An animal nutritionist is someone who may study, develop, formulate and/or consult in animal nutrition. This may include developing and consulting in feeding wildlife, agriculture livestock or companion animals.
Opportunities
They may find work in laboratories analysing and studying different feeds, for private businesses in consulting in pet nutrition, or in zoos or wildlife parks monitoring and developing feeding plans.
They may also find employment for large farming enterprises such as beef cattle feedlots or broiler chicken producers. There is also the potential for a pet nutritionist to start their own business and consult with a number of clients. There is a growing trend for holistic animal health which looks at more natural means of maintaining animal health –balanced nutrition is key component to the holistic approach.
How to become an animal nutritionist
An animal nutritionist would have to have a solid knowledge of the nutritional requirements, health care, physiology and anatomy of different animals. There would be a strong scientific knowledge and laboratory skills may be required if they are seeking work with a research laboratory. Knowledge of animal eating behaviour would also be an essential part of being a successful animal nutritionist. A natural health care consultant would also incorporate animal nutrition into their recommendations. This may mean studying a course in natural health care for animals to get started along this type of holistic health care.