Kansas State University 2

Hill's Pet Nutrition, established in 1939 by veterinarian Mark Morris, is dedicated to improving pet well-being through high-quality nutrition. The company aims to strengthen the bond between pets and their owners, believing that pets are family. Inspired by a seeing-eye dog named Buddy, who suffered from kidney issues, Morris created the first therapeutic diet for pets, significantly enhancing the dog's health. Based in Topeka, Kansas, Hill's operates a Pet Nutrition Center where over 450 dogs and cats are housed, focusing on science-based research and product testing. The product development process begins with identifying specific health needs, followed by formulating tailored recipes and validating market-ready products. Spencer Smith, a product development scientist with degrees in Animal Sciences and Grain Science, plays a key role in this process. The intricate nature of pet food formulation balances nutritional requirements with visual appeal, and tasting trials are essential for ensuring palatability. The pet food industry offers various career opportunities across fields like marketing, sales, veterinary roles, and product development, with internships at Hill's available for those interested in pursuing a career in pet nutrition.