How has the pet food industry’s understanding of the microbiome in companion animals evolved in recent years?

By Jane Byrne

- Last updated on GMT

© GettyImages/image_jungle
© GettyImages/image_jungle
That is one of the questions our session on the pet microbiome, as part of FeedNavigator’s inaugural Pet Food Digital Summit, will try and answer.

As a testament to our commitment to knowledge-sharing, the Pet Food Digital Summit 2024​ is entirely FREE to attend, with pre-registration​required. The online event will be broadcast on 5-6 March. 

On day one, March 5, Dr Kay O’Donnell, VP, Science, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Mars Petcare, in a Fireside Chat, will talk about the work that pet food major is doing to generate further data about the impact of optimal microbiome health on the well-being of dogs and cats.

Startup pitch

The morning session will also feature a startup elevator pitch section showcasing three pet microbiome focused firms, with Dr Beatrix Förster, CEO/CSO of Doderm, Asher Nathan, co-founder and CEO of Biome9, and Dr Emily Stein, CEO, Teef for Life, presenting on their innovations.

That is followed by our panel discussion - Decoding pet wellness: Microbiome, immunity, and nutritional insights, with Judy Schnurr, Senior Director, Nutrition Innovation, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Emmanuelle Apper, Senior Research Manager, Affinity Petcare, and US pet industry consultant and biotics expert, Greg Sunvold, participating. 

Some commentators say the microbiota is less documented within companion animals than in humans or farm animals so we will ask those renowned experts how the pet industry can contribute to developing scientific knowledge in this area.

In addition, we will examine the importance of advancing clinical evidence in this space and hear how research tools or analytical methods are helping pet food companies and academic researchers to understand the pet microbiome more fully.

Composition and diversity of the microbiome

Moreover, those panellists will share their knowledge of the ways pet food diets may influence the composition and diversity of the microbiome in dogs and cats.

We will ask them whether microbiome health focused nutritional strategies should be the same in cats as in dogs, and we will also explore how key the use of probiotics, prebiotics/fiber, and postbiotics are in respect of modification of the microbiota in companion animals.

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity for insight into the current and future state of pet microbiome research.

The FeedNavigator Pet Food Digital Summit 2024​, overall, promises to not only explore the latest trends but also set the stage for meaningful discussions on pet nutrition. Secure your spot now – register to join us​ in this groundbreaking event!

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