April 27-29, 2026

All Speakers

Dog and cat food research experts who will present at Petfood Forum & Petfood Essentials

Erik Eckhardt
Principle Scientist
dsm-firmenich
Erik Eckhardt earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Utrecht University and spent more than a decade in U.S. academia researching nutrition, the gut microbiome and immune health. In 2012, he transitioned to industry, focusing on microbial and nutritional solutions for digestive and immune health in humans and animals. Since 2021, Eckhardt has been principal scientist at dsm-firmenich, where he leads the development of postbiotics to support health from the gut and beyond.
Date/TimeTitle
Tue Apr 28
1:30 PM - 2:35 PM
Pet nutrition and ingredient research: 1:30-2:35 p.m.
KCCC Room 2505
  • Calming canines naturally: A gut-brain axis approach using a Lactobacillus postbiotic

Erik Eckhardt, Ph.D., principal scientist, dsm-firmenich, shares research on a dual Lactobacillus postbiotic designed to reduce anxiety-related behaviors in dogs through gut-brain axis modulation. The ingredient, composed of heat-inactivated bacterial cells and fermentation metabolites from two proprietary microorganisms, contains GABA, a neurotransmitter associated with calming effects. Citing controlled studies, Eckhardt covers the science behind its benefits, formulation potential and market relevance as a natural calming solution.

  • Real-world efficacy of a botanical blend for canine behavioral support in home settings 

Jessica Jarett, Ph.D., principal scientist for pet, Cargill, covers results of a study on the impact of a novel botanical blend administered as a daily soft chew on behavior in pet dogs living in home environments. In a controlled trial involving 75 healthy dogs, significant improvements were observed in dog-directed fear with additional trends toward improvement in stranger-directed aggression, aggression when food is taken away, inappropriate urination and excitability compared to placebo. The research provides new evidence for the application of botanical blends in pet supplement formulations for daily behavioral support and demonstrates the value of combining quantitative behavioral data with qualitative insights from pet owners.

  • Vitamins and amino acids: Strategic insights into the pet food supply chain and potential disruption

Lara Moody, executive director, Institute for Feed Education and Research, offers findings from a strategic assessment of vitamin and amino acid supply and demand, import and export, and impact on livestock and poultry production with implications for the pet food supply chain. An estimated 78% of total vitamin imports to the U.S. come directly from China, with some individual vitamins as high as 100%, and U.S. and European vitamin manufacturers often depend on key raw materials sourced from China. The same holds true for amino acids, creating overwhelming dependency on a single country for nutrients vital to the food supply and U.S. economy.