The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show – Equine, Dr. Brian Nielsen from Michigan State University discusses the vital topic of hydration and electrolytes in horses. He clears up common misconceptions, highlights the importance of water during exercise, and shares effective strategies for keeping horses properly hydrated. Dr. Nielsen also talks about the risks of over-supplementing electrolytes and how simple changes can have a big impact on horse health. Tune in now on all major platforms!"Many people mistakenly avoid giving horses water after exercise, fearing it could cause colic or laminitis, but this is a significant misconception."Meet the guest: Dr. Brian Nielsen is a Professor of Equine Exercise Physiology at Michigan State University. He completed his undergraduate degree in Animal Science at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and earned his M.S. and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. With over 90 peer-reviewed papers and significant contributions to equine hydration and exercise research, Dr. Nielsen is recognized as a leader in the field.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(00:47) Introduction(05:17) Importance of hydration(08:49) Common hydration mistakes(14:14) Electrolyte supplementation(25:13) Racing horses and hydration(33:23) Managing electrolytes(49:15) Final ThoughtsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Trouw Nutrition* Kemin- Stratum- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition- Biorigin𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Maïlys Le Thiec from Kemin Nutrisurance shares practical insights on how palatability solutions impact pet food formulation. She explains how ingredient quality, processing, and sensory components influence acceptance in dogs and cats. Learn how tailored approaches can improve appeal across dry, wet, and even vegan pet diets. Listen now on all major platforms!"Palatability is really about pleasure and satisfaction, using mainly smell and taste to influence a pet's willingness to eat again."Meet the guest: Maïlys Le Thiec brings a decade of experience to the pet food sector, with a specialization in palatability. She spent over three years in palatant development and now works as Technical Service Manager for Palatant and Health and Nutrition at Kemin Nutrisurance.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Jackie Parr: Tailoring Pet Diets | Ep. 101Louise Calderwood: Modernized Pet Food Labels | Ep. 80Dr. George Fahey: Pet Nutrition & Fiber | Ep. 75What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(00:59) Introduction(03:34) Defining palatability(05:53) Ingredient quality effects(06:59) Negative ingredient impacts(10:25) Designing palatants(17:03) Raw vs dry formats(24:22) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Kemin* Trouw Nutrition- Biorigin- Stratum- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this special episode celebrating ‘National Dog Day’ of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Erin Perry from Southern Illinois University explores the nutritional challenges and stress-related health concerns faced by working dogs. She explains how fiber therapy, microbiome development, and proper puppy screening can improve canine GI health and performance. Learn practical, science-backed strategies to optimize working dog nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms!"Beyond calories and protein, environmental stressors like heat, cold, and travel demand serious attention to gastrointestinal health in working dogs."Meet the guest: Dr. Erin Perry currently serves as a tenured professor at Southern Illinois University. With over a decade of research in working canine health and over 20 years as a FEMA canine handler, her work focuses on operational stress, gastrointestinal health, and performance management in dogs. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:08) Introduction(05:09) Canine stress response(07:34) Heat injury risks(15:39) Puppy development phase(21:53) Stress and digestion(25:27) Fiber as prevention(33:11) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Trouw Nutrition* Kemin- Biorigin- Stratum- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Sara Martini explains how microbiota imbalances affect gut health and nutrient metabolism in companion animals. She shares insight on fecal biomarkers, the dysbiosis index, and how bile acids are regulated by specific bacteria. Learn how prebiotics and dietary fiber influence microbial resilience and long-term pet wellness. Listen now on all major platforms!"Microbiota profiles differ significantly between healthy pets, meaning gut health must be defined by functionality, not uniformity."Meet the guest: Dr. Sara Martini received her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences with a focus on Companion Animal Nutrition from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she also earned her B.S. and M.S. Her research targets microbiome recovery after antibiotics and the interaction between fiber and pet metabolism. With seven publications and recent accolades in the field, Dr. Martini brings vital insights to understanding gut health in pets.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(00:44) Introduction(02:26) Defining gut health(04:49) Using fecal panels(08:42) Dysbiosis in pets(15:08) Role of bile acids(21:51) Nutrition’s impact(33:11) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Kemin* Trouw Nutrition- Stratum- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition- Biorigin𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Lara Moody, from the Institute for Feed Education & Research (IFEEDER), breaks down key findings from the latest U.S. pet food ingredient report. She shares insight into evolving trends in sustainability, ingredient use, and industry-wide data applications that impact both manufacturers and researchers. Learn how lifecycle data and sustainability metrics shape the future of pet food. Listen now on all major platforms!"People are looking for products that look more like what they’re consuming, with those marine based and meat based products."Meet the guest: Lara Moody holds a B.A.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from the University of Tennessee. With a background in sustainability and nutrient management, she has led projects at both The Fertilizer Institute and IFEEDER. At IFEEDER, she advances research and education supporting long-term sustainability in animal and pet food systems.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(00:50) Introduction(01:26) Sustainability in pet food(05:10) Lifecycle assessments(07:40) Report methodology(10:03) Ingredient usage trends(14:57) Economic impact data(22:40) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Trouw Nutrition* Kemin- Biorigin- Stratum- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show – Equine, Dr. Kris Hiney from Oklahoma State University talks about the challenges of obesity and insulin dysregulation in horses. She highlights how these issues are often connected and what horse owners should watch for when managing them. Dr. Hiney also offers practical strategies for managing obesity while maintaining a horse's overall health and behavior. Tune in now, available on all major platforms!"Obesity in horses is often underestimated, with 40 to 50% of horses in the U.S. and Europe classified as overweight, contributing to a variety of health concerns."Meet the guest: Dr. Kris Hiney is an Associate Professor and Equine Extension Specialist at Oklahoma State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Michigan State University. Dr. Hiney is dedicated to advancing equine nutrition, reproduction, health, and behavior through her extension programs. She also has a strong passion for companion animal nutrition and actively participates in dog training and agility competitions.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:02) Introduction(03:56) Obesity in horses(06:05) Insulin dysregulation explained(14:26) Tips for managing obesity(19:30) Managing pasture intake(22:06) The role of exercise(26:13) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Kemin* Trouw Nutrition- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition- Biorigin- Stratum𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emma Bermingham from Ember Consultancy in New Zealand breaks down the role of animal-derived fermentable substrates in pet nutrition. She explains how collagen, cartilage, hides, and even hair can support gut health, boost sustainability, and offer functional benefits in pet food formulations. Discover which ingredients work best across different diet formats and why they're gaining attention. Listen now on all major platforms!"Animal tissues like cartilage and collagen can ferment similarly to prebiotic fibers and generate beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate."Meet the guest: Dr. Emma Bermingham earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science from Massey University and has held research roles across New Zealand, the UK, France, and Australia. With a strong focus on gut health, pet nutrition, and ingredient sustainability, she now leads Ember Consultancy. Emma helps pet food companies integrate science-driven strategies for optimal health outcomes.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Anne Huss: Seaweed in Pet FoodDr. Joseph Wakshlag: Hydration and Health | Ep. 107What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:04) Introduction(03:28) Animal fermentable substrates(07:11) Fermentation in cats vs dogs(09:35) Microbiome adaptations(12:27) Diet format considerations(14:13) Regulatory and sourcing issues(24:28) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Scoular* Trouw Nutrition* Kemin- Biorigin- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Sara Cutler from Kemin Nutrisurance discusses the complexities of determining the shelf life of pet food products. She explains how pet food manufacturers assess shelf life, including factors such as ingredient stability, oxidation, and packaging. Dr. Cutler also shares insights on how different pet food formats, like kibble, wet, and freeze-dried, pose unique challenges to shelf life. Tune in to learn about the science behind keeping pet food fresh and nutritious. Listen now on all major platforms!"Shelf life in pet food is determined by how long a product maintains its quality and nutritional value over time."Meet the guest: Dr. Sara Cutler is the Senior Technical Service Manager at Kemin Nutrisurance, specializing in pet food safety and shelf life management. She holds a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in Animal Health and has over 17 years of experience in the pet food industry. Dr. Cutler has dedicated much of her career to studying how ingredient quality impacts the shelf life and nutritional integrity of pet food products. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Jackie Parr: Tailoring Pet Diets | Ep. 101Louise Calderwood: Modernized Pet Food Labels | Ep. 80Dr. George Fahey: Pet Nutrition & Fiber | Ep. 75What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:00) Introduction(05:00) What is shelf life?(08:15) Oxidation and testing methods(13:00) Importance of sensory attributes(18:00) Challenges with packaging(22:20) Fresh and frozen pet food(35:45) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Kemin* Trouw Nutrition- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition- Biorigin- Scoular𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Alex Rankovic from the University of Guelph discusses how equine nutrition expands the scope of companion animal research. She explains how feeding strategies in horses can inform best practices for dogs, cats, and even rabbits. She also highlights funding challenges, working animals, and sustainability in pet food. Listen now on all major platforms!"Supplement markets target similar outcomes across dogs, cats, and horses: digestive health, joint care, and aging support."Meet the guest: Dr. Alex Rankovic is a Research Associate in Companion Animal and Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph, where she also earned her MSc and PhD in Companion Animal Nutrition. Her research centers on metabolic processes in pet species, with special attention to equine nutrition. She is also the host of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show – Equine, a segment dedicated to advancing equine nutrition discussions.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:06) Introduction(05:10) Funding in equine research(07:21) Feeding behavior parallels(08:36) Animal performance nutrition(10:34) Supplement market overlap(13:26) Nutrition sustainability(21:17) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Trouw Nutrition* Kemin- Biorigin- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition- Scoular𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Tom Best, Director of Quality and Food Safety at Trouw Nutrition, breaks down how ingredient chemistry, supplier checks, and global regulations impact the safety and performance of pet food. He talks about the real-world challenges, like keeping nutrients stable, avoiding contamination, and meeting quality standards across different countries. Find out how solid systems help protect the nutrition in every bag. Tune in now!"Sometimes ingredients don't play well together, and chemistry can happen unexpectedly if sequencing isn't managed correctly."Meet the guest: Tom Best is the Director of Quality and Food Safety at Trouw Nutrition, bringing over 38 years of experience in the pet food and animal feed industry. His expertise spans ingredient chemistry, supply chain safety, and global regulatory compliance. He leads Trouw’s HSEQ programs across U.S. facilities, ensuring nutritional integrity and consistent product quality.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Gavin Boerboom: Trace Mineral Nutrition | Ep. 90Dr. Heidi Bissell: Zoo Nutrition Strategies | Ep. 93Dr. James Templeman & Lindsay Meyers: Raw Pet Food | Ep. 96What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:07) Introduction(03:22) Ingredient sequencing(06:03) Supply chain checks(08:38) Global quality standards(15:18) Nutrient degradation(23:08) Salmonella prevention(24:17) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Trouw Nutrition* Kemin- Biorigin- Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition- Scoular𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowInstagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show