My Story
Many years ago I was feeding my working sled dogs, a extruded diet and found myself questioning if a diet like this, (typically high in carbohydrate) was the best option to feed my team. Ultimately, this led me to moving my dogs over onto a diet high in protein and fat, with a very small amount of carbohydrate content. I was fortunate that also around that time, to gain employment in the pet food industry, working as a nutritionist. over the next ten years, I found myself formulating diets and treats for dogs and cats over a number of formats. During the period, I also traveled the world giving nutritional presentations and staff training.
At this point, I realised a large gap in knowledge was present involving understanding the benefits of feeding a dog a high fat and protein diet, I decided to address this shortfall, applying to do research at Massey University (New Zealand), Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences. After a lengthy process, i was eventually accepted in the PhD program and started my research journey.
My Story
Many years ago I was feeding my working sled dogs, a extruded diet and found myself questioning if a diet like this, (typically high in carbohydrate) was the best option to feed my team. Ultimately, this led me to moving my dogs over onto a diet high in protein and fat, with a very small amount of carbohydrate content. I was fortunate that also around that time, to gain employment in the pet food industry, working as a nutritionist. over the next ten years, I found myself formulating diets and treats for dogs and cats over a number of formats. During the period, I also traveled the world giving nutritional presentations and staff training.
At this point, I realised a large gap in knowledge was present involving understanding the benefits of feeding a dog a high fat and protein diet, I decided to address this shortfall, applying to do research at Massey University (New Zealand), Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences. After a lengthy process, i was eventually accepted in the PhD program and started my research journey.
Over the next six and half years, I completed numerous studies, published research, did nutritional research involving wild wolves in Denali National Park, Alaska and presented my research findings at several leading veterinary and animal science conferences over the world.
After finishing my PhD, I decided to work as a independent companion animal nutritionist contractor. This gave me the freedom to work with companies that aligned with my background. In this capacity, I make complete and balanced diets, therapeutic products and research and utilise novel natural based ingredients. I also complete feeding trails and small scale product research projects. Educating and training both pet owners and retail staff is another important part of my position.
Finally, I practice what I preach. Having a kennel of working Siberian Huskies, good nutrition is critical to optimal performance and well-being. My dogs regularly run for several hours a day in the Winter months. This is often in extremely cold conditions, whereby any dietary shortfalls are easily exposed in this environment.
Dr Mark Roberts discussing his background and diet selection research with dogs