Functional Fungi in Animal Feed & Pet Products
Explore mushroom and fungal ingredients in pet supplements and livestock feed, including research status, formulation and feed regulation.
An overview of what you will study and build.
This course explores how fungal ingredients are used in animal nutrition, from yeast and mushroom beta-glucans in livestock feed to supplements and treats for dogs, cats and horses. You will learn about the types of fungal ingredients available, pet supplement formats and palatability, the current research in companion animals and livestock, and the regulations governing feed additives and pet food in Europe and beyond.
Pet owners increasingly look for products similar to those they use themselves, and livestock producers seek feed ingredients that support animal performance and welfare. Feed formulators, pet brands and veterinary professionals need to understand what fungal ingredients can realistically offer, how to formulate with them and how to stay within the strict rules on feed claims. The course draws on case studies of real product development. In your final project you will develop a product concept for a pet or livestock product containing a fungal ingredient, including formulation, palatability strategy, evidence review and regulatory pathway.
6 modules, one growing line of knowledge.
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Yeast, mushroom and mycelium ingredients
- Fungal protein and fermentation products
- Species suitability for animals
- Glucan sources for feed
- Inclusion levels and processing
- Research in poultry, pigs and aquaculture
- Chews, powders and liquids
- Taste acceptance in dogs and cats
- Equine supplement formats
- Study designs in veterinary research
- Evidence in companion animals
- Evidence in livestock
- EU feed additive authorisation
- Complementary feed and pet food rules
- Claims for animal products
- Pet supplement case study
- Livestock feed case study
- Lessons for product launches
Functional Fungi in Animal Feed & Pet Products
By the end you will be able to:
- Select fungal ingredients suited to pet or livestock applications.
- Formulate palatable pet supplements with mushroom ingredients.
- Summarise animal research on fungal ingredients accurately.
- Identify the regulatory category and pathway for animal products.
- Write compliant claims for pet and feed products.
Where this programme sits in the school.
Where this programme can take you.
Roles and uses that build on what you learn here. Outcomes depend on your experience and local market.
- Feed formulator working with functional ingredients
- Product developer at a pet supplement brand
- Technical sales specialist for fungal feed ingredients
- Veterinary professional advising on supplement choices
- Regulatory assistant for pet food and feed
Requirements, assessment and certificate.
Admission requirements
Basic knowledge of animal nutrition or product development is helpful. No equipment beyond a computer is required.
How you are assessed
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions and module exercises such as evidence reviews and regulatory classification tasks. The final product concept is reviewed by the professor.
Final project
A pet or livestock product concept containing a fungal ingredient, with formulation, evidence review and regulatory pathway.
Certificate
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of each country.
How the programme grows, phase by phase.
- Fungal Ingredients in Animal Nutrition
- Yeast and Mushroom Beta-Glucans in Feed
- Pet Supplement Formats and Palatability
- Research in Companion Animals and Livestock
- Feed Additive and Pet Food Regulation
- Product Development Case Studies
Related searches
Questions about this programme
Do I need experience to study Functional Fungi in Animal Feed & Pet Products?
Basic knowledge of animal nutrition or product development is helpful. No equipment beyond a computer is required.
How is Functional Fungi in Animal Feed & Pet Products taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions and module exercises such as evidence reviews and regulatory classification tasks. The final product concept is reviewed by the professor.
What is the final project?
A pet or livestock product concept containing a fungal ingredient, with formulation, evidence review and regulatory pathway.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of each country.
What can I study after Functional Fungi in Animal Feed & Pet Products?
The natural next step is Diploma in Functional & Medicinal Mushrooms.
Read before you start.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).