Imagine your beloved pet facing a lifetime of health issues, all stemming from their daily bowl of food. Sounds scary, right? The Nutriment Company (TNC), a leading European producer of fresh pet food, is tackling this head-on by establishing a science board dedicated to natural pet nutrition. This isn't just another marketing gimmick; it's a serious commitment to improving the lives of our furry friends through evidence-based feeding practices.
So, what exactly is this science board all about? TNC (https://nutriment.com/), known for its premium fresh pet food, has assembled a team of seven experts, a mix of their in-house animal nutrition specialists and external veterinary and research authorities. Their mission is to provide scientific guidance, steer product development, and foster research collaborations focused on pet health and nutrition. Think of them as the 'brains trust' ensuring everything TNC does is rooted in solid science. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that the very need for such a board highlights the inadequacy of current pet food standards. Is the industry finally acknowledging a problem?
The board boasts some impressive credentials. Among the members are two standout experts:
- Dr. Christine Nees (DE): A seasoned veterinarian with extensive experience in pet nutrition, clinical practice, and operational consulting, Dr. Nees has worked with major veterinary groups like VetGruppen and AniCura. Notably, she served on AniCura's Nutrition Board and possesses specialized knowledge in managing diabetic animals, pets with gastrointestinal problems, and senior animals dealing with chronic conditions. Her practical, hands-on experience is invaluable.
- Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman (FI): An assistant professor at the University of Helsinki and the driving force behind the DogRisk Research Group, Dr. Hielm-Björkman brings cutting-edge research to the table. Her research program investigates the long-term effects of processed, fresh, and raw diets on canine and feline health, covering a wide range of issues, including allergies, gastrointestinal health, metabolic disorders, and the role of nutrition in the development of chronic diseases. And this is the part most people miss... her work emphasizes the long-term impact of early dietary choices, suggesting that what we feed our pets as puppies and kittens can have profound consequences later in life.
Dr. Nees emphasizes the increasing awareness among veterinarians about the profound influence of nutrition on overall well-being, stating, "As veterinarians, we increasingly see the impact that nutrition has on overall well-being. By championing fresh, minimally processed foods, we're helping drive a much-needed shift in how we nourish our pets — one that prioritizes long-term health, quality, and care. I'm proud to support a company that places science and transparency at the heart of its mission." Her statement highlights a growing trend towards prioritizing fresh, minimally processed foods for pets.
So, what's the evidence supporting fresh diets? According to TNC, numerous peer-reviewed studies point to the advantages of natural, fresh diets compared to conventional dry or wet food. Research from the DogRisk Research Group (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/dogrisk-health-via-nutrition-epidemiology-and-disease-detection-dogs) and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences indicates improved gastrointestinal microbiome balance in dogs fed fresh, minimally processed diets. These diets are also linked to positive outcomes in allergy prevalence, energy levels, coat health, and joint health. For example, a DogRisk study revealed that puppies raised on unprocessed, meat-based diets were less susceptible to developing chronic diseases, such as inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders and canine chronic enteropathy, as adults compared to those fed kibble. This is significant, considering that over half of domestic dogs and cats are classified as overweight or obese, conditions associated with metabolic dysfunction, joint problems, and other health challenges. In cats, excess weight is even linked to urinary and kidney-related disorders.
Furthermore, studies cited by TNC suggest that natural feeding leads to stronger gut microbiomes, healthier skin and coats, improved immune balance, and reduced risks of allergies, otitis (ear infections), and digestive disorders. Pets consuming fresh diets often exhibit higher energy levels, better stool quality, and long-term protection against inflammatory and metabolic diseases. That's a pretty compelling list of benefits!
Dr. Hielm-Björkman echoes this sentiment, stating, "I am excited to collaborate with a company that places scientific rigor at the center of its mission. The research is clear: natural, minimally processed diets can play a major role in reducing allergies, improving gut health, and lowering the long-term risk of chronic disease in pets. By working together, we can accelerate innovation and bring the benefits of fresh nutrition to many more dogs and cats." This collaboration aims to translate research findings into practical dietary solutions for pets.
Paul van der Hook, chairman of the science board and chief production & logistics officer at TNC, emphasizes that this initiative is more than just a passing fad. "Fresh pet nutrition is not a trend; it is a science-backed movement that has the potential to change the lives of millions of pets," he asserts. “By partnering with leading veterinarians and researchers, we ensure that every product we create is grounded in evidence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to animal health.”
The board's goals are ambitious: to deepen scientific understanding in natural nutrition, develop research-backed formulations, and collaborate with veterinarians to promote evidence-based feeding recommendations. TNC plans to work closely with academic institutions, including the DogRisk Research Group, to support ongoing studies and further advance the field. According to Anders Kristiansen, CEO of TNC, "We are honored to welcome such highly respected experts to our science board. Their experience and dedication to advancing natural nutrition will shape the future of our industry."
To understand the scale of TNC's reach and ambition, it's important to note their recent expansion. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, TNC operates across Europe under various brands, including Nutriment, DIBO, Barfgold, AniForte, and Natural Instinct (https://www.petfoodindustry.com/15456093). They offer a range of raw pet food, snacks, and supplements through online and specialist retail channels. The company is owned by Nordic private equity firm Axcel.
And get this: in 2025 alone, TNC acquired a whopping eight companies, demonstrating their commitment to growth and diversification across Europe and into new pet food segments, like cat food. These acquisitions include:
- Easy-BARF (France): Acquired in October 2025, this French company specializes in fresh pet food (https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/news/15768698/nutriment-company-acquires-frances-easybarf).
- Purrform (UK): A UK-based cat food supplier, acquired in July 2025 (https://www.purrform.co.uk/).
- Graf Barf (Germany): A German private-label pet food business, acquired in June 2025 (https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/news/15749106/nutriment-company-buys-graf-barf-marking-sixth-acquisition-in-2025).
- Bulmer Pet Foods (UK): Known for its affordable raw pet food, this UK-based company was acquired in April 2025 (https://www.petfoodindustry.com/pet-food-market/news/15742594/nutriment-strengthens-uk-pet-food-market-presence).
- BAF Petfood (Germany): A German raw pet food company, acquired in March 2025 (https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/news/15740088/nutriment-acquires-baf-petfood-marks-fourth-acquisition-of-2025).
- Puromenu (Spain): This Spanish pet food manufacturer, acquired in February 2025, marked TNC's entry into the Spanish market (https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/news/15737298/nutriment-acquires-puromenu-enters-spanish-pet-food-market).
- The Dog's Butcher (UK): A UK-based raw dog food brand, acquired in January 2025 (https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/news/15711961/nutriment-expands-its-uk-raw-pet-food-market-with-the-dogs-butcher-acquisition).
- Your Pet Nutrition (UK): A UK company specializing in veterinarian-developed pet supplements, also acquired in January 2025 (https://yourpetnutrition.com/). This acquisition signifies an expansion into the supplement market for TNC.
This strategic expansion, combined with the establishment of the science board, paints a picture of a company deeply invested in the future of pet nutrition. But here's the burning question: Is this a genuine effort to revolutionize pet food, or is it simply a clever marketing strategy capitalizing on the growing demand for natural pet food options? What do you think? Does the formation of such a board increase your trust in a pet food company, or are you still skeptical? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
