Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal

Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health
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Welcome to our Balchem Pet Food series—the podcast that opens up the bag and looks at what really goes into better pet nutrition. In this introductory video, you’ll meet the experts and the science behind Balchem’s ingredient solutions, and hear how they’re used by formulators to support digestion, skin & coat, energy metabolism, and overall well being. Subscribe to follow along as we unpack the latest research, practical formulation tips, and stories from across the pet food industry.

  1. 5h ago

    Feline Nutrition Report

    The episode begins with Dr. Shoveller sharing her academic journey from animal biology and comparative nutrition. She became a leader in companion animal nutrition research. She discusses her efforts to build one of North America's premier companion animal nutrition programs at the University of Guelph. Additionally, she introduces a new pet food-focused educational initiative. This initiative is designed to prepare the next generation of professionals for careers in pet food innovation, nutrition, and animal health. (00:00 – 06:07) From there, the conversation turns to one of the most significant health challenges facing companion cats today: obesity. Specifically, Dr. Shoveller reviews recent feline nutrition studies examining how cats utilize dietary protein and fiber for energy. The discussion highlights research showing that higher protein diets can improve energy harvesting, while increased dietary fiber reduces available energy. As a result, these findings provide valuable insight into nutritional strategies. These strategies may support healthy body weight and long-term metabolic health in cats. (06:08 – 13:15) Building on that discussion, feeding frequency and meal patterns are explored as important considerations in feline weight management. The panel reviews research comparing once-daily feeding with multiple-meal feeding programs. They examine differences in satiety, metabolism, and fat utilization. Consequently, the findings suggest that feeding management may play a larger role in body condition and energy balance. This is more significant than previously appreciated. (13:16 – 15:22) As cats continue to represent a growing segment of the global pet food market, the speakers emphasize the importance of nutrition recommendations based on feline-specific physiology. Rather than viewing cats simply as small dogs, Dr. Shoveller and Dr. Alldredge explain how species-specific research is helping refine energy models, nutrient recommendations, and feeding strategies. These strategies better reflect the unique biology of felines. (15:23 – 20:47) The discussion then expands into the future of precision nutrition and individualized feeding programs. Emerging advances in nutrient modeling, life-stage nutrition, reproductive nutrition, and personalized feeding strategies are creating new opportunities. These are designed to improve health outcomes for both cats and dogs. Likewise, the speakers draw parallels to modern production animal nutrition programs. In these programs, highly targeted feeding approaches have become increasingly effective at supporting performance, efficiency, and overall health. (20:48 – 23:57) Beyond nutrition alone, technology, pet management, and animal behavior emerge as important themes throughout the episode. The panel explores how feeding frequency, water intake monitoring, environmental enrichment, automatic feeding systems, and advances in artificial intelligence may help pet owners and veterinarians better support animal health. At the same time, the conversation highlights the importance of accounting for behavioral differences among individual cats. This is essential when developing nutrition and management programs. (23:58 – 29:45) Another significant portion of the discussion focuses on nutrient metabolism and emerging research involving methyl donors, choline, carnitine, sulfur amino acids, and creatine. Dr. Shoveller explains how these nutrients influence energy metabolism, liver function, muscle development, cognitive performance, and body composition in both companion animals and sporting dogs. The conversation highlights growing interest in nutritional strategies. These strategies support long-term health and performance through targeted nutrient utilization. (29:46 – 33:41) Finally, the episode concludes with a broader discussion of feline behavior, domestication, research populations, and the critical role science plays in improving companion animal health. The speakers examine the differences between rescue and purpose-bred research populations. Moreover, they reflect on the many unanswered questions that continue to make cats one of the most fascinating and under-researched species in companion animal nutrition. (33:42 – 49:25) Overall, as companion animal nutrition continues to evolve, feline-specific research is helping scientists, veterinarians, and pet food professionals better understand how nutrition influences health, metabolism, behavior, and longevity. This episode provides valuable insight into the latest advances in feline obesity research, feeding management, nutrient metabolism, and precision nutrition. It also illustrates why continued investment in companion animal research remains essential for improving the lives of cats and dogs worldwide. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people. Join us at the Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal virtual pub table. Also, please be sure to register for our upcoming Real Science Lecture Series webinars. Lastly, if you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription. Email the picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll mail you a shirt.

  2. Aug 6

    Flexible Feeding: Alternative Pet Foods and Value Propositions with Shannon Landry, Packaged Facts

    The discussion then examines flexible feeding practices and why pet owners are supplementing traditional diets with wet foods, fresh products, human foods, freeze-dried ingredients, and toppers. Survey results reveal that pet owners primarily seek greater variety, enhanced nutrition, improved wellness, and increased meal enjoyment for their pets. (02:54 – 05:22)  The conversation also explores potential challenges associated with flexible feeding, including overfeeding risk, caloric excess, and concerns about nutritional balance when human foods are incorporated into pet diets. (05:23 – 06:11)  Attention then shifts to the rapidly growing alternative pet food segment. Shannon discusses consumer interest in fresh, frozen, refrigerated, and human-grade foods, highlighting the importance of transparency, ingredient visibility, and the continued influence of pet humanization on purchasing decisions. (06:12 – 10:50)  The panel reviews how demographic and economic factors are influencing pet food purchasing behaviors. Younger consumers increasingly view pets as family members, while inflation continues to shape spending decisions and product selection across households. (09:40 – 12:58)  A significant portion of the discussion focuses on value perception. Rather than evaluating products based solely on price, pet owners increasingly prioritize health benefits, wellness outcomes, ingredient quality, and palatability when making feeding decisions. (12:59 – 15:08)  The episode also explores the psychology of feeding. Shannon explains how many pet owners view meal preparation as an act of care, creating customized feeding experiences that strengthen the bond between owner and pet while reflecting individual preferences and perceived health needs. (15:09 – 16:35)  The conversation expands into functional nutrition, supplements, and condition-specific products. Topics include mobility support, longevity, cognitive health, heart health, gut health, immunity, functional treats, and calming products that address behavioral concerns such as separation anxiety. (16:36 – 19:47)  Looking ahead, Shannon discusses Packaged Facts' ongoing research into changing purchasing habits, alternative feeding formats, economic pressures, and consumer price sensitivity across multiple pet care categories. (19:48 – 21:47)  The episode concludes with commentary on fresh food growth, premiumization, pathogen-control technologies for fresh products, and the continued importance of understanding pet owner behavior as the industry evolves. (21:48 – 25:32)

  3. Jul 23

    Student Showcase: Mississippi State with Charis Waters

    The episode opens with introductions and background on Mississippi State’s poultry nutrition program, including Dr. Adakari’s research focus and Charis Waters’ work on layer nutrition and amino acid optimization. (00:00 – 05:15)  The discussion then shifts into Charis’s research on branched-chain amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—and their role in laying hen performance, particularly across pullet, peak, and late production phases. (05:15 – 07:05) A key theme of the episode is the importance of amino acid ratios rather than absolute requirements, as elevated leucine levels in corn-based diets may create imbalances that affect production, feed intake, and efficiency if not properly adjusted. (06:57 – 10:01)  The conversation also highlights how this research reflects broader changes in the industry, including the impact of modern genetics and the limitations of outdated NRC (1994) recommendations, emphasizing the need for updated nutritional models. The panel further explores how BCAA nutrition influences not just performance, but egg quality, bone strength, and laying longevity, reinforcing the importance of balancing diets for both productivity and animal welfare. (12:03 - 19:55)  The discussion also touches on egg composition and amino acid profiles, including how dietary changes may influence crude protein levels, albumen quality, and overall egg integrity. Attention is given to broader applications of this research, including potential implications for breeder flocks, feather quality, and stress indicators—suggesting that BCAA balance may have system-wide biological effects. (20:45 – 23:53)  The episode concludes with practical insights for producers and nutritionists, emphasizing that fine-tuning amino acid ratios offers a cost-effective way to improve performance without drastic diet changes, aligning economic and biological outcomes.  Please subscribe and share this episode with your industry colleagues and invite them to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. Be sure to register for upcoming Real Science Lecture Series webinars to continue the conversation.  Finally, if you’d like a Real Science Exchange t‑shirt, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription and email it to anh.marketing@balchem.com with your size and mailing address, and we’ll send one your way.

  4. Jul 9

    Step Into the Future - AI with Johanna Ballesteros, SWARM Engineering and Guests

    The episode opens with an introduction to the panel and a high-level overview of AI’s rapid acceleration across food and feed systems, setting the stage for a discussion on separating real-world applications from hype. (00:00 – 00:50)  The panelists then outline current AI trends, noting that while adoption in the pet food industry has lagged slightly, companies are increasingly leveraging AI for customer insights, marketing optimization, and early-stage operational improvements. (00:50 – 04:00)  The conversation shifts into one of the most critical challenges: trust in AI systems, including issues like hallucinations, accuracy, and the need for domain-specific models to improve reliability and decision-making confidence. (06:22 – 10:09)  From there, the discussion explores how AI is already delivering value in manufacturing and plant operations, particularly through tools that capture institutional knowledge, reduce downtime, and support faster root cause analysis. (10:09 – 13:58)  The panel also highlights the role of AI in decision intelligence and supply chain optimization, where advanced models help companies respond to volatility, improve forecasting, and make faster, data-driven operational decisions. The conversation then turns to the consumer experience, explaining how AI quietly powers personalization—from e-commerce recommendations to pet health insights—often without users even realizing it. (16:36 – 19:59)  The panel addresses concerns around job displacement and data security, emphasizing that AI is best viewed as a tool that augments human capability, while also acknowledging the growing importance of protecting intellectual property and proprietary data. (19:59 – 27:24)  Looking ahead, the discussion explores the emergence of agentic AI systems, where autonomous agents can not only generate insights but also take action—executing decisions, optimizing processes, and closing operational loops in real time. (30:44 – 36:41)  The episode concludes by reinforcing a key takeaway: companies don’t need to solve everything at once—the best way to begin is by identifying a meaningful problem and starting there, building capability, trust, and ROI over time. Please subscribe and share this episode with your industry colleagues and invite them to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. Be sure to register for upcoming Real Science Lecture Series webinars to continue the conversation.  Finally, if you’d like a Real Science Exchange t‑shirt, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription and email it to anh.marketing@balchem.com with your size and mailing address, and we’ll send one your way.

  5. Jun 25

    The Changing U.S. Regulatory Landscape for Pet Food with Dana Brooks of Pet Food Institute

    The episode opens with introductions to the Pet Food Institute team and an overview of the regulatory challenges facing the industry today, including shifting expectations for manufacturers and innovators. (00:00 – 01:02) The conversation then introduces the role of the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and highlights leadership transitions, as well as the organization’s long-standing focus on food safety, regulatory advocacy, and industry support. (01:02 – 02:57)  The panel also discusses the growing complexity of international trade and policy, including tariffs, import/export logistics, and the increasing importance of global market access for U.S. pet food companies. (02:57 – 05:35)  Attention then turns to the evolving U.S. regulatory environment, including the impact of the MAHA initiative and leadership changes within HHS and FDA, which are driving renewed scrutiny on ingredient approval processes such as GRAS. (05:35 – 10:27)  The discussion highlights the growing influence of bipartisan political pressure on regulatory change, raising concerns about long-term consistency and the cost implications for businesses navigating shifting regulatory priorities. (10:27 – 13:27)  From there, the panel explores the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act, including its origins and the need to replace the current “patchwork” of state-by-state labeling requirements with a more unified federal system. (13:27 – 20:00)  The conversation emphasizes how the current fragmented system creates inefficiencies, delays, and unnecessary complexity for manufacturers—often driven by minor labeling discrepancies rather than safety concerns. (20:00 – 22:31)  The panel also examines how possible reforms to the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) framework could introduce greater federal oversight while improving consistency and predictability for ingredient approvals. (22:31 – 27:16)  The episode then shifts to global opportunities, highlighting how PFI supports the industry through international marketing programs, regulatory engagement, and USDA-backed trade initiatives that help expand access to global markets. (27:16 – 32:56)  The panel further discusses regulatory challenges in key countries such as Brazil, Australia, and South Korea, where import restrictions, taxes, and safety requirements create additional hurdles for U.S. pet food exports. (32:56 – 34:42)  Finally, the discussion explores pet food label modernization, including upcoming changes to labeling formats, improved transparency for consumers, and the need for industry-wide education to support the transition. (34:42 – 39:53)  The episode concludes with key takeaways emphasizing the importance of regulatory clarity, global market expansion, and continued innovation—reinforcing the role of strong, predictable policy frameworks in driving industry growth. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people. Join us at the Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal virtual pub table. Pet Nutrition and forward-looking Innovation remain essential to future conversations. Please be sure to register for our upcoming Real Science Lecture Series webinars.  Lastly, if you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription. Email the picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll mail you a shirt.

  6. Jun 11

    Pet Food Collab: Student Showcase with guests Amelia Huebsch, Katelyn Bailey-Wisnieski, Larissa Koulicoff, and Dr. Julia Pezzali, Kansas State University

    The guests introduce themselves and talk a little about their research. Amelia is a MS student, and Katelyn and Larissa are working on their PhDs in the pet food program at K-State. Katelyn is researching raw versus thermally processed diets, looking at nutrient losses, oxidative stress, inflammation and immunomarkers. Larissa had two main projects: one to evaluate dry bakery products as an ingredient in extruded dog diets, and the other used a pine oil rich in resin acids at two different levels. Both projects evaluated gut health. Amelia’s research is looking at betaine supplementation in cats. She has a preliminary trial complete and is working on developing an indirect calorimetry system for her next project. (2:25) Dr. Altom asks the students what they want to do after they graduate and what kind of work they’re interested in pursuing. He follows up with a question about how industry could be more involved or if there is something missing from the students’ programs that industry could provide. (11:59) Lastly, Dr. Altom asks what advice each student would give to a high school student or college freshman who has an interest in pets, knowing what they know now. (19:16) Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal virtual pub table.

  7. May 28

    Pet Nutrition & Innovation with guest: Dr. Julia Pezzali, Kansas State University; William Henry, Extru-Tech, Inc. and Julianne Maze, Instinct Pet Food

    Guests introduce themselves and their backgrounds. Dr. Pezzali’s nutritional priorities for cats are urinary health and obesity. William notes some of the important logistical considerations for APHIS export approval.  (4:09) Dr. Pezzali estimates that about 60% of cats in the US are obese. She notes her group is researching nutraceuticals that may increase energy expenditure in cats to help combat cat obesity. Dr. Altom chimes in to remind listeners that cats are not just small dogs and that their behavior is very different. The panel talks about whether or not pet owners are aware of their cat being obese, how to communicate with pet parents about this sensitive topic, secondary diseases that might occur due to obesity, and how food processing might impact obesity. (09:15) The panel discusses food additives for hairball prevention. Julianne hopes to conduct research in the future to assess if raw diets could help with hairball issues. (25:10) Julianne and William share some of their experiences with export approval from APHIS. USDA is short-staffed, so planning ahead and having complete and accurate paperwork is even more essential than ever. The panel notes  the importance of keeping up on changes in international regulations, working with co-manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, and understanding the impacts that delays could cause in the nutritional value of pet foods. (27:58) The panel talks more about urinary health, then touches on “indoor cat diets” and what that means, and upcoming trends in kibble production, particularly minimally processed products. (34:47) Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (43:53) Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal virtual pub table.   If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll mail you a shirt.

  8. May 14

    The Value of Academia & Industry Collaboration: How to Build Lasting, Impactful Connections for Mutual Support with Guests: Dr. Melissa Weber, Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition; Leah Lambrakis, Simmons Pet Food; Dr. Jane Schuh and Rachelle Banwart, KSU

    Guests introduce themselves and their backgrounds (1:08) Rachelle gives an overview of what industry partnerships can look like at K-State. Dr. Schuh notes that one of the best ways to understand partner needs is for content experts from both entities to be talking to one another. She highlights some of the one-stop-shop resources that a land-grant university can provide. (8:30) Leah and Melissa give their perspectives as industry partners with K-State. Purposeful internships that meet a specific need, research collaboration with graduate students and faculty, hands-on learning, guest lectures, understanding university versus industry research, and university technical resources were highlighted. (13:47) Leah expands on the robust internship program at Simmons. The panel talks more about student engagement and how industry-academia partnerships have fostered networking and employee pipelines. (21:14) Dr. Weber commends the group at K-State for making partnerships easy to do. She notes that complicated agreements may sometimes discourage industry participants from partnering with universities, but that has not been the case for her company and K-State. Dr. Schuh and Rachelle talk about what partnership agreements can look like and what steps to take to inquire about partnership opportunities. The guests anticipate questions they might receive during their panel discussion at Pet Food Collab. (30:52) Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (45:20) Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal virtual pub table.   If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll mail you a shirt.

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Welcome to our Balchem Pet Food series—the podcast that opens up the bag and looks at what really goes into better pet nutrition. In this introductory video, you’ll meet the experts and the science behind Balchem’s ingredient solutions, and hear how they’re used by formulators to support digestion, skin & coat, energy metabolism, and overall well being. Subscribe to follow along as we unpack the latest research, practical formulation tips, and stories from across the pet food industry.

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