Laura Ward (BSc) Hons

I am an Animal Scientist, working in the pet food industry since 2016. Best known for work supporting pet businesses in new product development and recipe formulation.

Studying BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at The University of Nottingham, before working in the pet food and nutrition industry. I was employed as a both a Pet Nutritionist and Formulator in pet food and premix manufacturing prior to setting up Rewarding Pet Nutrition.

I provide value to pet businesses through:

• Thorough new product development to understand the product position, characteristics and intended use
• Providing objective and scientific feedback of product plans, considering nutritional suitability
• Formulation of robust and scientific recipes (complete and complementary) of various pet food, treat and supplement formats
• Review of existing product ranges to optimize nutrition delivered, enhance product characteristics and improve palatability
• Reviewing new products to ensure they are complete and balanced for the lifestage or that complementary products are nutritionally adequate for the intended use
• Market consultancy and alignment of products
• Support with packaging compliance and claims substantiation.
• Connecting with industry contacts, ingredient suppliers, and manufacturers
• Suggesting innovative ingredients, active nutrients, formats or delivery to enhance product positioning
• Answering technical questions from a business’s customers
• Conducting training of pet food and nutrition topics to businesses and individuals.

Other industry work includes

• Writing technical articles for industry leading publications
• Educational training and workshops

I support pet parents directly with several elements of understanding their pet’s nutrition. From workshops and webinars, to working directly with pet parents. Examples include

• Calculating feeding quantities to support dietary balance and maintenance of ideal weight
• Impartially making dietary suggestions to suit individual situations and requirements.
• Providing long term support through pet weight loss plans or dietary transition
• Answering queries scientifically to provide reassurance

I am excited by new research and development within the industry and opportunities to improve the nutrition we can provide to pets under our care, and to better tailor this to their precise and individual requirements. Animal Nutrition and health is a primary interest of mine and I am passionate about animal conservation and our environment.