Petfood Forum recently spoke with Aneesa Bahmanl, R&D scientist for Blue Buffalo. Aneesa was selected as a First For Forum Ambassador for the 2025 event.
First For Forum offers pet food professionals who have never attended in the past a chance to attend the show at no cost. Ambassadors are selected through a nomination process.
We are pleased to welcome Aneesa to Petfood Forum on April 28-30, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.
What are you looking forward to the most at Petfood Forum?
Aneesa: Looking forward to experiencing the biggest pet food convention in the industry! All in all, I anticipate a highly informative and engaging experience that will significantly enhance my understanding of the pet food industry and contribute to my professional development as a scientist in the field.
What are you hoping to accomplish at Petfood Forum?
Aneesa: I look forward to connecting with other scientists and eager to learn from the experiences of industry experts and professionals from across the pet food industry. Attending Petfood Forum is an incredible opportunity to learn about the latest innovation and gain insights into industry trends. This convention is renowned for showcasing the newest technologies, ingredients and processing methods in the pet food industry. Understanding the current market trends and future directions of the pet food industry is crucial for R&D.
Which educational sessions are you looking forward to?
Aneesa: I’m keen to attend sessions focusing on consumer preferences, and emerging trends in pet nutrition, such as personalized nutrition and the growing demand for functional pet foods. This will help us as scientists better align our research priorities with market demands. I’m particularly interested in presentations and exhibits related to sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients, innovative processing techniques that enhance nutrient bioavailability, and advancements in pet food formulation to address specific dietary needs (allergy, obesity). Additional areas of interest include novel ingredient sourcing and the latest research on pet nutrition and gut health.
Are you planning to do anything fun while you’re in Kansas City?
Aneesa: Kansas City is one of my favorite cities! Looking forward to exploring the area and enjoying the sights.
About Aneesa:
Aneesa Bahman is an R&D scientist for Blue Buffalo. She has worked with Blue Buffalo for about two years with a focus on nutrition formulation and ingredient functionality. Prior to her current role, she received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a master’s degree in Animal Nutrition at University of Florida. During that time, Aneesa gained experiences in animal nutrition, food science and developing sustainable agricultural systems. She has a genuine passion for animal health, the environment and overall nutrition.
Learn more about the other First For Forum Ambassadors