Petworking

Petworking

By Peter KensethKids & FamilyPets & Animals
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Petworking episodes

  • From Vet Clinics to Living Rooms: Mella Pet Care’s Approach to At-Home Diagnostics

    Episode 31 of Petworking features Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca from Mella Pet Care, and discusses the company's innovative approach to at-home pet diagnostics, along with its experience in the venture capital ecosystem, where it was selected to participate in the Leap Venture Studio, and received an investment from Mark Cuban on Shark Tank.

    Here are the key takeaways from the episode:

    • Mella is bringing vet-grade diagnostics into pet parents' homes, addressing the gap in preventative care.
    • Its devices (thermometers and scales) help establish baseline health data, crucial for early detection of issues.
    • Stress-free home measurements provide more accurate data than stressful vet visits.
    • Mella's unified software platform integrates data from multiple devices, simplifying pet health monitoring.
    • Future plans include a pet blood pressure monitor and telehealth integration.


      • Strategic partnerships have been key to Mella's growth:
      • Leap Venture Studio provided crucial mentorship and market research.
      • Shark Tank appearance led to investment from Mark Cuban, boosting visibility.

        • Along with other companies offering pet parents solutions to monitor their pet's health at home, Mella Pet Care is at the forefront of a shift in the pet healthcare paradigm. By empowering pet parents with tools to monitor their pets' health consistently, they're addressing a critical gap in preventative care.

        The future of pet healthcare promises to be more proactive and data-driven, potentially leading to earlier detection of health issues, more informed veterinary care, and ultimately, healthier, happier pets.

        51 min
      • Bridging the Coverage Gap: Odie's Solution for Pets Affected by Insurance Cancellations

        Nationwide recently announced that it will cancel pet insurance coverage for about 100,000 pets, citing rising veterinary costs and profitability concerns.

        While the company stated that the cancellations were not based on specific pet characteristics like age, breed, or claim history, the sad reality of the situation is that many older pets will be affected by this decision. This is a crucial point because:

        1. These pets are often the most in need of insurance coverage due to higher healthcare needs
        2. They may face significant difficulties finding alternative coverage because almost all pet insurance carriers exclude pre-existing conditions

          3. This situation could create a serious insurance gap for a vulnerable group of pets and their owners, and underscores a significant problem in the pet insurance market. Because pets are considered property in the eyes of the law, we're left with a situation where a health insurance product is underwritten as property & casualty insurance. As such, pet owners who have paid for a lifetime of insurance coverage for their pets may face a situation where the lifetime investment that they made to ensure that their pets have insurance coverage when they need it most goes for naught.
          In light of this concerning development, on the latest episode of Petworking, I sat down with Miles Thorson of Odie Pet Insurance to discuss the implications and potential solutions for affected pet owners. Our conversation revealed some promising innovations in the pet insurance industry that could help address these challenges.
          Here's a quick summary of the episode:
          Miles and I discussed Nationwide's recent announcement to cancel coverage for about 100,000 pets, citing rising veterinary costs and profitability concerns.
          Miles explained that inflation in veterinary care costs is a real issue, driven by factors like vet shortages and burnout.
          We highlighted the problem of older pets potentially losing coverage and facing difficulties finding new insurance due to pre-existing conditions.
          Miles introduced Odie Pet Insurance's new approach, which includes:

          • Extending coverage back to the date of a pet's prior policy when switching from another provider
          • Aiming to broaden the pet insurance market with lower entry barriers and more options
          • Not considering healed conditions as pre-existing when switching policies

            • We also discussed the broader implications for the pet insurance industry, including:

            • The need for more consumer-friendly regulations.
            • The potential for pet insurance to help reduce veterinary burnout by enabling more pets to receive care
            • The importance of educating consumers about the value of pet insurance

              • Miles talked about Odie's plans to use data and technology to offer more personalized pricing and coverage, including:

              • Partnerships with pet spend reward cards to gather data on pet care habits
              • Integrating pharmacy capabilities into their member portal
              • Using data to identify trends and offer more favorable rates to responsible pet owners

                • Finally, we explored the potential for pet insurance companies to contribute to pet nutrition research and improve overall pet health outcomes.

                The conversation concluded with a discussion on how increasing pet insurance adoption could lead to better health outcomes for pets and potentially transform the animal healthcare paradigm.

                36 min
              • Wearable Tech Meets Veterinary Care: Maven's AI-Driven Pet Health Monitoring Solution

                If you're a pet parent, you've likely experienced the anxiety of wondering if your furry companion is in pain or discomfort. However, for many pet parents, the cost of veterinary care, and the inability to know whether a pet is truly experiencing health issues, results in a decision to postpone a visit to the vet, which ultimately results in poor health outcomes for the pet.

                As a pet parent, I've experienced firsthand the critical importance of early detection. My journey with Peony has been a testament to this:

                1. Shortly after adopting her in 2017, Peony pulled a groin muscle. During treatment, a routine SNAP test revealed she was heartworm positive - a condition she had tested negative for at the shelter. Catching this early was potentially life-saving.

                2. In 2019, while petting Peony, I felt a lump. My immediate decision to have it checked led to an early melanoma diagnosis, significantly improving her prognosis.

                3. More recently, we were able to address neurological episodes promptly due to timely veterinary intervention.

                  4. These experiences underscore the irreplaceable value of attentive pet parenting and regular vet check-ups. But imagine having a device that could alert you to potential health issues even between these crucial moments of discovery and scheduled visits. That's where Maven.Pet comes in.


                  On the latest episode of Petworking, I had the pleasure of speaking with Guilherme Coelho, co-founder and CEO of Maven.Pet, about their AI-driven, innovative wearable health monitoring device for pets.

                  Here's how Maven's AI is changing the game:

                  1. 24/7 Health Monitoring: Maven's device attaches to a pet's collar, continuously tracking vital health metrics like respiratory rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns. But it's not just collecting data - the AI is constantly analyzing this information in real-time.

                  2. Early Detection is Key: Inspired by a personal experience with late-stage canine arthritis, Maven aims to catch health issues earlier, potentially improving outcomes and reducing treatment costs.

                  3. Personalized Baselines: The AI establishes a unique health baseline for each pet, considering factors like breed, age, and medical history. This allows for truly individualized health monitoring.

                  4. Veterinary Integration: By partnering with clinics and integrating with practice management systems (PIMs), Maven provides vets with valuable insights between visits. By connecting with PIMS, Maven can access a pet's complete medical history, provide vets with pre-appointment insights, and flag potential issues based on both real-time and historical data

                  5. AI-Powered Analysis: An artificial intelligence system analyzes the data, flagging potential issues for veterinary review. By processing vast amounts of data, the AI can identify subtle changes that might escape human notice, potentially predicting health issues before obvious symptoms appear.

                  6. Balancing Information: While vets receive detailed data, pet owners get a simplified app view to avoid unnecessary worry.

                  7. Future Potential: There's exciting potential for partnerships with pet insurance companies to offer data-driven, personalized pricing.

                    8. The Maven system represents a significant step forward in preventative pet healthcare. By providing vets with a more complete picture of a pet's health over time, it enables earlier interventions and potentially better outcomes. It's not about replacing professional judgment, but enhancing it. The AI provides vets with pre-appointment insights and flags potential issues, empowering them to make more informed decisions. For pet owners, it offers peace of mind knowing their furry family members are being continuously monitored.

                    What are your thoughts on wearable health monitoring for pets? How do you see technology shaping the future of veterinary care?

                    🎧 Listen to the full episode to learn more about the game-changing potential of wearable pet health monitors and why they could become an essential tool for every pet owner.

                    49 min
                  8. Making Pet Insurance Work for More Pet Owners: Odie's Approach to Coverage, Distribution, and Value Creation

                    This podcast episode features Peter Kenseth, Vice President & Partner at Maia Strategy Group, interviewing Miles Thorson, founder and CEO of Odie Pet Insurance.

                    Key points discussed:

                    1. Pet insurance adoption is still low in the US (~4% for dogs), so there is a huge potential market. Most carriers are not competing for share yet, but trying to grow the overall market.
                    2. Odie Pet Insurance is taking a novel approach by focusing on distribution through employee benefits and white labeling, rather than selling directly to consumers. This helps lower customer acquisition costs.
                    3. They are offering more flexible coverage options and price points to appeal to a broader range of customers.
                    4. Miles sees an opportunity for pet insurers to work with vets, pet food companies, and others in the pet health ecosystem to drive better health outcomes, which benefits everyone.
                    5. Odie is exploring partnerships around pet nutrition, genetic testing, medications, and more to provide added value to customers and control costs.
                    6. Miles believes pet insurance carriers need to innovate with their coverage models, use of data/technology, and partnerships to make pet insurance more accessible and demonstrate its value to pet owners.

                      7. Overall, the discussion focused on the current state of the pet insurance market, Odie's differentiated approach, and opportunities for pet insurers to expand adoption by providing more value to pet owners through an ecosystem approach working with vets and pet health companies.

                      48 min
                    7. Going Above and Beyond: Wellness' Rigorous Approach to Pet Food Testing

                      In this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth interviews Greg Kean, Global VP of Innovation & Nutrition at Wellness Pet Company. They discuss Wellness's extensive testing protocols for its pet food products, which go above and beyond the industry standard.

                      Key points from the discussion:

                      • Wellness is investing 3-4 million dollars to put their entire product portfolio through AAFCO feeding trials, even though this is not required if diets meet AAFCO nutrient profiles.
                      • This testing helps build confidence with veterinarians recommending Wellness products, as vets don't always receive extensive nutrition training.
                      • Before even doing AAFCO trials, Wellness conducts digestibility, stool quality, and palatability testing, as well as urine pH for cat diets. Any novel diets or ingredients also undergo feeding trials.
                      • Greg discusses the need for more companion animal nutrition research overall, and how the industry is funding much of this itself in the absence of government funding.
                      • They discuss trends around unprocessed/raw diets vs kibble, noting that more research is needed on health impacts. Kibble remains important for accessibility of pet ownership.
                      • With a shrinking pet food market post-pandemic, innovation will focus on addressing consumer needs in affordable ways and educating on new food formats.
                      • The future may bring more functional diets for health and longevity, but Greg emphasizes the importance of having sound research before making claims, while maintaining healthy body weight remains key.

                        • Overall, the discussion highlights Wellness's commitment to extensively testing its products to ensure optimal nutrition, as well as broader issues around advancing pet food science and innovation.

                        1 hr 12 min
                      • Advancing Sustainable Packaging in the Pet Food Industry

                        It might come as a surprise to learn that the pet food industry is a significant contributor to the global waste stream, accounting for 3% of all flexible packaging (about 300 million pounds annually). Currently, 99% of the 300 million pounds of plastic waste produced by the pet food industry each year wind up in landfills. Put another way, pet food packaging is adding 297 million pounds of plastic waste to our landfills each year.

                        When trying to reduce a number from 99%, it might seem like a pretty easy task. However, there are a few key challenges that make transitioning to sustainable packaging in pet food a more complicated endeavor than it might seem.

                        I recently had the pleasure of hosting Kara Stoney, Value Chain Coordinator and Sustainable Packaging Manager at Dow, on Petworking. Kara and I discussed the efforts that the pet food industry is taking to move to sustainable packaging, and the barriers that must be overcome to successfully complete the journey.

                        Listen to the episode to hear Kara and I discuss:

                        • The challenges associated engineering packaging that is both recyclable and durable enough to protect product quality through the supply chain. It doesn't matter if packaging is recyclable if using it results is large amounts of wasted food products.

                        • The importance of maintaining palatability when transitioning to recyclable packaging materials, especially for pet food products. Some recycled plastics can impart odors to the food, and pets, particularly dogs, are much more sensitive to changes in smell and taste than humans are. If a switch to more sustainable packaging results in a pet detecting a change and refusing to eat the food, it could lead to the pet owner switching brands.

                        • The Pet Sustainability Coalition's Packaging Pledge, and the likelihood that companies will be able to meet the goals that 100% of their packaging will be recyclable, reusable, or compostable, and at least 30% of their packaging will be made from recycled content by 2025.

                        • The How2Recycle labeling system, and its impact on increasing consumer recycling, and decreasing the amount of wish-cycling (putting non-recyclable items in the recycling bin in the hope that they will be recycled).

                        • Dow's sustainable innovation in both mechanical and advanced "chemical" recycling technologies. Advanced recycling breaks plastics down to their original monomers, yielding recycled content that mirrors virgin resin - a game-changer for pet food.

                        • Dow's Pack Studios, a facility where brand owners and packaging converters can test sustainable solutions prior to production, reducing the risk of costly trials on their own production lines. Line time is so valuable that brands are hesitant to run trials, so Pack Studios reduces that barrier.

                          • My discussion with Kara highlighted the complexities in improving packaging sustainability, but also provided an optimistic look at the industry's progress through strategic partnerships, innovation in recycling technologies, and the power of consumer advocacy to drive meaningful change. Younger Millennials and Gen Z consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable options, which puts pressure on brands to continue to seek out new and innovative sustainable packaging solutions.

                          Ultimately, advancing sustainable packaging requires an industry-wide effort. Stakeholders across the value chain - from resin producers, to converters, brands, and consumers - must collaborate closely. Continued investment in recycling infrastructure and technologies is also paramount.

                          What are your thoughts on sustainable pet food packaging? Please share the episode, and leave your thoughts in the comments.

                          45 min
                        • Nulo's Dr. Greg Aldrich on Minimally Processed Pet Foods and the Journey to the "Perfect Pet Food"

                          Dr. Greg Aldrich, Chief Operating Officer at Nulo Pet Food, recently joined Petworking host Peter Kenseth to discuss Nulo's latest innovations in minimally processed pet foods and the brand's philosophy on optimal pet nutrition.


                          Aldrich, who previously worked as an associate professor at Kansas State University studying pet nutrition, joined Nulo about 15 months ago after consulting with the company for over a decade. He has been working closely with Nulo founder Michael Landa on developing foods that align with an active lifestyle for both pets and their owners.


                          A Focus on Minimal Processing

                          A key focus for Nulo is minimizing the processing and heat applied to their foods in order to maximize nutrient retention and availability. Aldrich explained that traditional manufacturing processes like extrusion for kibble and retort canning subject all ingredients to very high heat, which can damage nutrients and create undesirable chemical interactions.


                          Nulo is exploring techniques like cold pressing, gently cooking, air drying, and freeze drying as alternatives that apply lower temperatures for shorter periods. "We're trying to find the perfect time and temperature for each component," said Aldrich.


                          He positions Nulo's approach between raw diets, which have food safety and shelf-life challenges, and highly-processed kibble and cans. The goal is pasteurization to control pathogens while minimizing nutrient loss.


                          High Protein, Low Carb Philosophy

                          In line with the idea that dogs and cats are carnivores, Nulo has adopted a nutritional philosophy focused on high animal protein and low carbohydrates from low-glycemic sources like miscanthus grass fiber. Aldrich cited research linking high protein to better lean body mass and concerns that highly-digestible starches may contribute to obesity and diabetes in pets.


                          Partnering with Athletes

                          To emphasize the nutrition and performance connection, Nulo has partnered with elite athletes like Simone Biles and plans to feature more Olympians heading into the Paris 2024 games. The idea is that consumers will be more receptive to nutritional advice from the athletes they admire.


                          What's Next

                          Nulo's latest innovations include the new cold pressed diet, gently cooked shelf-stable pouches, rebranded freeze dried, and new canned cat foods. At SuperZoo 2024, the brand plans to unveil new treat products aligned with their nutritional principles as well as updated packaging.


                          Aldrich is aiming for continued progress toward the "perfect pet food" through optimal ingredient selection and processing tailored to each nutrient type. However, he emphasized the need for more research funding specifically for pet nutrition to advance knowledge in this area.

                          55 min
                        • Have You Heard of Miscanthus? M-Fiber and Sustainability

                          Happy Earth Day!
                          Miscanthus is a perennial grass, and represents a highly sustainable and effective fiber source. In addition to serving as a source of dietary fiber, it also enhances the structural integrity of pet foods during manufacturing processes, contributing to better kibble cohesion and moisture retention.
                          Miscanthus is primarily cultivated in southwest Missouri and stands out due to its substantial growth, reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet during the summer months. This perennial grass is established once and yields harvests annually for up to 30 years, requiring minimal maintenance. It does not require annual tilling, extensive nutrient inputs, or the felling of trees, which are common in other fiber production processes.
                          Compared to other ingredients used as fiber in pet food, like powdered cellulose or beet pulp, miscanthus is produced in a far more sustainable, and less resource-intensive process. It is a highly sustainable crop, requiring minimal inputs and offering considerable ecological benefits:
                          Water Use: Miscanthus requires significantly less water compared to other crops. It is grown without the need for irrigation, and requires significantly less water compared to powdered cellulose in its production process. It saves over 153 million gallons of water for every million pounds replaced in the industry, which translates to approximately 153 gallons of water per pound when miscanthus is used instead of powdered cellulose.
                          Chemical Free: The processing of miscanthus does not involve chemicals, relying instead on mechanical means to convert the harvested grass into a usable fiber form. Powdered cellulose requires the introduction of chemicals to break down wood pulp
                          Carbon Sequestration: As a perennial plant, miscanthus has a deep root system that helps sequester carbon, contributing positively to carbon footprint reduction efforts. The production of powdered cellulose is linked to logging activities, which not only deplete forest resources but also contribute to habitat destruction and increased carbon emissions.
                          Amazingly, along with all the sustainability benefits that miscanthus offers producers, it is also more cost-effective than powdered cellulose. According to Dustin, miscanthus costs about half as much as powdered cellulose. It also has cost advantages when compared to beet pulp, which is a byproduct of the sugar beet industry. Its availability and quantity depend on the sugar production levels, which can vary annually. The cost of beet pulp can fluctuate based on the sugar market and agricultural conditions, potentially making it less predictable in terms of pricing and availability compared to miscanthus.
                          Finally, miscanthus offers specific health benefits as a dietary fiber. It is predominantly insoluble, helping to regulate digestive health in pets, which parallels its utility in human dietary fiber applications. The presence of miscanthus in pet foods supports optimal gut health, nutrient absorption, and stool quality, vital for overall pet wellness.
                          The adoption of miscanthus by pet food manufacturers not only supports sustainability initiatives but also offers cost benefits due to its lower production costs. These factors make miscanthus a compelling choice for companies looking to enhance their environmental footprint while maintaining high standards in pet nutrition.
                          Check out the episode to learn more about miscanthus, and hear Dustin talk about which prominent brands M-Fiber already counts as clients. Patronizing these brands contributes to sustainability in pet food consumption.
                          If your favorite pet food brand isn't using miscanthus, consider reaching out and asking them to consider reformulating. It might take some time and effort, but ultimately, it's an ingredient that is better for the health of our planet, and costs less than the products it's replacing. On Earth Day 2024, I think that's something we can all rally around and celebrate.

                          46 min
                        • Nothing Matters More Than More Time: Continuing the Discussion of Aging Therapies w/ Loyal for Dogs

                          Loyal for Dogs (Loyal / Cellular Longevity) is redefining the paradigm of aging in dogs.
                          NAD+ supplements currently on the market claim to "slow the effects of aging," and to "support health as [dogs] age," but they do not promise to extend lifespan. Nor are they FDA-approved.
                          Loyal emphasizes that aging is the primary modifiable risk factor for most degenerative and chronic diseases in dogs. Their mission? To target the aging process itself, opening doors to healthier, longer lives for dogs.
                          At WVC 2024, I had the chance to chat with Dr. Brennen McKenzie, Loyal's Head of Veterinary Education, and he recently joined me on Petworking to continue the discussion.
                          We talked about the 3 pioneering drugs targeting critical molecular pathways associated with aging that Loyal has in the pipeline.
                          These include:
                          - LOY-002 for senior dogs (10+ years old), focusing on metabolic health to extend lifespan.
                          - LOY-001 & LOY-003 for larger dogs (40+ lbs), targeting hormonal overexpression of IGF-1, which Loyal has linked to the shorter lifespans experienced by large dogs.
                          Loyal is seeking FDA approval for all of these products, and by 2025, Loyal might be able to market LOY-001 under conditional approval, as the FDA has already granted "reasonable expectation of effectiveness."
                          That means by next year, there is a significant chance that if you are a large dog owner, your veterinarian could prescribe a product that can actually extend your dog's life.

                          38 min
                        • Insights from WVC 2024

                          The veterinary field is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation, driven by technological advancements, a deeper understanding of pet nutrition, and an evolving approach to pet care that prioritizes convenience and efficiency. This shift was vividly illustrated at the recent Western Vet Conference in Las Vegas, where my colleague, Jessica Stewart and I explored into the trends shaping the future of animal health and veterinary medicine. We recently recorded an episode of Petworking to recap these insights, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead for veterinary professionals and pet owners alike.

                          45 min

                        About Petworking

                        From the publisher's feed

                        A podcast focused on Pet Care and Animal Health