We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, MS

Busy dog parent? No problem. This course reveals the essential diet strategies you need to optimize your dog's health.

Global canine nutrition authorities W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, MS created the Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course because we know that you work hard, are limited for time and are just plain crazy-busy.

But, even with your hectic life, you still want to take awesome care of your dog.

Let's face it, your dog may be your best friend - or at the very least he or she ranks up there as a favorite family member.

Read more

Busy dog parent? No problem. This course reveals the essential diet strategies you need to optimize your dog's health.

Global canine nutrition authorities W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, MS created the Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course because we know that you work hard, are limited for time and are just plain crazy-busy.

But, even with your hectic life, you still want to take awesome care of your dog.

Let's face it, your dog may be your best friend - or at the very least he or she ranks up there as a favorite family member.

So, of course you want to do everything you can to ensure that your "four-legged kid" lives the healthiest, longest life possible.

What you need are the key elements to feeding your dog for a healthy, long life that you can implement immediately. And, you need it to be delivered in a quick, easy-to-follow format so that you can fit it into your busy life.

Enter the Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course.

This course delivers quick, easy-to-follow steps that can implement immediately to transform your dog's health.

Here are some of the essential nutrition nuggets you will uncover inside the course:

  • The root cause of chronic disease in dogs and the steps you must take to avoid it in your dog.
  • Ingredients in your dog's commercial food that could literally be slowly killing him or her - and how to get rid of them.
  • The Three Keys you must use to ensure your dog receives a balanced home-prepared diet.
  • The precise amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates to include in your dog's diet.
  • Specific ingredients to feed your dog and how much of each.
  • Must-have supplements and how much of each to use.

Whether you're a busy dog-mom, dog-dad or you are a dog care professional looking to increase your knowledge of nutrition - the Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course is your essential "go to" course for the nutrition foundation you need.

Let's get started.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objective

Dog nutrition tips and strategies to immediately implement to optimize their dog's health and longevity.

Syllabus

Start Here

In this Introductory Video, you will learn about the creators of the course, why we created the course and what we want you to achieve from it. Enjoy!

Read more

In this lesson, we dive deep into the key elements of creating an ideal diet for your dog.

If you are ever confused about how much protein, fat and carbohydrates to feed your dog, this is the lesson for you! You will also learn the specific foods we recommend along with the proportions of each to include in your dog's diet.

In this lesson, we tackle a topic that stresses out many dedicated dog guardians - diet supplementation.

Supplementing your dog's diet can seem scary because you of course want to strike the perfect balance. You want to make sure your dog gets all the nutrients he or she needs to thrive, while also being careful not to give "too much of a good thing," which can also be detrimental.

In this video, will cover in detail each supplement we feel should be added to your dog's diet and even recommend the brands we like and use!

In this bonus video, we will discuss the myth of "complete and balanced" commercial pet foods and divulge why it's IMPOSSIBLE for a pet food to be truly "complete and balanced."

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides actionable strategies for optimizing a dog's diet, which can be immediately implemented by dog owners and pet care professionals alike
Created by canine nutrition authorities, which lends credibility to the information and strategies presented in the course
Addresses the root causes of chronic disease in dogs related to diet, which is a major concern for responsible dog owners
Explores the supplementation of a dog's diet, which can be a confusing topic for many dog owners seeking to provide optimal nutrition
Debunks the myth of 'complete and balanced' commercial pet foods, which may challenge conventional wisdom and encourage critical thinking
Requires learners to critically assess ingredients in commercial dog food, which may require additional research and effort

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical canine nutrition crash course

According to learners, the Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course provides highly actionable and essential information on canine nutrition. Taught by expert instructors, the course content is delivered in a concise and easy-to-understand format, making it perfect for busy pet owners seeking to improve their dog's health. Many reviewers found the sections on identifying harmful ingredients and creating a balanced home diet particularly valuable. Students report gaining the foundation needed to make immediate, positive changes to their dog's feeding regimen, leading to noticeable health improvements. While some desired more advanced topics, the course successfully fulfills its promise as a practical, time-efficient guide.
Delivered in a quick, time-efficient format.
"Perfect for someone busy like me."
"The lessons are short and to the point."
"It's a crash course, so it gets right to the essential stuff without filler."
Learn from renowned authorities in canine nutrition.
"It's fantastic to learn from experts like Dr. Dodds and Diana."
"The instructors clearly have deep knowledge and experience."
"Knowing it's taught by leading authorities gives me confidence in the information."
Reveals surprising facts about pet food.
"Learned so much about what's really in commercial dog food."
"The information on 'complete and balanced' was eye-opening."
"This course made me rethink how I feed my dog completely."
Provides a solid base for understanding diet.
"Gave me a great foundation in canine nutrition basics."
"Helped me understand how to create a balanced diet."
"It's a solid starting point for anyone new to home-prepared diets."
Leads to positive changes in dogs' well-being.
"My dog's coat looks better already after making some changes."
"I've seen an improvement in my dog's digestion since starting the new diet."
"Following the advice has helped my dog feel healthier."
Provides practical steps for immediate implementation.
"I could apply the information right away and see results."
"The course gave me specific, easy steps to change my dog's diet."
"Very practical advice that I can use in my daily life."
Some wish for more advanced details.
"It's a crash course, so it doesn't go into extreme depth on everything."
"Wish there were more modules on specific health conditions."
"Great overview, but I'll need to seek out more advanced info later."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course with these activities:
Review Basic Canine Anatomy and Physiology
Reviewing basic canine anatomy and physiology will help you better understand the nutritional needs of dogs and how diet impacts their health.
Browse courses on Animal Anatomy
Show steps
  • Find a reputable online resource or textbook on canine anatomy and physiology.
  • Focus on the digestive system, skeletal system, and muscular system.
  • Take notes on key concepts and terminology.
Review 'Canine and Feline Nutrition' by Case, Carey, and Hirakawa
Study a comprehensive book on canine nutrition to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind the course's recommendations.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Canine and Feline Nutrition'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the topics covered in the course.
  • Take notes on key concepts and recommendations.
Document Your Dog's Current Diet
Documenting your dog's current diet will help you identify areas for improvement based on the course content.
Show steps
  • Record all food and treats your dog consumes in a typical week.
  • Note the ingredients, quantities, and feeding schedule.
  • Analyze the diet based on the course's recommendations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats'
Study a book on natural health for dogs to gain a broader perspective on the role of nutrition in overall well-being.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats'.
  • Read the sections on nutrition and natural therapies.
  • Consider how these approaches align with the course's recommendations.
Design a Balanced Home-Prepared Meal Plan
Designing a meal plan will allow you to apply the course's principles of balanced nutrition to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
  • Research appropriate ingredients and portion sizes based on your dog's needs.
  • Create a detailed meal plan with specific recipes and feeding instructions.
  • Consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist for feedback.
Create a Supplement Guide for Your Dog
Creating a supplement guide will help you solidify your understanding of the course's recommendations on supplementation.
Show steps
  • Research the supplements recommended in the course.
  • Determine the appropriate dosages for your dog based on their weight and health condition.
  • Create a guide with information on each supplement, including its benefits, dosage, and potential side effects.
Answer Questions in Online Dog Nutrition Forums
Answering questions will reinforce your understanding of the course material and help others improve their dog's diet.
Show steps
  • Find online forums or social media groups dedicated to dog nutrition.
  • Read questions from other dog owners and provide helpful answers based on the course content.
  • Cite sources and provide evidence-based recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pet Nutritionist
Pet nutritionists specialize in formulating diets that meet the specific needs of animals. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course offers essential diet strategies to optimize a dog's health, which aligns perfectly with the role of a pet nutritionist. Delving into topics such as the ideal proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates may be helpful. The course presents information in a quick, easy-to-follow format, which should be particularly appealing to nutritionists looking for a fast way to learn techniques.
Veterinary Technician
A veterinary technician assists veterinarians in providing medical care to animals. This role involves understanding animal health, nutrition, and well being, and being able to implement diet changes to optimize a dog's health. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course directly addresses this need by offering quick, easy-to-follow steps to transform a dog's health. The course's emphasis on identifying ingredients that may harm dogs and understanding supplementation is valuable. Veterinary technicians looking to enhance their knowledge of canine nutrition may benefit from the expert insights offered in this streamlined format.
Pet Food Sales Representative
A pet food sales representative promotes and sells pet food products to retailers, veterinarians, and other customers. Understanding canine nutrition is crucial for effectively communicating the benefits and features of different pet food options. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course provides essential diet strategies to optimize a dog's health, which may be useful for a pet food sales representative. The course's detailed insights into ingredients, supplements, and the ideal proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates can bolster a sales representative's credibility and expertise, and the myth of complete and balanced commercial pet foods.
Veterinary Assistant
A veterinary assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing care to animals. This role requires some understanding of animal health and nutrition, and an ability to implement diet changes to optimize a dog's health. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course directly addresses this need by offering quick, easy-to-follow steps to transform a dog's health. The course's emphasis on identifying ingredients that may harm dogs and understanding supplementation is valuable. Veterinary assistants looking to enhance their knowledge of canine nutrition may benefit from the expert insights offered in this streamlined format. This can help them provide better support in their role.
Dog Breeder
Dog breeders are responsible for the health and well being of their dogs, including their dietary needs. Breeders may wish to learn about the essential diet strategies shared in the Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course to optimize a dog's health. The material on ingredients that could be harmful to dogs and the comprehensive guide to supplements should prove useful. The course's structure is designed for busy individuals because it prioritizes quick, easy-to-follow steps, which is beneficial to breeders.
Animal Shelter Manager
An animal shelter manager oversees the operations of an animal shelter, including the care and feeding of the animals. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course's insights into avoiding chronic disease in dogs and identifying harmful ingredients in commercial pet foods should be useful for a manager. The course provides a foundational understanding that shelter managers can leverage to improve the health of dogs in their care. The quick, easy-to-follow format will be valuable.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal diseases and injuries. Diet plays a crucial role in animal health. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course provides essential diet strategies to optimize a dog's health. Veterinarians may find the material covering the root cause of chronic diseases in dogs and the ingredients in commercial food that could be harmful valuable. This course may be useful for veterinarians seeking a condensed resource on canine nutrition, especially the sections on balanced home prepared diets and supplementation.
Pet Store Owner
A pet store owner sells pet food, supplies, and sometimes animals, and they often advise customers on pet care. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course offers information about commercial pet foods and their ingredients that could be harmful. Pet store owners who wish to provide responsible advice to their customers may benefit from the key elements to feeding a dog shared in this crash course. The segments on protein, fat, carbohydrates, and recommended supplements may also be useful.
Dog Trainer
Dog trainers work with dogs to teach them obedience, agility, and other skills. A dog's diet can significantly impact its behavior and training outcomes. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course includes practical, immediately implementable strategies for optimizing canine health through diet. By understanding the key elements of a healthy diet, trainers can recommend effective strategies for enhancing the dog's overall well being, especially the importance of diet. A dog trainer may find value in the information about supplements and how to use them.
Pet Groomer
Pet groomers provide grooming services to dogs and cats, including bathing, brushing, hair trimming, and nail clipping. A dog's diet significantly impacts its coat condition and overall health. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course offers practical, immediately implementable strategies for optimizing canine health through diet. By understanding the key elements of a healthy diet, groomers can recommend helpful strategies for enhancing the dog's health, especially the importance of diet. A groomer may find the sections on supplements and commercial dog foods useful.
Canine Massage Therapist
Canine massage therapists provide therapeutic massage to dogs, promoting relaxation, relieving muscle tension, and improving overall well being. While massage focuses on physical manipulation, understanding a dog's diet is important for overall health. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course teaches essential diet strategies to optimize a dog's health, which is valuable for a massage therapist. By understanding the key elements of a healthy diet, therapists can offer holistic recommendations. The course provides insight into supplements.
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Certified dog behavior consultants work with dog owners to address behavioral issues in their pets. While behavior modification techniques are central to their role, understanding the impact of diet on behavior is growing in importance. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course provides essential insights into canine nutrition, which might be useful to a consultant who wants a deeper understanding of nutrition and diet. The quick and actionable strategies in the course are helpful for a consultant. A consultant may find the sections on avoiding chronic disease useful.
Animal Welfare Investigator
Animal welfare investigators look into cases of animal neglect and abuse. An understanding of proper animal care is essential to ensure that dogs receive adequate nutrition. The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course shows the essential components of a dog's diet and may be useful. Investigators may learn about the ingredients in commercial dog food that may be harmful to a dog's health, and may learn about supplements.
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured or orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. While this role primarily involves wild animals, the insights from the Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course on diet formulation and essential nutrients have some applicability. Although dog-specific, familiarity with dietary needs and supplement use may inform decisions regarding the animals they rehabilitate. The core concepts of the course are helpful.
Zoologist
Zoologists study animals and their behaviors, habitats, and diets. While they typically work with a diverse range of species, an understanding of canine nutrition, as covered in The Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course, may be useful. While they may not typically focus on dogs, zoologists can apply the insights to comparative dietary studies or to understand the broader implications of nutrition on animal health. The quick lessons may be useful for zoologists who wish to expand their knowledge of canine nutrition.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Rock Your Dog's Diet Crash Course.
Comprehensive resource on canine and feline nutrition, often used as a textbook in veterinary schools. It covers the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats at different life stages and provides detailed information on various dietary ingredients. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the science behind dog nutrition and complement the course material. It valuable reference for anyone serious about optimizing their dog's diet.
Provides a holistic approach to pet health, including nutrition, homeopathy, and other natural therapies. While not solely focused on diet, it offers valuable insights into the connection between food and overall well-being. It can be a useful resource for those interested in exploring alternative approaches to canine nutrition and health. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser