September 8-9, 2025

Petfood Collab 2025

This was the eighth year of the event, and it featured presentations on ingredient approval pathways, marketing, economics and consumer behavior, pet nutrition and innovation, processing and the role of artificial intelligence, and the value of academia-industry collaboration. The event also included graduate student presentations, networking opportunities, an inaugural banquet and the introduction of the inaugural "Friend of the Pet Food Program Award" for industry professionals who stand out for their contributions and support of K-State's Pet Food Program and its mission.

Check out last year's ebook for a total recap of the event!

Presentations

  • Dr. Haley Larson, Assistant Professor, Kansas State University
    • "Updates on Ingredient Approval Pathways"
  • Dr. Aleksan Shanoyan, Professor, Kansas State University
    • "From Wishlist to Shopping Cart: Understanding Pet Food Buyer's Preferences and Purchasing Behavior"
  • Dr. Lonnie Hobbs, Jr., Assistant Professor, Kansas State University
    • "Pet Food Perspectives: Exploring Customer Perceptions and Value of Sustainability and Other Product Attributes"
  • Dr. Julia Guazzelli Pezzali, Assistant Professor & Pet Food Program Director, Kansas State University
    • "From Trend to Care: What Nutritional Priorities Should Guide the Cat Ownership Surge?"
  • Angela Paxton, Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    • "Unlocking Global Markets: Your Guide to APHIS Export Approval"
  • Jay Pokorny, Director of Strategic Innovation, Extru-Tech, Inc.
    • "Optimizing Production with Process Analytics"
  • Allison Blomme, PhD Student, Kansas State University
    • "The Digital Age: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Pet Food Production"
  • Dr. Yong-Cheng Shi, Professor, Kansas State University
    • "From Kibble to Chemistry: Insights into Starch Analytics and Method Selection"
  • Leah Lambrakis, VP of Research & Development, Nutrition, & Scientific Affairs, Simmons Pet Food
    • "From Concept to Bowl: Translating Vision Into a Successful New Product to Market"

Panelists

  • Dr. Aleksan Shanoyan, Professor, Kansas State University
  • Amy Tryong, Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs - North America, Hill's Pet Nutrition
  • Dr. Eric Altom, Director - Innovation for Companion Animals; Technical Nutritionist, Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health
  • Dr. Garret Ashabranner, Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) Program Manager, Kansas State University
  • Dr. Haley Larson, Assistant Professor, Kansas State University
  • Dr. Jane Schuh, Director of Agricultural Research and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, Kansas State University
  • Dr. Kathy Gross, Adjunct Professor, Kansas State University
  • Leah Lambrakis, VP of Research & Development, Nutrition, & Scientific Affairs, Simmons Pet Food
  • Dr. Melissa Weber, Director of Technical Services, Rangen Pet Nutrition
  • Rachelle Banwart, Executive Director of Corporate Engagement, Kansas State University

Sponsors

  • Extru-Tech, Inc.
  • Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
  • Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition Co.
  • KSE The Batching Experts
  • Parker Freeze Dry
  • Bill Barr & Company
  • Ankom Technology
  • Balchem
  • United Sorghum Checkoff Program
  • National Corn Growers Association
  • Morris Packaging
  • Zinpro Co.
  • ICC Brazil
  • Simmons Pet Food
  • Kansas Department of Agriculture
  • Freshpet
  • Fairview Mills
  • Tietjen
  • Petfood Forum