Pet nutritionists help keep animals at their optimal health.
An improper diet can cause a variety of ailments in animals, from nutrition deficiencies to digestive tract problems. Pet food companies like Nutro are constantly hiring pet nutrition specialists to help educate consumers on what to look for in pet foods, and pet owners are increasingly seeking advice from pet nutritionists on how they can help ensure that animal companions remain healthy and happy.
Instructions
1. Obtain a college degree in areas related to animal nutrition, which include agriculture, horticulture, veterinary science, equine science, medicine, biology or nutrition. According to Schools in the USA, a master's degree may be required in order to specialize in one specific species. Check local veterinarian schools for advanced programs related to pet nutrition.
2. Determine what area you would like to specialize in. For example, you can limit your expertise to one species, like dogs or cats, or you can become an equine specialist. You can also devote your time to helping farmers raise healthy livestock, such as chickens and pigs.
3. Volunteer or get a job with a veterinarian, animal research facility or humane society in order to gain on-the-job knowledge of how diet can affect the overall health of pets. Absorb as much knowledge as you can in these professional settings and network with others in the field as much as possible because having established contacts will help you build your own business in the future.
4. Practice what you have learned in the field on your own pets or the pets of friends or family members. For example, if your cousin has an elderly dog with digestive problems, find out what type of food is being consumed and then make modifications based on your research and knowledge.
5. Advertise your services and experience wherever you can, including in local pet food stores, animal hospitals and animal shelters. Offer free telephone consultations for new clients during which you can quickly assess some of their pet food challenges and let them know how you might be able to improve the quality of life for their pet through food.
Tags: