Liz Nahon, DVM

Title

Senior Director of Scientific Grants Program

Company

Morris Animal Foundation

General session/panel:

Beyond DCM: New models to close pet food’s nutrition research gaps — The ongoing situation with canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and grain-free pet food is just one recent example of how the lack of pet nutrition research has not served the industry, consumers, retailers, veterinarians or regulators well. Other cases and questions, such as vitamin D levels and the Fanconi syndrome with chicken jerky treats from China, have also contributed to confusion, anxiety, lost confidence and sales. Could these types of situations be avoided or at least mitigated with better models for pet nutrition research — and what changes and improvements would help? Do we need new funding sources, including financial participation from consumers? Moderated by Greg Aldrich, Ph.D., research associate professor at Kansas State University and president of Pet Food Ingredients & Technologies, this lively roundtable discussion will feature industry experts addressing these questions and proposing next steps.

Experience:

Liz Nahon, DVM, is the senior director of scientific grants program for Morris Animal Foundation. Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in science to advance animal health. Founded in 1948, the foundation has invested more than $155 million toward 2,700+ studies that have led to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments and preventions to benefit animals worldwide. Nahon is responsible for overseeing all grant programs and serving as the main liaison to all funded and prospective researchers as well as the Scientific Advisory Boards. Nahon earned her DVM from Washington State University.