How Trends and Science Shape the Evolution of Pet Nutrition

Today, Clayton interviews Milka Tesla, the owner of Passion for Food and director of Nordic Pet Food Events in Norway. Milka shares her journey into the pet food industry, highlighting her background in animal science and feed technology. She discusses the evolution of pet food, the importance of ingredient quality, and the challenges of formulating products that meet both nutritional standards and consumer expectations. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey into the pet food industry often begins with a strong educational foundation in animal science and feed technology, which can lead to roles in product development and nutrition. The pet food industry has evolved significantly over the years, with a shift towards higher quality standards and a greater focus on the nutritional content of products, moving beyond just meeting basic needs. There is a growing interest in natural and minimally processed pet foods, with consumers increasingly concerned about the ingredients and their health benefits, leading to a demand for transparency in labelling. The digestibility and nutritional value of ingredients can vary significantly based on how they are processed. Understanding the effects of processing methods is crucial for formulating effective pet food. The pet food market is influenced by trends, such as the rise and fall of grain-free diets and the exploration of alternative proteins. Companies must adapt to these trends while maintaining product quality and affordability. BEST MOMENTS "I am responsible for the product development and nutrition and formulation." "In the pet food industry, you have companies that are really interested in this business because they see it's growing." "You cannot do this without preservatives. It's simple as that." "The trends come and go, the science stays." "I believe in the science. And I remember seven, eight years ago, I was discussing with the prince pet food." HOST BIO Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica). As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/ https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/