Waterside pet food conference was the best in show

Animal nutrition science and expert opinion were ‘brought to heel’ at Waterside last week (Thu 13 February), after a national conference was held for the first time at the University of Northampton.

‘Companion Animal Nutrition: ‘Feeding for behavioural wellbeing’ focused on current thinking into the feeding of companion animals (pets) and provided an opportunity to link together the pet food industry and academics currently working on research in this area.

Working in collaboration with the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA), the keynote speaker for the day was Dr Sandra McCune who leads Animal Matters – the animal issues consultancy – and guests included students from Nottingham Trent University.

Talks and discussions on the day included feeding behaviours of guide dogs, phosphorous for cats and two pieces about vegan dog diets and nutrition from event organiser and Senior Lecturer in Nutritional Biochemistry Dr Wanda McCormick and the University’s resident animal behaviour expert.

She commented: “Firstly I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone from our respected panel members to guests who battled the aftermath of Storm Ciara to join us. Suffice to say, the day went more than just very well.

“This was a novel choice of conference subject matter for the University of Northampton but, gathered under one roof, with non-stop, enthusiastic and committed debate and inside, it was also one of the most interesting. With ongoing research into companion animal nutrition underway here, it also helped put a pin in the pet food science map for Northampton.”