Nutrition and Diet Preparation Overview

Presented by Iron Oak Canyon Ranch's Animal Care Academy, this segment of our Animal Care series of clinics and classes will focus on animal nutrition and diet preparation. Whether you’re caring for exhibit animals or training them, diet prep will be one of the most consuming aspects of your job. Diet not only forms the foundation of an animal’s health, it also offers opportunities for enrichment, training, and can even impact hormones.   
 
In this class, students will learn the basics of animal diet preparation, from core USDA regulations to good food safety practices, from animal health concerns to the dos and don’ts of various species and groups. Students will learn how to prepare diets efficiently, whether produce, meat, or fish, as well as common mistakes to avoid.
 
This course is taught by ranch owner Lessa Ritzma, whose previous career credits include zookeeper, informal science educator, and exotic animal trainer performing in animal shows, along with over twenty years of horse experience.
 
This is a hands-off, live demonstration and lecture class. All participants will qualify for the Nutrition and Diet Preparation Overview credit for Iron Oak Canyon Ranch's Animal Care certificate. The Animal Care certificate core courses must be taken in order, with the exception of the Basics of Husbandry courses, which may be taken at any time.
 
$40 per participant for 2-hour class. Limit 15 participants. Weather permitting.

Message us to sign up or ask questions.