Raw Food Producer Career Profile
- Career Name - Raw Food Producer
- Category - Health / Business
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic Subjects - Business Studies, Biology, Language
- Minimum Education - High School
- Species Worked With - Pets, Critters, Farm Animals
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Indirect
Do you want to work as a raw food producer?
READ: This page helps you to read about the career and the info you need to decide on whether this is indeed the career you want to follow.
RESEARCH: Learn about the skills required and minimum subjects to enter this career, as well as the places where you can study further after school.
PREPARE: If you want to plan and prepare for your career, then join the OZT Community! Members have access to tools while chatting with other students and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
CAREER MENTORS
UPDATED:
10 May 2024
Page Adverts:
Disclaimer: OZT believes in showcasing ALL careers. We do not suggest, through this Page and it’s content, that pet owners must keep to a specific diet. Always consult your veterinarian on what your animals can and may eat to stay healthy.
What is a Raw Food Producer?
A Raw Food Producer for animals is a professional or company that specialises in creating, processing, and supplying raw food diets for pets, primarily cats and dogs. These diets typically include uncooked meats, bones, fruits, and vegetables, aiming to replicate the natural diet of animals in the wild.
Alternative Names
A Raw Food Producer for animals can be known by several alternative names, reflecting different aspects of their role or the specific focus of their business. Some of these alternative names include:
- Pet Raw Food Manufacturer
- Natural Pet Food Supplier
- Raw Pet Food Specialist
- Holistic Pet Food Producer
- BARF Diet Producer (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food)
- Raw Pet Nutrition Provider
- Organic Pet Food Producer
- Fresh Pet Food Maker
- Raw Animal Diet Producer
- Natural Pet Nutrition Specialist
These alternative names highlight various facets of the profession, such as the focus on natural and holistic nutrition, the emphasis on raw diets, and the commitment to providing fresh, unprocessed food options for pets.
Career Categories
The Raw Food Producer career can be found within the following OZT career categories:
- Health
- Business
Food history?
Cats and dogs used to sustain themsleves on raw food
Market growth?
More than 10% of pet owners have switched to raw food diets
What does a Raw Food Producer do?
Groups of animals a Raw Food Producer works with
What is the level of Interaction with the Animals?
- Directly - A person works directly with the animals with some form of physical contact at least once every few days
- Indirectly - The career doesn't require direct or physical contact at all.
With who does a Raw Food Producer work?
Besides working with all of the animals, Raw Food Producers will need to interact with other people while doing their daily tasks. The people might include fellow staff members or the public.
Fellow staff might include:
- Supervisors/Managers
- Operational staff, such as Human Resources, Finance and Maintenance
What does a Raw Food Producer focus on?
The primary focus of raw food producers is to research the kinds and benefits of raw food and which foods are good for specific animals. They use the knowledge to produce packs of food and good recipes for customers to purchase.
What are the daily tasks of a Raw Food Producer?
- Research different raw food and their nutrients
- Discuss brief with new customers
- Design new recipes
- Advertise products and recipes
- Create a website and add products to an online shop
- Administration and filing
Working conditions of a Raw Food Producer?
Where does a Raw Food Producer work?
Environment –
Raw food producers work mostly indoors in places where raw food can be stored and processed.
Places of Employment –
Most raw food producers start their own businesses, producing products under contract for various clients.
What is the average annual salary of a Raw Food Producer work?
As most producers are self employed, their income is based on obtaining contracts. On average the income per year is around $60,000. This will differ from country to country.
Can a Raw Food Producer be promoted?
Advancement in the field typically depends on work experience and whether one works for a business, or is self employed.
For thos working for a boss, the levels of each promotion might differ from organization to organization:
Intern -> Junior Producer -> Senior Producer -> Manager
What kind of difficulties can a Raw Food Producer face?
The most difficult part is always to get your products seen by future customers. They may work long hours and over weekends and holidays to finish work within tight deadlines.
Future growth and Possibilities
The industry is doing really well and is predicted to grow well over 10% each year.
Which Skills are required by a Raw Food Producer?
The skills required for a career as a raw food producer can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills
- Good business knowledge
- Basic customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
Which Subjects must I have at School to help prepare for this career?
If you are thinking of starting your own business after school, you should definitely have a business or economics subject.
Language will be an excellent subject to help you communicate more effectively as a business
Although Biology is not required, it will help you to learn more about various animals and the nutrition they require.
The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it’s also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
OZT has a list of various tertiary institutions where you can study further, after school. Each of these institutions also have their own Group page on OZT where you will find the exact subjects they require of you to have passed in school. Keep these requirements in mind, and discuss it with your school, guidance counselor and parents to ensure that you are prepared!
What will I need to Study to become a Raw Food Producer?
Minimum Requirements
The minimum educational requirement to start this career is a High School certificate. Most do look into finishing some short courses, or even a good College Diploma.
Study Focus
Major –
If you want to study further, you may look into studying towards animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal food production, business management, marketing.
Short Courses –
Courses in business administration will help to ensure a successful business.
Study Duration
The duration of a College Diploma can be up to 2 to 3 years. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Path Plan
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it’s important to plan the way forward.
Why is planning important?
To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A preparation path is like a road map to where you want to be.
Possible Paths:
Pursuing a career as a Raw Food Producer specializing in animals involves a well-rounded preparation path. Here’s a detailed guide for a high school student based on the given points:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions
- Participate in School Career Days: Attend any career days or guidance sessions offered by the school to understand the different facets of the pet food industry. Seek Advice from
- Career Counselors: Discuss interests and goals with a career counselor to get personalized advice and information on the raw pet food industry.
2. Research All Possible Careers
- Explore Related Careers: Look into related careers such as veterinary nutritionist, animal dietician, or food safety specialist.
- Use Online Resources: Utilize online platforms, like career websites and forums, to gather information about the roles, responsibilities, and prospects of being a Raw Food Producer.
3. Explore Educational Paths
- Investigate Relevant Degrees: Research degrees in animal science, veterinary technology, food science, or nutrition.
- Consider Technical Training: Look into technical programs or certifications related to food handling and safety.
4. Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path
- Science Courses: Focus on biology, chemistry, and animal science to build a strong foundation.
- Business and Economics: Take courses in business, economics, or entrepreneurship to gain insights into running a business.
- Home Economics: If available, take classes related to food preparation and safety.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Maintain Good Grades: Ensure to perform well in relevant subjects to keep options open for post-secondary education.
6. Learn About Animals
- Study Animal Behavior and Nutrition: Take additional classes or read books about animal nutrition and behavior.
- Volunteer at Animal Shelters: Gain practical experience by working with animals in shelters or veterinary clinics.
7. Align Post-School Path with Career Goals
- Decide on Further Education: Determine whether to pursue a college degree, vocational training, or start working immediately.
- Consider Entrepreneurship: Think about the possibility of starting a raw pet food business after gaining some experience and education.
8. Gain Experience
- Internships: Seek internships with pet food companies, veterinary clinics, or farms.
- Mentorship: Find a mentor in the industry who can provide guidance and insights.
- Volunteering: Volunteer in relevant settings to gain hands-on experience.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities
- Join Relevant Clubs: Participate in science clubs, 4-H, FFA (Future Farmers of America), or business clubs.
- Pet Care Projects: Engage in projects related to animal care and nutrition.
10. Join Professional Associations
- Professional Organizations: Join groups like the American Pet Products Association (APPA) or local pet food industry associations for networking and resources.
- Attend Conferences: Participate in industry conferences and workshops.
11. Gain Specialized Skills
- Food Safety Certification: Obtain certifications in food handling and safety.
- Animal Nutrition Courses: Take specialized courses in animal nutrition and diet formulation.
- Business Skills: Develop skills in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.
12. Network with Professionals
- Industry Events: Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking functions.
- Online Networking: Use LinkedIn and other platforms to connect with professionals in the pet food industry.
13. Enter the Job Market or Start a Business
- Job Applications: Apply for entry-level positions in pet food companies or related fields.
- Business Plan: If starting a business, create a detailed business plan and seek advice from business mentors or entrepreneurial programs.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education
- Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends, research, and developments in animal nutrition and food safety.
- Further Education: Consider advanced degrees or certifications as needed to stay competitive and knowledgeable.
By following this comprehensive preparation path, a high school student can effectively prepare for a career as a Raw Food Producer specializing in animals, ensuring they have the necessary education, skills, and experience to succeed in this field.
Possible Combined Career Paths
It is possible to sometimes combine two or more related careers. This normally happens when you study and practice a specific main career, but the knowledge and experience gained also help you to have a paying hobby or secondary income career.
Possible Alternatives (there are a lot more):
Stepping Stone Career
Being a raw food producer can also be used as a stepping stone career. A stepping stone career is one which is used to help you get to another career, normally because the other career is too difficult to reach (sometimes due to things like high fees etc).
You can begin after basic short courses and expert guidance (maybe working under a mentor). The money made can then be used to pay for studies towards a promotion or another career, and the experience helps in gaining knowledge. One paying to help get to the other.
Some of the possible paths:
Training and apprenticeship
Even though it is important to study to get into some of the animal careers, most of the skills you will need as a raw food business owner will be acquired through practice. This means that you will learn how to perform some of the daily tasks by actually doing it a few times and learning the steps.
Apprenticeship is also possible where you learn skills from a person who has been in the business for a while.
Join the Raw Food Producers Group in the OZT Community to learn more and even interact with the educational institutions that will help you secure your dream career!
Average level of education of all the people who enter the career:
Licenses, Certificate, Registration and Professional Associations
Certain animal careers require some form of legal certification to prove that you can indeed do the work, and work with the necessary equipment.
If you are going to work with raw food and start a business, you will have to secure a business license, and in some countries a permit to produce and sell raw food to pets.
Learn more about requirements by joining the OZT Community.
Professional Associations
- None Added Yet
Where can I study further?
All of the above information will help you understand more about the Career, including the fact that there are different paths to take to reach it. But if you are almost done with High School (Grades 11 or 12), you also need to start thinking about further studies, and WHERE you will study.
See the List of Universities, Colleges and Online Training Academies who offer courses towards pet nutrition and raw food production.
How do I start to prepare for this Career?
If you do decide on following this career, then OZT can assist you in figuring out a path to prepare, as well as help you to gain further knowledge about the career and the animals you will be working with. We do this by offering you FREE career development tools. There are almost a dozen free tools, but these are the three primary ones:
CAREER PATH PLAN
Use the career path plan above on this profile as an example to follow, or to work out your own path.
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
SHORT COURSES
Access easy-to-use short courses to make your career preparation easier! The basic information in each course is free, but the rewards can only be unlocked as an OZT member!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
STUDY GUIDE
Get a supercharged study guide that fits into the career path plan! Now that's really upping your preparation game! Join us for free to gain access!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Members Only
But, if you are still uncertain about choosing this specific career, and even where to start, then have a look at our special series of WHAT NEXT courses (link below). They take you through all of the questions you might have on how to choose the right career, what to do while at and after school, and even how to start your own business.
Join the OZT community and career Group
Join us as a special member and learn more about becoming a raw food producer.
Members of the Platform have special access to:
- Info on the best places where you can study (colleges, universities and online)
- Expertly designed advice to prepare you for the career, and links to places where you can gain valuable experience. For some career experience is necessary, otherwise you wont get the job!
- Top notch info on each of the different species you will work with
- Make friends around the world and share knowledge
- Compete and win points, badges, games, prizes and certificates. Be the best of the best, while you learn and prepare!
If you have decided on being a Raw Food Producer, please click on the JOIN GROUP button. Members will be directed to the Group, while non-members will be assisted to register first.
If this career is NOT the career for you, then you may return to the MAIN CAREER menu, and search for something different.
Other interesting Careers
Career Profiles and Resources
Career Mentors are Members who assist by volunteering to keep each Career Page factual and current, while mentoring Students in the related Career Group.
Contributions by expert members are always appreciated to allow the Students to make informed decisions. Please add your contribution through the attached Form:
List of Career Mentors/Educators who have contributed to this Career info:
One Zoo Tree
A few pictures about the Career:
- Link
Some of the best websites to help you decide on the Career:
