VeterinaryNutritionists
Careers In Animal Nutrition

How To Become A Veterinary Nutritionist

Becoming a board-certified veterinary nutritionist takes vet school, specialty training and a board exam. There are also shorter routes into animal nutrition and animal health. Here are the paths.

Path 1: Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist

  1. Bachelor's degree with the prerequisites for veterinary school, such as biology, chemistry and biochemistry
  2. Veterinary school (DVM or VMD), typically four years
  3. Clinical experience, often a one-year rotating internship or time in practice
  4. Clinical nutrition residency, a multi-year program under board-certified supervisors
  5. Board certification through the specialty examination, earning DACVN or DACVIM (Nutrition)

It is one of the smaller veterinary specialties: the AVMA counted 89 active ACVN diplomates in the U.S. as of December 31, 2022 (AVMA). Graduates work in teaching hospitals, specialty practices, remote consulting and the pet food industry.

Path 2: Animal Nutritionist

If you love nutrition science but not clinical medicine, animal nutrition is a degree-based path:

  • Bachelor's in animal science, nutrition or a related field
  • Master's or PhD for formulation, research and senior roles
  • Optional professional credentials, such as becoming a registered professional animal scientist

Animal nutritionists formulate pet food and livestock feed, run research, and consult for farms, zoos and manufacturers.

Path 3: Start In Animal Health Now

Many people begin as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician. These programs are much shorter, put you in clinics right away, and are a good way to see whether a longer veterinary or nutrition path is right for you.

Explore training options and salaries in our sister guide at VirtualCounselor.org.

Get Started On Your Veterinary Career

Skills That Help On Any Path

  • Strong biology and chemistry foundation
  • Comfort with math for formulation and calorie calculations
  • Clear communication with pet owners and veterinarians
  • Patience for long training programs and detailed casework
Common Questions

Career FAQs

How long does it take to become a veterinary nutritionist?

Typically more than a decade after high school: an undergraduate degree, about four years of veterinary school, clinical experience such as an internship, then a multi-year nutrition residency before the board exam.

Can I become a veterinary nutritionist without going to vet school?

Not a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, which requires a veterinary degree. You can become an animal nutritionist through a degree, often a PhD, in animal or nutritional science.

What jobs are there for animal nutritionists?

Animal nutritionists work in pet food and livestock feed companies, research, universities, zoos and agricultural consulting.

How can I start working in animal health quickly?

Veterinary assistant and veterinary technician programs are common entry points, with programs available at community colleges and career schools.