Lesson 1Chicken daily diet: layer feeds, grit, calcium sources, foraging and supplemental greensOutlines balanced diets for domestic chickens, focusing on complete layer feeds, grit, and calcium. Explains safe foraging, supplemental greens, and how diet influences egg quality, behaviour, and overall flock health.
Complete layer feed compositionUse of grit and digestive functionCalcium sources and shell qualitySafe greens and pasture access rulesSeasonal adjustments to chicken rationsLesson 2Diet-related emergency signs: anorexia, weight loss, diarrhoea, changes in faeces consistency and colourDetails how to recognise urgent diet-related problems across species. Explains anorexia, weight loss, diarrhoea, and faecal changes, when they signal emergencies, and how veterinary assistants should triage and document cases.
Normal vs abnormal appetite patternsBody weight tracking and red-flag lossesFecal shape, color, and consistency changesAcute vs chronic diarrhea assessmentWhen to escalate to urgent veterinary careLesson 3Domestic rabbit daily diet: hay types, pelleted feed, fresh greens, portion sizes, and water needsFocuses on balanced daily diets for domestic rabbits, highlighting hay as the main component. Reviews pellet selection, safe greens, correct portions, and water provision to prevent obesity, GI stasis, and dental overgrowth.
Hay dominance and recommended varietiesPellet quality, ingredients, and limitsSafe leafy greens and oxalate awarenessTreats, caloric density, and obesity riskWater delivery methods and daily checksLesson 4Safe food handling and storage: preventing contamination, shelf-life, labelling, segregation of species-specific feedsExplains safe handling and storage of feeds to prevent spoilage and contamination. Covers labelling, rotation, species-specific segregation, pest control, and recognising when food must be discarded for animal safety.
Personal hygiene and cross-contaminationDry feed storage and moisture controlRefrigeration, freezing, and thawing rulesLabeling, dating, and stock rotationSegregating species feeds and allergensLesson 5Parrot (medium) daily diet: seed vs pellet balance, fresh fruit/veg, calcium and enrichment feeding, portioningExamines nutrition for medium parrots, comparing seed-heavy diets with formulated pellets. Discusses fresh produce, calcium sources, foraging-based enrichment, and portioning to prevent obesity, liver disease, and deficiencies.
Risks of seed-heavy parrot dietsChoosing and transitioning to pelletsSafe fruits, vegetables, and greensCalcium sources and vitamin D linksForaging setups and portion planningLesson 6Supplementation and contraindicated foods: vitamin C for guinea pigs, toxic foods for all species (e.g., avocado, chocolate, onion, dog-specific hazards)Clarifies when supplements are beneficial or harmful, with emphasis on guinea pig vitamin C. Lists toxic foods for dogs, rabbits, parrots, chickens, and guinea pigs, and teaches staff to prevent cross-species feeding errors.
Vitamin C routes for guinea pigsSpecies-specific supplement cautionsCommon toxic foods across speciesDog-specific food and drug hazardsPreventing cross-feeding and mix-upsLesson 7Guinea pig daily diet: vitamin C requirements, pellet selection, hay, vegetables, and safe fruit treatsCovers core guinea pig dietary needs, emphasising constant hay, vitamin C sources, and appropriate pellets. Reviews safe vegetables and fruits, feeding schedules, and how to avoid obesity, dental disease, and digestive upset.
Role of vitamin C and deficiency risksSelecting high-fiber, low-calcium pelletsHay types, quality checks, and daily amountsSafe leafy greens and vegetable rotationFruit treat frequency and portion limitsLesson 8Estimating quantities and ration calculation: weight-based portioning, adjusting for activity and age, quick calculation methodsTeaches practical methods to calculate rations using body weight, life stage, and activity. Covers label interpretation, adjusting portions over time, and quick mental or chart-based tools suitable for busy clinical settings.
Using weight-based feeding formulasReading and applying feed labelsAdjusting for age, activity, and healthMonitoring body condition and trendsQuick charts and mental math methodsLesson 9Elderly dog daily diet: age-related nutritional changes, dental-friendly foods, portion control, hydrationExplores nutritional changes in ageing dogs, including energy, protein, and joint support. Covers dental-friendly textures, portion control, hydration strategies, and monitoring body condition to prevent obesity and muscle loss.
Energy and protein needs in senior dogsDental issues and soft food adaptationsUsing body condition scoring in seniorsPortion control and meal frequency plansHydration support and monitoring intakeLesson 10Feeding equipment and delivery methods: bowls, hanging feeders, scattering/foraging feeders, slow feeders, anti-spill optionsReviews feeding equipment options and how they affect behaviour, hygiene, and safety. Compares bowls, hanging and scatter feeders, slow and anti-spill designs, and species-appropriate choices that reduce stress and food waste.
Material choices and hygiene concernsBowl placement, height, and stabilityHanging and scatter feeders for foragingSlow feeders and anti-gulping designsAnti-spill options and waste reduction
