I know there is at least one maybe a few more members here who are equine nutritionist.
I am interested in becoming a nutritionist and have no clue where to start or what the education process would entail. I already have a BSc. and would be looking at it more as a side-gig as I am truly interested in learning and I see there is some demand for it in my area. Would it be possible to do something like this via online?
I love reading about different aspects of nutrition and find myself often reading research about it. If anyone can help point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it!
Anyone can (and does) call themself an equine nutritionist. There are several online “certificate” programs out there of varying quality. With no governing body regulating who or what a nutritionist is, no one can stop anyone from taking one of those online courses and hanging out a shingle.
However, most people who are professional employed as equine nutritionists by universities, research organizations, feed companies, and reputable supplement companies have at least an M.S. degree - a Ph.D. at larger companies/universities - in animal science whose research experience focuses on equine nutrition. A graduate degree in the sciences cannot be obtained online, because doing research requires you to be physically present on the farm and in the lab.
As someone with an M.S. and 10+ years of professional experience, I am not a fan of the online educated “nutritionists” out there. I have seen way too much outdated, disproven, and/or absurd advice given from these folks to recommend their services to horse owners. Part of the problem is that, without actual research experience and regular attendance at scientific meetings, you just can’t have a full or updated understanding of nutritional science.
Edited to add: If you’re interested in exploring a graduate degree in the field of equine nutrition, PM me. I’d be happy to give you names of good programs to check out.
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Thank you for the knowledge. It is very appreciated!
I really did not know that the certificate programs weren’t well regulated nor up to date, so I am happy you brought that to my attention. I certainly am striving for quality information if I do pursue this path.
I will message you about the graduate degree programs.
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