Animal Food Producer Career Profile
- Career Name - Animal Food Producer
- Category - Health / Business / Farming & Livestock Management
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic School Subjects - Biology, Business Studies, Language
- Minimum Required Education - College Diploma
- Species Worked With - Cats, Dogs, Critters, Farm Animals, Mammals, Fish, Birds
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Indirect
Do you want to work as an Animal Food Producer?
- Read about the most important info you need to decide on following this career.
- ​Follow the 7 points below and search for a tertiary institution near you for future studies. If you already are graduated, you may also search through our list of Jobs in the main menu.
- If you want to PLAN the way you need to prepare, then join our community in step 8 where you will learn everything, while chatting with other potential producers and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
CAREER MENTOR
UPDATED:
5 August 2024
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What is an Animal Food Producer?
An animal food producer is involved in the production of food specifically designed for the nutritional needs of animals. This can include a wide range of animals, such as livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep), poultry, pets (dogs, cats, birds), aquaculture species (fish, shrimp), and even exotic animals in zoos.
They can work closely with:
- Animal Nutritionist (oversee the nutrition that animals receive)
- Animal Food Sales Representative
Alternative Names
The career name can be different and be known as:
- Animal Food Manufacturer
- Feed Formulator
- Pet Food Manufacturer
- Livestock Feed Manufacturer
Career Categories
The Animal Food Producer career can be found within the following OZT career categories:
- Health
- Business
- Farming and Livestock Management
Game Feed?
Special feed is produced for game (antelope, deer, buffalo, zebras) to help them grow strong and healthy
Kinds of Animal Food?
Animal food produced by humans can be divided into dry food (kibbles etc), wet food and treats
What does an Animal Food Producer do?
Groups of animals an Animal Food Producer works with
An Animal Food Producer may work with a variety of animals, each requiring specific dietary formulations. Here are some of the different kinds of animals they may work with:
Livestock
- Cattle (beef and dairy)
- Pigs
- Sheep
- Goats
- Poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks)
Companion Animals (Pets)
- Dogs
- Cats
- Birds (parrots, canaries)
- Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters)
- Reptiles (snakes, lizards, and turtles)
Aquaculture
- Fish (salmon, tilapia, trout)
- Shrimp
- Shellfish (mussels, clams)
Exotic Animals
- Zoo animals (big cats, elephants, and primates)
- Wildlife in rehabilitation centres (raptors, bears, etc.)
Horses
- Performance horses (racehorses, show horses)
- Recreational horses
Speciality Animals
- Bees (for apiculture, focusing on supplemental feeding)
- Laboratory animals (mice, rats, and rabbits used in research)
Each category of animal has unique nutritional needs, and producers often specialise in one or more of these areas to ensure they provide the best possible feed for the specific species they cater to.
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 an Animal Food Producer work with?
Besides working with all of the animals, Animal Food Producerts 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
- Lab Technicians
What does an Animal Food Producer focus on?
An animal food producer develops and produces animal food which can be anything from the grain products sold for feed farm animals or game (wild animals bred for business), to the bags of kibble and tinned food sold to pet owners.Â
What are the daily tasks of an Animal Food Producer?
- Providing technical advice to all clients
- Produce tried and tessted food
- Growing the Company’s animal feed market
- Managing targets and budgets
- Performing product evaluations
- Communicating with factories, accounts receivable department and technical specialists
- Preparing price agreements and forecasts
- Administration and filing
In which Environment does an Animal Food Producer work in?
What are the environment and places of employment like?
Environment –
Animal Food Producers work indoors in laboratories and factories.
Places of Employment –
Animal Food Producers are mostly employed by feed manufacturers in either the farm or pet industry, or they start their own businesses.
What is the Average Yearly Salary for an Animal Food Producer?
An Animal Food Producer earns an average of US$60,000 per year.
Can an Animal Food Producer be promoted?
Animal Food Producers do have the opportunity to be promoted within the company, or join a different organization at a higher position. With enough knowledge and experience, they could move over to careers in the actual manufacture of the feed.
The possible producer levels:
Junior producer > senior producer > area manager > company production manager
What difficulties does an Animal Food Producer face?
Producing animal food is never easy, especially when confronting difficult people. Animal Food Producers need to travel a lot and might need to work overtime, and over weekends and holidays.
​Future growth and Possibilities
​The future growth of the sector looks promising, especially for pet food producers. The pet industry is one of the most stable animal industries and shows good growth.
Which Skills do Animal Food Producer need?
The skills required for a career as an animal 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
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
Which Subjects must I have at School to help me prepare for this career?
Biology will be a good subject at School as a foundation for future studies on animal food and nutrition, even if you do not plan on studying further
Business Studies (or any economic science subject) should be on top of your list at school, as you can learn a lot about starting a business, as well as the sales and marketing side.
Language as a subject is key for you to understand more about communication as a sales rep.
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 an Animal Food Producer?
Minimum Requirements
The minimum international requirements is a College Diploma.Â
Study Focus
Majors –
If you do decide to study further, you can focus on subjects such as Animal Nutrition.
Short Courses –
There are many Short Courses in marketing, sales and business administration.
Study Duration
The duration of College and Bachelor’s Degrees can be up to 3 or 4 years. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Preparation Path
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:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions
Participate in the career counselling offered by the school to understand various animal-related careers. Gain clarity on what an animal food producer does and other related careers in animal nutrition.
2. Research All Possible Careers
Investigate different careers in animal nutrition and food production. Identify various roles,, such as Animal Nutritionist, Feed Mill Operator, and Pet Food Manufacturer.
3. Explore Educational Paths
Research the educational requirements for becoming an animal food producer. Discover that degrees in Animal Science, Nutrition, Agricultural Science, or related fields are common pathways.
4. Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path
Choose relevant high school subjects such as biology, chemistry, math, and agricultural science. Build a strong foundation in the sciences essential for further studies in animal nutrition.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Complete high school education with good grades, particularly in science subjects. Meet the basic educational requirement for entry into relevant college programmes.
6. Learn About Animals That Will Work With
Study the dietary needs of different animals through books, online resources, and practical experiences. Develop a broad understanding of animal nutrition and specific needs.
7. Align Post-School Path with Career Goals
Decide whether to enter the workforce directly, pursue further studies, or start a business. Create a clear post-high school plan that aligns with personal goals.
8. Gain Experience Through Volunteering, Internship, Mentorship
Volunteer at farms, animal shelters, or veterinary clinics; seek internships or mentorship opportunities. Gain practical experience and insights into the industry.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities
Join clubs or organisations related to animals and agriculture, participate in science fairs or competitions. Develop relevant skills and demonstrate commitment to the field.
10. Join Professional Associations
Become a member of organisations such as the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) or local agricultural clubs. Access resources, networking opportunities, and stay informed about industry trends.
11. Gain Specialized Skills
Learn skills specific to animal food production, such as feed formulation, quality control, and the use of production equipment. Enhance employability and technical proficiency in the field.
12. Network with Professionals
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars; connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Build a professional network that can provide guidance and opportunities.
13. Enter the Job Market, Finish Tertiary Studies, or Launch a Business
Apply for entry-level positions, complete a relevant degree, or start a business in animal food production. Begin a career as an animal food producer with a solid educational and experiential foundation.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education
Continuously update knowledge through courses, certifications, and staying abreast of industry developments. Maintain expertise and adaptability in a constantly evolving field.
This structured approach ensures that a high school student is well-prepared for a career in animal food production, equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences to succeed.
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 Stones Career Paths
Being an animal 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 an animal food producer 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.
In some cases entry level positions require training sessions even before you are allowed to actually perform your job duties. These sessions are offered by the place of employment, after you have successfully applied.
Apprenticeship is also possible where you need to learn skills from a more senior representative.
Join the Animal 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.
Most countries do require animal food producers to be licenced and certified.
Learn more about requirements by joining OZT.
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 nutrition.
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 MembersÂ
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 MembersÂ
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 an animal 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 an Animal 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.
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