores commercial diets. This section delves into the safety of commercial foods, AAFCO vs NRC, marketing concepts, and ingredients commonly used.

Part three of 306 explores raw diets. This sections discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a raw diet. It also talks about how to put a raw diet together and the safety of feeding raw foods.

Part four of 306 explores vegetarian/vegan diets. It discusses the safety and efficacy of this type of diet as well as why this type of diet would be used.

Students should emerge from this course with able to analyze and discuss the following topic areas:

Required Resources:

• Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 5th Edition by Hand. (Enrolled students are eligible for a significant discount on this book through the Mark Morris Institute. Students can request a discount code from their instructor for this.)
  
• Vegan Dogs by James O'Heare. http://www.vegandognutritionassociation.com/vegandognutrition.html