Choosing the Right Canine Nutritionist

With so much information available about feeding dogs, it can be difficult to know who to trust. Social media, websites and online communities are full of advice, but not all of it is based on sound nutritional knowledge or current evidence.

Unlike veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, canine nutrition is currently an unregulated profession in the UK. This means that anyone can describe themselves as a canine nutritionist, regardless of whether they have completed any formal education or training. While many nutritionists are highly knowledgeable and experienced, it's important to look beyond social media popularity and marketing claims when choosing someone to advise you.

When should you seek nutritional advice?

Many healthy dogs thrive on a complete and balanced raw food from a reputable manufacturer, so not every dog needs an individual nutrition consultation.

However, professional advice can be particularly valuable if your dog has:

• Food intolerances or allergies

• Ongoing digestive problems

• Kidney, liver or pancreatic disease

• Weight management issues

• Skin or coat concerns

• Multiple or complex medical conditions

• A home-prepared or DIY raw diet that needs balancing

In these situations, a suitably qualified nutrition professional can work alongside your veterinary surgeon to help ensure your dog's nutritional needs are met.

What should you look for?

As canine nutrition is unregulated, qualifications and continuing professional development are important considerations.

Look for someone who:

• Has completed recognised education in canine nutrition.

• Continues to update their knowledge through further training and professional development.

• Bases recommendations on current nutritional science rather than trends or fear-based marketing.

• Tailors advice to your individual dog rather than promoting a single feeding method for every pet.

• Is willing to work alongside your veterinary surgeon where appropriate.

• Can clearly explain the reasoning behind their recommendations.

Qualifications, education and professional organisations

There is no single qualification that makes someone the "best" canine nutritionist, but recognised education and professional accountability can help you make an informed choice.

One of the UK's leading providers of canine nutrition education is the Canine Holistic Science Academy (CHSA), which offers Ofqual-regulated qualifications in canine nutrition. Its Level 3 Diploma provides a recognised educational foundation for many professionals entering the industry and is accepted as the first step towards the mentoring programme offered by the Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants (APNC).

The APNC is a veterinary-regulated professional association that supports qualified nutrition consultants through mentoring, ongoing education and professional standards. Many APNC consultants have developed specialist interests in areas such as digestive health, allergies, weight management and clinical nutrition.

If you're specifically looking for professionals who support fresh and raw feeding, the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) provides a directory of veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, nutritionists, behaviourists and other professionals with an interest in species-appropriate nutrition.

The Raw Feeding for Dogs Made Simple UK (RFFDMS UK) directory also helps owners find nutritionists who have demonstrated recognised qualifications, relevant experience or both, including professionals involved in nutrition consultancy, education, food formulation and the raw feeding industry.

Although each organisation has different membership requirements and areas of expertise, they all aim to promote higher standards, continued professional development and evidence-informed nutritional advice.

Be cautious of unrealistic claims

No single diet is right for every dog, and no nutritionist should promise to cure illness through food alone.

Be wary of anyone who:

• Claims their feeding method is the only correct way to feed.

• Promises to cure diseases through diet alone.

• Uses fear or misinformation to persuade you to change foods.

• Cannot explain their qualifications or experience.

• Refuses to work with your veterinary surgeon when appropriate.

Good nutrition is an important part of supporting your dog's health, but it should complement—not replace—appropriate veterinary care.

Our approach at Naturally Raw

At Naturally Raw, we believe that feeding a high-quality raw diet, from reputable manufacturers gives many dogs the nutrition they need to thrive.

We're always happy to help customers choose the right products, explain feeding guidelines and discuss which foods may suit their dog's age, activity level and lifestyle.

Where a dog has complex medical conditions, multiple health concerns or requires a bespoke diet, we'll always recommend seeking advice from a suitably qualified canine nutrition professional who can work alongside your veterinary surgeon.

By choosing someone with recognised education, a commitment to continued learning and an evidence-informed approach, you can feel confident that you're receiving advice that's tailored to your dog's individual needs.