Meet the team of vets and nutrition specialists behind Freshpet
Experts in pet nutrition and food science
Freshpet’s recipes are crafted by a multidisciplinary team of credentialed specialists: veterinarians with advanced clinical training, Ph.D.-level food scientists, food microbiologists, and board-certified animal nutritionists. This expertise means that every recipe is grounded in the latest nutritional science, digestibility research, and real-world feeding trials.
Unlike brands built for shelf appeal, Freshpet applies principles used in human health: nutrient density, to pack more nutrition into each bite; bioavailability, to ensure pets absorb and use those nutrients; and transparency, so pet owners know exactly what’s inside.
Each product is formulated to support optimal health, energy, and longevity, elevating what pet nutrition can and should be.
The Freshpet vet and nutrition experts behind the bowl
Every Freshpet recipe starts with deep scientific knowledge and hands-on veterinary insight. Here’s the team leading the way:
Gerardo Pérez-Camargo, DVM, Ph.D.
Freshpet SVP, Research & Development
Lisa Weeth, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)
Veterinary Nutrition Consultant
Renan Antunes Donadelli, Ph.D.
Project Development Scientist
Amanda Dainton, Ph.D.
Product Development Scientist
Eden Ephraim, PhD
Director of Research and Development
Anuraj Sukumaran, DVM, Ph.D.
Senior Food Microbiologist
Beth Hamper, DVM, PhD, DACVN
Veterinary Nutrition Consultant
Want to explore the research behind our recipes? Visit freshpetvet.com to read published studies, review results from nutrient trials, and hear directly from the experts shaping the future of fresh pet nutrition.
What these credentials mean – and why they matter
Behind every Freshpet recipe is a level of expertise few brands can match. But what do all these acronyms and affiliations really mean? Here’s a closer look at the boards, organizations, and institutions that shape our science-backed approach:
Credentialing boards
- DACVIM (Nutrition): The Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Nutrition is the highest level of clinical training for veterinary nutritionists in the U.S. It requires years of residency, research, and rigorous examination.
- ACVN: Now part of ACVIM, the American College of Veterinary Nutrition sets the gold standard for clinical nutrition specialists. All Freshpet-affiliated DACVNs are credentialed through ACVN.
- ECVN: The European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition is the European counterpart to ACVN, certifying veterinary nutrition experts across Europe.
Regulatory and scientific authorities
- AAFCO: The Association of American Feed Control Officials sets the nutritional profiles and labeling guidelines most U.S. states adopt as legal standards. While meeting AAFCO is the baseline, Freshpet exceeds these minimum requirements through feeding trials and science-driven nutrient targets.
- NRC: The National Research Council publishes the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, the most detailed, science-based nutrient guidelines used worldwide. NRC focuses on optimal nutrient intake, not just minimums.
Guideline leaders
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee: A leading international group that develops evidence-based guidelines to help veterinarians and pet owners evaluate pet food brands for transparency, scientific integrity, and formulation quality. Freshpet’s team includes active WSAVA committee members, and our recipes follow their recommendations for full disclosure and veterinary-led oversight.
Research and testing transparency
- FreshpetVet.com: Our open-access hub for veterinary professionals and pet parents. Here, you’ll find peer-reviewed studies, digestibility trials, nutrient analyses, and whitepapers that detail the science behind our recipes. We believe that the science should be just as accessible as the food itself, empowering both vets and pet owners to make informed choices.
Advanced degrees in nutrition and food science
- M.S. / Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition: Graduate and doctoral programs focused on nutrient requirements, ingredient digestibility, and the biological effects of diet on animal health. Ph.D. candidates conduct original research that often shapes veterinary guidelines and industry best practices.
- M.S. / Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology: Advanced degrees in food chemistry, microbiology, safety, and engineering. This expertise ensures Freshpet recipes remain nutrient-rich and safe from production through feeding.
- Qualified Veterinary Nutritionist: Veterinary professionals with advanced training in diet formulation, feeding trials, and evidence-based nutrition, even if they are not DACVIM or ECVN board-certified.
University affiliations
Freshpet’s nutrition experts have advanced degrees and conduct research in partnership with top global institutions:
- UC Davis: Home to one of the world’s leading veterinary schools and a hub for companion animal nutrition research.
- Kansas State University: Known for its pet food science and grain science programs.
- University of Nottingham: A global leader in food science and biochemistry.
Better nutrition starts with better experts
Freshpet’s recipes are grounded in the knowledge, care, and precision of a team whose expertise spans veterinary medicine, animal nutrition, food science, and microbiology. These credentials aren’t simply letters after a name — they’re a promise that your pet’s food is grounded in research, tested for real-world results, and crafted to exceed industry standards.
By combining board-certified veterinary insight, advanced academic training, and an unwavering commitment to transparency, Freshpet is setting a new benchmark for what pet food can be. Because when it comes to your pet’s health, nothing less than the best will do.
Discover your pet’s perfect Freshpet recipe → Browse our full range of fresh, expert-crafted meals
Learn more about pet food standards → See how WSAVA guidelines and AAFCO nutritional profiles shape our recipes .
