How Do You Become an Animal Nutritionist?

Animal nutritionists work to improve the diet and health of a wide range of animals.

Animal nutritionists apply the study of diet and nutrition to the well-being of animals. Given the relatively broad field of study and specialization, animal nutritionists can pursue careers in a number of fields ranging from agriculture to pharmaceutical companies to aquariums. Becoming an animal nutritionist requires dedication and a clear idea of where you want to pursue a career after graduating.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree (biology, veterinarian sciences, agriculture, or zoology)
• Master's degree (animal nutrition or specific animal specialization)
• Internship or part-time position (humane society, veterinarian hospital, or zoo)

Instructions

1. Examine the career options available to an animal nutritionist that you would be interested in pursuing; contact local animal care specialists so that you can request informational interviews and establish professional contacts. The particular type of training required for animal nutritionists depends on where they intend to work after finishing their required education. If you intend to work in the animal racing field, for example, you may need to pursue a degree specialization in equine or canines.

2. Pursue relevant internships and part-time jobs as you are studying for your degree. If you are interested in nutrition for domesticated pets, contact your local humane shelters and veterinarians for available positions. If you are interested in more exotic animals, contact the local zoo or nearby colleges/university for placement in an internship or volunteer program. Working as an intern or volunteer can give you valuable practical experience and help you develop professional contacts in your field.

3. Pursue a bachelor's degree in a field that will prepare you to study animal nutrition in a graduate program. According to Graduate Prospects, animal nutritionists often receive degrees in the fields of agriculture, biology, veterinarian science, or zoology. If your university does not offer a degree directly related to animal nutrition, you can build up your academic experience by participating in animal-related programs and taking animal health-related courses when available.

4. Pursue a master's degree or doctorate in animal nutrition. According to Mark Edwards, an animal nutritionist, the field is broad enough that there is no set academic path for animal nutritionists; rather, you should pursue degrees leading to the type of career you wish to pursue. If you are interested in working marine or exotic animals, for example, you should consider entering a zoology or marine science program.

References

• Graduate Prospects: Animal Nutrionist Career
• NSTA: An Interview With An Animal Nutrionist
• Cal Poly Pomona: Animal Nutrioni Career & Internship