Discover the next generation of pet food researchers and innovators

Back by popular demand, the Student Program at Petfood Forum 2025 will feature academic pet food research conducted by graduate students from various universities with studies focused on companion animal nutrition. Students will present non-commercial oral presentations and posters on relevant pet food-related research.

The Student Program, hosted inside the Future of Pet Food Pavilion, is designed to give the industry a chance to see the latest in academic pet food research as well as gain access to those entering the industry in the next few years.

2025 student program agenda

Future of Petfood Pavilion, Aisle 1400

Tuesday, April 29

9:45-9:50 a.m. | Welcome and introduction, Lindsay Beaton, Petfood Forum
9:50-10:05 a.m. | Optimizing whole soybean inclusion in extruded dog diets: Impacts on nutrient digestibility, and fecal characteristics and metabolites – Larissa A. Koulicoff, Kansas State University
10:05-10:20 a.m. | Evaluating processing and starch source on resistant starch and its functional role in pet diets – Ruyu (Angela) Geng, University of British Columbia
10:20-10:35 a.m. | Graded levels of red sorghum bran on extrusion parameters and palatability in dry adult dog food – Nayara M.M. Soares, Kansas State University
10:35-10:50 a.m. | Herbal extract supplementation as a functional ingredient in canine health – Carlie Mettler, University of Illinois
10:50-11:00 | Wrap-up of day’s presentations, Lindsay Beaton, Petfood Forum
11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m. | Student educational session, TBD
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Student and industry research poster meet-and-greet

Wednesday, April 30

9:30-9:35 a.m. | Welcome and introduction – Lindsay Beaton, Petfood Forum
9:35-9:50 a.m. | Immune, inflammatory, and lipid effects of diets containing hydrolyzed poultry by-product meal as a protein source in dogs – Thais de Souza Avida, São Paulo State University
9:50-10:05 a.m. | Impact of rice husk and dust diets on Manduca sexta protein profile, nutritional characteristics, and functional properties – Christabel Tachie, University of Arkansas
10:05-10:20 a.m. | The use of spray dried porcine plasma to enhance canine gut health through binding bacterial pathogens and preventing infection of canine parvovirus in an in vitro study – Ilva Noa Stellingwerf, Wageningen University
10:20-10:35 a.m. | Wrap-up of PPT presentations/transition to poster presentations – Lindsay Beaton, Petfood Forum
10:25-10:35 a.m. | Profiling dog guardians feeding raw meat-based diets – Panagiotis (Panos) Balousis, University of Guleph
10:35-10:45 a.m. | Do dogs and owners agree? Exploring consumer perceptions and dog palatability of extruded diets with dried bakery products – Larissa A. Koulicoff, Kansas State University
10:45-10:55 a.m. | Evaluation of spray-dried plasma as a functional protein source in canine nutrition – Julio Mioto, University of Illinois
10:55-11:05 a.m. | The use of whole soybean in extruded dog diets: Impact on processing and physical quality of kibbles – Nayara M.M. Soares, Kansas State University
11:05-11:15 a.m. | Wrap-up of day’s presentations – Lindsay Beaton, Petfood Forum
11:15-11:20 a.m | Poster voting
11:20-11:45 a.m. | Competition awards

In addition to research presentations, the Student Program provides the opportunity for industry representatives and students to network and discuss the future of pet food. Opportunities for connecting will be available after each presentation session, as well as a “meet and greet” event on the opening evening of Petfood Forum.

Presenting and attending universities

Meet and interview top-notch students

Meet talented students from across the country who are interested in careers in pet food by attending Petfood Forum’s annual student program.

Undergraduate and graduate students from, but not limited to, the following variety of majors will be in attendance:

Companion animal
Nutrition
Poultry
Ingredient technologies
Food technologies
Process engineering
Manufacturing engineering
Packaging technology

Network with future pet food industry professionals in Petfood Forum’s Future of Pet Food Pavilion

Is your company looking for future hires? Petfood Forum 2025’s Student Program has several opportunities for networking with students currently studying companion animal nutrition and other industry-related subjects.

About the Student Program

The Student Program segment of Petfood Forum strives to build a bridge between the pet food industry and those looking to potentially enter it. With access to all educational sessions and the exhibit hall, students attending Petfood Forum are able not only to learn more about all facets of the industry, but also to network and speak with potential future employers. A two-day research presentation component provides those students studying companion animal nutrition and related areas with the opportunity to present their completed academic research to their peers and the industry.

For immediate questions related to the Petfood Forum Student Program, please contact Student Program Coordinator Lindsay Beaton at lbeaton@wattglobal.com.

About Petfood Forum

The 2025 edition of Petfood Forum is scheduled for April 28-30 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Petfood Forum includes an agenda packed with opportunities to network and collaborate with industry professionals, learn the latest in pet food innovation and discover new tools for business success. Register now to reserve your spot. There are several registration options available, making it easy to customize your Petfood Forum experience.