Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, sister site FeedNavigator is set to host the highly anticipated Pet Food Digital Summit 2025 this March.
This free, two-day online event will bring together leading experts, innovators, and industry pioneers to explore innovation in alternative proteins, sustainability, and pet microbiome research.
Featuring keynote presentations, fireside chats, and panel discussions, the summit provides a unique opportunity for pet food professionals to stay ahead of industry trends. Pre-registration is required.
Day One: March 25, 2025
Alternative proteins and sustainability in pet food
As the pet food sector continues to evolve, the need for sustainable sourcing and production practices has never been more pressing. This session will evaluate emerging protein sources - including insects, yeast, cultured meat, and microbial/algae-based ingredients -and their potential to revolutionize pet nutrition while reducing environmental impact. Additionally, industry leaders will present strategies for measuring and mitigating the carbon footprint of pet food production.
Don’t miss out - register now.
Featured speakers
Startup panel:
- Owen Ensor, CEO, Meatly UK – Spearheaded the first regulatory approval of cultured meat for pet food.
- Simo Ellilä, CEO, Enifer Finland – A leading figure in fungi-derived protein fermentation.
- Pernilla Westergren, CEO, Petgood Sweden – Innovating with Protix-sourced insect protein.
Industry panel discussion:
- Nick Rozzi, VP, Product Development, Hill’s Pet Nutrition USA
- Elise Malandain, VP of R&D, Mars Petcare UK
- Jon Copeland, Research Manager, MarketPlace USA
Day Two: March 26, 2025
Unlocking the potential of the pet gut microbiome
Groundbreaking research into the gut microbiome of cats and dogs is reshaping our understanding of pet health. Our industry panel discussion will examine the microbiome’s influence on digestion, immunity, and overall well-being, with deep dives into the gut, skin, and oral microbiomes. Experts will also discuss how dietary fiber sources impact gut microbiome balance and metabolite production, offering actionable insights for pet food formulation.
Key presentations will explore:
- The gut-brain axis and its potential impact on pet cognition, mood, and behavior.
- Molecular sequencing techniques for microbiome analysis and the challenges of standardization and reproducibility.
- Regulatory changes in the US affecting pet supplements, including prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.
Featured speakers
Fireside chat:
Bill Bookout, President & Board Chair, National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), USA
Keynote Presentation:
Jan Suchodolski, Professor, Purina PetCare Endowed Chair for Microbiome Research, GI Lab, Texas A&M University, USA
Presentation: The Gut-Brain Axis
Dr Ragen McGowan, Director of Digital Product Development, Nestlé Purina R&D
Panel Discussion:
- Dr Greg Amos, Research Manager – Microbiome, Mars Petcare UK
- Dr Emma Bermingham, Consultant, EmBer Consultancy NZ
- Dr Brett Loman, Assistant Professor, Gut-Microbiota Communication Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Join the conversation
The Pet Food Digital Summit 2025 offers an opportunity to engage with top-tier experts and gain invaluable insights into the future of pet nutrition.
Registration is free – secure your spot today.