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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-martini-0ab5a4143/] 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! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+pet+food+science+podcast] 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 Questions The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Kemin [https://www.kemin.com/nutrisurance?utm_bu=kn&utm_campaign=Website&utm_content=sept&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Pet_Food_Scientist&utm_term=] * Trouw Nutrition [https://www.trouwnutritionpets.com/] - Stratum [https://stratumnutrition.com/pet] - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition [https://www.wilburellisnutrition.com/] - Biorigin [https://www.biorigin.net/en/home-2/] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/petfoodsciencepodcast] Instagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/petfoodsciencepodcast/] LinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/petfoodsciencepodcast/]

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-moody-14294767/] 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! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+pet+food+science+podcast] 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 Questions The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Trouw Nutrition [https://www.trouwnutritionpets.com/] * Kemin [https://www.kemin.com/nutrisurance?utm_bu=kn&utm_campaign=Website&utm_content=sept&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Pet_Food_Scientist&utm_term=] - Biorigin [https://www.biorigin.net/en/home-2/] - Stratum [https://stratumnutrition.com/pet] - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition [https://www.wilburellisnutrition.com/] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/petfoodsciencepodcast] Instagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/petfoodsciencepodcast/] LinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/petfoodsciencepodcast/]

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! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+pet+food+science+podcast] 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 Questions The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Kemin [https://www.kemin.com/nutrisurance?utm_bu=kn&utm_campaign=Website&utm_content=sept&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Pet_Food_Scientist&utm_term=] * Trouw Nutrition [https://www.trouwnutritionpets.com/] - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition [https://www.wilburellisnutrition.com/] - Biorigin [https://www.biorigin.net/en/home-2/] - Stratum [https://stratumnutrition.com/pet] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/petfoodsciencepodcast] Instagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/petfoodsciencepodcast/] LinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/petfoodsciencepodcast/]

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-bermingham-82b86532/?originalSubdomain=nz] 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! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+pet+food+science+podcast] Dr. Anne Huss: Seaweed in Pet Food [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog/Seaweed-in-Pet-Food] Dr. Joseph Wakshlag: Hydration and Health | Ep. 107 [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog/Hydration-and-Health] What 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 Questions The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Scoular [https://www.scoular.com/solutions/pet-food-ingredients/?utm_campaign=FY25BrandAds&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_source=Petfood+Science+Podcast] * Trouw Nutrition [https://www.trouwnutritionpets.com/] * Kemin [https://www.kemin.com/nutrisurance?utm_bu=kn&utm_campaign=Website&utm_content=sept&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Pet_Food_Scientist&utm_term=] - Biorigin [https://www.biorigin.net/en/home-2/] - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition [https://www.wilburellisnutrition.com/] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/petfoodsciencepodcast] Instagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/petfoodsciencepodcast/] LinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/petfoodsciencepodcast/]

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! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+pet+food+science+podcast] Dr. Jackie Parr: Tailoring Pet Diets | Ep. 101 [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog/Tailoring-Pet-Diets] Louise Calderwood: Modernized Pet Food Labels | Ep. 80 [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog/Modernized-Pet-Food-Labels] Dr. George Fahey: Pet Nutrition & Fiber | Ep. 75 [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog/Pet-Nutrition-&-Fiber] What 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 Questions The Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Kemin [https://www.kemin.com/nutrisurance?utm_bu=kn&utm_campaign=Website&utm_content=sept&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Pet_Food_Scientist&utm_term=] * Trouw Nutrition [https://www.trouwnutritionpets.com/] - Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition [https://www.wilburellisnutrition.com/] - Biorigin [https://www.biorigin.net/en/home-2/] - Scoular [https://www.scoular.com/solutions/pet-food-ingredients/?utm_campaign=FY25BrandAds&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_source=Petfood+Science+Podcast] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/petfoodsciencepodcast] Instagram: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/petfoodsciencepodcast/] LinkedIn: The Pet Food Science Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/petfoodsciencepodcast/]