Science has our back

We're not just a pet food company. Our nutrition-first approach to wellness makes us a pet health company.

That’s why our in-house team of PhDs, DVMs, & DACVNs are on the cutting edge of all things pet health through research, study and publications. And we’re not just following the science — we’re pioneering it. So every pet can live in tip-top shape.

“Nutrition is the best medicine.”

— DR. JUSTIN SHMALBERG, CHIEF SCIENTIFIC & MEDICAL OFFICER

Go with the gut

Your pet’s microbiome, or gut, is a unique, evolving and complex internal environment made up of trillions of microbes. The microbiome is the home of good digestion, and it can have a profound impact on your pet’s overall health and immune system. That’s why we’ve made this a target area of study — and we’re the leaders of the pack.

We have the largest pet microbiome database in the world, and it’s growing all the time. This data helps us (and you) learn more about microbiome differences and similarities across breeds, sizes, and geographic areas.

Learn more about our Microbiome Testing Kit

Full system support

Nose-to-tail pet health is more than what they eat — it's how their bodies process the nutrients from their diet. It’s about maximizing the benefits in order to address issues concerning the digestive system or for preventative measures to support a longer, more comfortable life. We get it. That’s why our science team developed (and are working on more) beyond the bowl products that help support the unique needs of dogs and cats. Because a healthy pet is a happy, fewer-visits-to-the-vet pet.

Learn more about our supplements

Current studies

At any given time, our R&D team has a lot going on — from research papers to speaking engagements to active analysis of pet health. If you’re interested in helping with any of our studies currently enrolling, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to sharing our results with you.

Under development

Supplements for obesity & joint health
Gut microbiome in obesity
Oral microbiome and gum disease

Currently enrolling

More studies coming soon! Interested in getting your pup involved? Click here!

Undergoing analysis

Meet the science team

Dr. Justin Shmalberg

Chief Scientific and Medical Officer

Dr. Shmalberg is one of fewer than 100 Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists in the US, as well as a clinical associate professor at a leading veterinary college. He guides Nom Nom in all recipe formulation and advises on pet nutrition. Always an advocate for better nutrition = better health, Justin decided to go to veterinary school for the well-being of his dog Liberty, and all dogs.

Dr. Ryan Honaker

Director of Microbiology

An expert in microbiome manipulation, infection therapeutics, and microbial community profiling, Dr. Honaker holds a PhD from the University of Colorado at Denver, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University.

Dr. Caitlyn Getty

Scientific Affairs Veterinarian

Dr. Getty is a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® and scientist, serving as Nom Nom's Scientific Affairs Veterinarian. Earning her BS in Animal Science, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she went on to complete her Residency and Fellowship in Small Animal Clinical Nutrition at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Experienced in both pet illness and nutrition optimization, Dr. Getty brings a deep, holistic understanding of better health at the bowl.

Dr. Roshonda Jones

Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

Roshonda received her PhD in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, continuing her postdoctoral training at University of Southern California and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. As a trained expert in the gut microbiome, Roshanda’s research focuses on using statistics and informatics to pinpoint the effects of diet on the microbiome as it relates to obesity across both humans and their pets.

Dr. Boo Boo Tanprasertsuk

Scientist

Boo Boo received his PhD in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition at Tufts University where his research focused on the relationship between nutrition and cognitive health in older adults. At Nom Nom, he is very excited to expand the scope of the investigation to dogs and cats, including nutrition's roles in health maintenance and disease prevention.

LeeAnn Perry

Bioinformatics Analyst

LeeAnn received her BA in Molecular Biology from Washington University in St. Louis and her MSc in Neuroscience from Stanford University, where she studied risk factors for depression in adolescents. She uses statistical and machine learning approaches to uncover insights about pets and their diets.

Dr. Matt Brooks

Small Animal Nutritionist

Dr. Brooks earned his MS in Nutrition at Texas A&M studying fat metabolism. He then earned his PhD in protein and carbohydrate digestion and microbial efficiency in cattle and deer from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He followed this up with a postdoctoral fellowship at NC State University working with trace mineral ingredients in animal feed. He is an expert in comparative animal nutrition that has worked with both domesticated and zoo animals across the country. He is committed to the continued improvement of animal health and well-being through nutritional understanding.

Ashley Sipe

Pet Health and Research Advocate

Passionate about improving the lives of pets through excellent nutrition and compassionate care, Ashley Sipe earned her BA in Zoology from Michigan State University. As a former small business owner with years of experience caring for both pets and animals in zoos and aquariums, Ashley’s distinct professional background supports our research team at all levels, specifically research logistics, customer experience and scientific collaboration.

Devon Tate

Associate Scientist

Devon received her BA in Chemistry from Goucher College and her Masters in Nutrition Science and Policy from Tufts University, where she engaged in public health research examining the role of nutrition in health promotion. Here at Nom Nom, she is enthusiastic about bringing her experience and passion for nutrition education to the pet world, and helping to discover new insights about pet health.

Visit our resource library

This is your trusted source for articles and guides on everything pet health (and more), brought to you by experts in the field. Find interesting reads backed by science or expand your general knowledge about our four-legged friends on our Learn page.

Get your dose of science

If you haven't figured it out, we’re all about discovering new scientific facts and insights about pets. We’re also all about educating our community with research findings and study results. Catch up with our science team on our Research & Development page.