• Tom Best: Pet Food Quality & Safety | Ep. 109
    Jul 10 2025

    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.


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    Dr. Gavin Boerboom: Trace Mineral Nutrition | Ep. 90

    Dr. Heidi Bissell: Zoo Nutrition Strategies | Ep. 93

    Dr. James Templeman & Lindsay Meyers: Raw Pet Food | Ep. 96


    What 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 Questions


    The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:


    * Trouw Nutrition


    * Kemin

    - Biorigin

    - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition

    - Scoular


    𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

    Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

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    31 mins
  • Dr. Valentina Trinetta: Pet Food Safety Strategies | Ep. 108
    Jul 3 2025

    In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Valentina Trinetta from the University of Milan takes a close look at the risks of foodborne pathogens in pet food and how proper sanitation helps keep contamination at bay. She shares fascinating research on how bacteria like Salmonella can survive in rendered fats and transportation tanks, along with practical steps the industry can take to reduce these risks. Tune in to learn why pet food hygiene matters for both pets and people. Available now on all major platforms


    "Pathogens like Salmonella can survive in fat storage tanks, even after rendering, creating potential contamination risks in pet food."


    Meet the guest: Dr. Valentina Trinetta holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from the University of Milan and has extensive experience in food safety and microbiology. Before joining Kansas State University as an Associate Professor, she worked as a Principal Microbiologist at Ecolab. Her research focuses on pathogen survival in food environments and effective sanitation strategies.


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    What will you learn:

    • (00:00) Highlight
    • (01:07) Introduction
    • (01:07) Pathogen risks in pet food
    • (06:19) Effective sanitation strategies
    • (10:11) Transportation tank cleaning
    • (17:22) Human health implications
    • (21:01) Industry collaboration
    • (25:59) Final Questions


    The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:


    * Kemin

    * Trouw Nutrition


    - Biorigin

    - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition

    - Scoular


    𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

    Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

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    27 mins
  • Dr. Joseph Wakshlag: Hydration and Health | Ep. 107
    Jun 26 2025

    In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Joseph Wakshlag from Cornell University talks about smart ways to keep pets hydrated, support their joints, and boost longevity through nutrition. He shares real clinical insights on popular trends like bone broth and collagen, and what to watch out for when choosing supplements. You'll also hear practical tips on keeping cats properly hydrated and using functional ingredients to support cellular health. Available now on all major platforms!


    "Cats are fastidious creatures compared to dogs and prefer water sources in rooms where they spend the most time."


    Meet the guest: Dr. Joseph Wakshlag is a Professor of Clinical Nutrition and Sports Medicine at Cornell University, where he’s taught for over 25 years. With more than 130 publications and extensive consulting roles across the pet food industry, his work focuses on advanced pet nutrition, clinical applications, and supplement evaluation.


    Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!


    Dr. Anne Huss: Seaweed in Pet Food


    What will you learn:

    • (00:00) Highlight
    • (00:56) Introduction
    • (03:10) Defining longevity
    • (05:50) Hydration in pets
    • (11:02) Cat water preferences
    • (15:35) Collagen and mobility
    • (25:47) Cellular longevity
    • (34:50) Final Questions


    The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:


    Scoular


    * Trouw Nutrition

    * Kemin

    - ICC

    - Biorigin

    - EW Nutrition

    - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition


    𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

    Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

    Instagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

    LinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

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    39 mins
  • Dr. Wendy Pearson: Nutraceuticals & Equine Health | Ep. 106
    Jun 19 2025

    In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show – Equine, Dr. Wendy Pearson from the University of Guelph breaks down the science of nutraceuticals in equine nutrition. She talks about their impact on joint and gastric health, why it’s crucial to choose research-backed products, and how industry regulations shape the market. Get practical tips on selecting the right supplements for your horse. Listen now on all major platforms!


    "Horse owners are becoming savvier and demanding more transparency in nutraceutical research. This could reshape the industry in the next 20 years."


    Meet the guest: Dr. Wendy Pearson is an Associate Professor of Equine Physiology at the University of Guelph, specializing in the efficacy and safety of pharmacologically active compounds from plants for veterinary species. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Toxicology and extensive research on nutraceuticals, her work focuses on inflammation and joint health in horses.


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    What will you learn:

    • (00:00) Highlight
    • (01:17) Introduction
    • (03:52) Equine nutraceuticals evolution
    • (07:12) Why use supplements
    • (10:08) Joint health benefits
    • (25:32) When to start
    • (32:13) Industry regulations
    • (36:29) Final Questions


    The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:


    * Kemin

    * Trouw Nutrition


    - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition

    - ICC

    - Biorigin

    - Scoular

    - EW Nutrition


    𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

    Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

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    45 mins
  • Lars Reimann & Kari Nichols: AAFCO Label Rules | Ep. 105
    Jun 12 2025

    In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Lars Reimann and Kari Nichols from Eurofins Scientific explain the science behind analytical testing and regulatory compliance in the pet food world. They talk through the new label modernization rules, why ingredient consistency matters, and what makes testing fiber and shelf life so tricky. You'll also hear how lab methods are adapting to keep up with industry demands. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!


    "Crude fiber remains a necessary component in determining calories from carbohydrates, despite no longer being listed on pet food product labels." - Kari Nichols


    Meet the guests:

    Lars Reimann, Chief Scientific Officer at Eurofins Scientific, brings over 35 years of experience helping pet food clients navigate analytical, nutritional, and regulatory testing.

    Kari Nichols, Vertical Business Development Manager for Pet & Animal Nutrition, has 11 years of experience in lab services, specializing in food safety and label compliance.


    Dr. James Templeman & Lindsay Meyers: Raw Pet Food | Ep. 96


    Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!


    What will you learn:

    • (00:00) Highlight
    • (01:01) Introduction
    • (03:37) Labeling regulation changes
    • (06:00) Dietary vs crude fiber
    • (12:54) Fiber testing methods
    • (28:49) Analytical methods matter
    • (36:57) Shelf life evaluations
    • (42:47) Final Questions


    The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:


    * Trouw Nutrition

    * Kemin


    - EW Nutrition

    - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition

    - ICC

    - Biorigin

    - Scoular


    𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

    Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

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    LinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

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    50 mins
  • Dr. Jean Hall: Omega-3 Science & Pet Health | Ep. 104
    Jun 5 2025

    In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Jean Hall from Oregon State University shares insights from decades of research on omega-3 fatty acids in pet nutrition. She breaks down how these nutrients affect inflammation, the immune system, brain health, and kidney function in dogs and cats. Learn how the right diet can support long-term health and wellness. Tune in now on all major platforms.


    "The leukotriene profile shifted toward less inflammatory types when pets consumed diets high in omega-3 fatty acids over a sustained period."


    Meet the guest: Dr. Jean Hall earned her DVM from Washington State University and her Ph.D. in Physiology from Colorado State University. As a Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Oregon State University, her research focuses on nephrology, SDMA, and nutritional immunology in companion animals.


    Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!


    What will you learn:

    • (00:00) Highlight
    • (00:54) Introduction
    • (03:56) Omega-3 metabolism
    • (06:56) Inflammation reduction
    • (08:42) Immune function effects
    • (11:10) Brain and cognition
    • (23:30) Kidney health markers
    • (30:59) Final Questions


    The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:


    > Corbion


    * Trouw Nutrition

    * Kemin

    - Biorigin

    - Scoular

    - EW Nutrition

    - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition

    - ICC


    𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

    Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

    Instagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

    LinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

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    36 mins
  • Dr. Janak Dhakal: Raw Pet Food Risks | Ep. 103
    May 29 2025

    In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Janak Dhakal from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore takes a closer look at the important topic of pet food safety and its impact on both human and animal health. He shares insights into groundbreaking USDA-funded research aimed at reducing Salmonella risks in pet food using natural antimicrobials and bacteriophages. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about innovative solutions for making pet food safer. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!


    "Raw pet foods are particularly concerning due to the absence of safety interventions like cooking or chemical treatments to eliminate pathogens."


    Meet the guest: Dr. Janak Dhakal, Assistant Professor of Animal Science at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, holds a Ph.D. in Poultry Science from Mississippi State University. With expertise in food microbiology and safety, his research focuses on mitigating Salmonella in pet food and exploring innovative safety solutions. Dr. Dhakal’s diverse academic and professional experience makes him a vital resource for the pet food industry.


    What will you learn:

    • (00:00) Highlight
    • (00:56) Introduction
    • (02:57) Research focus
    • (04:55) Pet food safety
    • (07:17) Salmonella risks
    • (09:49) Raw pet food
    • (17:02) Innovative solutions
    • (21:56) Final Questions


    The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:


    * Kemin

    * Trouw Nutrition


    - ICC

    - Biorigin

    - Scoular

    - EW Nutrition

    - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition


    𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

    Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

    Instagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

    LinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

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    26 mins
  • Dr. Ching-Yen Lin: Potato in Pet Food | Ep. 102
    May 22 2025

    In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Ching-Yen Lin, Technical Services Manager at Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition, shares what you need to know about using potato ingredients in pet food. She clears up common myths about potatoes, explains how they stack up against sweet potatoes, and talks about their processing advantages and safety factors. Find out why potatoes bring more to the table than just energy. Tune in now on all major platforms!


    "Potato ingredients contribute not only starch and protein but also micronutrients like potassium and vitamin C, supporting nutritional diversity in pet diets."



    What will you learn:

    • (00:00) Introduction
    • (05:02) Potato ingredient types
    • (10:17) Nutritional benefits of potatoes
    • (13:33) Potato vs. sweet potato
    • (16:49) Inclusion strategies in diets
    • (19:42) Addressing anti-nutritional factors
    • (23:08) Final Questions


    Meet the guest:

    Dr. Ching-Yen Lin holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Illinois and a Master’s in Animal Sciences from Wageningen University. She currently serves as Technical Services Manager at Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition, focusing on bridging science with real-world pet food solutions. With expertise in gut health, ingredient functionality, and diet formulation, Dr. Lin is passionate about advancing companion animal nutrition.

    Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn


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    31 mins