If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out what to feed your dog — you’re not alone.
Years ago, I took my first nutrition course through Dogs Naturally Magazine University (DNMU). Their courses are a great introduction to canine nutrition, especially if you’re just starting your fresh food journey.
However, if you plan to go deeper — or even build a business in dog nutrition — it’s important to know that DNMU certifications aren’t always recognized as formal credentials. (No shade — they’re still a great starting point!)
Over time, I’ve explored several programs to expand my knowledge of raw and fresh feeding, from short workshops to full professional certifications. Below, I’ve rounded up the top online raw feeding and canine nutrition courses for dog owners, organized by learning level and focus.
1. Dr. Ian Billinghurst’s DIY Raw Feeding Course
Perfect for: Pet parents, vets, and pet pros who want a deep dive into evolutionary nutrition and raw feeding.
Dr. Ian Billinghurst — the veterinarian who literally wrote the book on raw feeding (“Give Your Dog a Bone”) — created this extensive course for anyone who wants to feed confidently and understand why raw works.
This comprehensive program includes over 30 hours of material, lifetime access, and monthly Q&A sessions with Dr. Billinghurst himself — which is huge, considering private consultations with him start at $350/hour.
What You’ll Learn
Raw feeding fundamentals
Potential risks and how to avoid them
Evolutionary nutrition principles
Feeding raw to dogs and cats
Understanding how to build complete and balanced raw meals
Printable guides, PDFs, and ongoing course updates
Fee: $297 (for pet parents); $797 (for professionals)
Format: Self-paced with monthly live Q&A
Includes: Lifetime access + updates
2. Feed Real Institute – Dog Food Nutrition Course
Perfect for: New or overwhelmed raw feeders who want to understand the “why” behind the bowl.
If you’ve ever felt lost trying to balance your dog’s meals, this course is a perfect place to start. Designed by the team behind Feed Real Institute, this course helps you confidently feed your dog real, whole food using evidence-based nutrition principles.
What You’ll Learn
Dog anatomy & digestive physiology
Vitamins, minerals, and their functions
The role of protein, fats, calcium, and organs
What NRC & AAFCO standards actually mean
How to build a balanced bowl
Handling safety (bacteria, aggression myths, etc.)
Transitioning tips for picky eaters
Budget-friendly supplement alternatives
Fee: $149 (for pet parents)
Format: Self-paced online course
Includes: Certificate of completion
3. Feed Real – Professional Canine Nutrition Certification
Perfect for: Pet pros, trainers, groomers, or advanced pet parents who want to go deeper.
This course takes nutrition education to the next level — moving beyond feeding your own dogs to helping others. It’s ideal for anyone interested in becoming a Certified Canine Nutritionist or integrating nutrition coaching into their professional work.
What You’ll Learn
Components of a balanced raw diet
How to interpret and apply NRC standards
Balancing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats
Creating complete meals and supplementation plans
Identifying nutrient deficiencies and toxicities
Feeding senior dogs and dogs with sensitivities
Feeding raw safely on a budget
Understanding drug-nutrient interactions
Debunking common myths about raw feeding
Fee: $799
Format: Self-paced with virtual workshop
Includes: Certificate of completion and access to community Q&A
4. The Original Crockpet Diet™ by Dr. Ruth Roberts
Perfect for: Pet parents who prefer home-cooked meals over raw — or want both options.
Dr. Ruth Roberts’ Crockpet Diet teaches you how to make balanced, nutrient-rich meals in your own kitchen. This course is designed for busy pet parents who want to support their dog’s health naturally — with specific recipe variations for kidney, liver, or digestive health.
What You’ll Learn
8 comprehensive sections with 34 bite-sized lessons
Step-by-step guidance for balanced homemade meals
Diet variations (kidney, liver, keto, low-methionine)
How to adapt recipes for specific health conditions
Expert guidance on supplements and long-term health support
Fee: $97
Format: Self-paced video lessons
Bonus: Lifetime access, optional bundles with multivitamins and eBooks
Kidney Health Starter Kit – $27
Gut Health Starter Kit – $11.99
Comprehensive Gut Instincts Course – $97
Crockpet Health Bundle (Kidney + Gut) – $69.99
5. Confidently Assess Canine Cancer Risk – Dr. Kendra Pope
Perfect for: Pet parents of senior dogs or dogs with a cancer history.
Dr. Kendra Pope is an integrative oncologist who helps pet parents understand and lower their dog’s cancer risk through prevention, lifestyle, and nutrition. This is one of the most unique and science-backed courses available for proactive dog owners.
What You’ll Learn
The three most common myths about cancer in pets
Science-backed causes and risk factors
How to assess your dog’s individual cancer risk
How to build a prevention plan using nutrition and lifestyle
Evidence-based strategies to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
Fee: $1,795
Format: Self-paced with optional live coaching
Bonus: Free introductory webinar available
Bonus: Workshops & Short Courses for Pet Parents
If you’re not ready for a full certification, these short workshops and summits are a great way to learn from top holistic veterinarians and educators:
Workshop | Instructor | Focus |
|---|---|---|
Dr. Ian Billinghurst | Evolutionary nutrition & raw feeding basics | |
Dr. Katie Woodley | Microbiome, probiotics, and digestive support | |
Dr. Rob Silver | Holistic therapies for inflammation & aging | |
Dr. Judy Morgan | Eastern food energetics and healing foods | |
Dr. Ava Frick | Aging gracefully through movement & nutrition | |
Dr. Dee Blanco | Whole-body wellness for dogs | |
Dr. Janet Roark | Safe use of aromatherapy for pets |
Whether you’re new to raw feeding or ready to dive into canine nutrition professionally, there’s a course for every learning level and budget.
Start with a foundational course like Feed Real Dog Food Nutrition if you’re new, or level up with Dr. Billinghurst’s DIY Raw Feeding Course for an evolutionary deep dive. For holistic pet parents managing health concerns, Dr. Ruth Roberts and Dr. Kendra Pope offer powerful, practical education that goes beyond food.
Remember: investing in your knowledge is one of the best gifts you can give your dog — because when you understand nutrition, you can feed with confidence.