As the pet food industry continues to evolve in response to consumer expectations, experts from academia and industry will come together during the American Meat Science Association's (AMSA) 79th Reciprocal Meat Conference (RMC) to discuss emerging innovations in pet food manufacturing. The session, "Innovations in Pet Food Manufacturing: From Shelf-Life to Humanization," is sponsored by Nestlé Purina and Food Safety Net Services, A Certified Group and will take place Monday, June 22, 2026.

The pet food market has experienced significant growth as pet owners increasingly seek products that deliver quality, nutrition, freshness, and functionality. This session will examine the science and innovation behind ingredient selection, product quality, and consumer-driven trends that are shaping the future of pet food manufacturing.

 Dr. Sebastian Hernandez, Analytical Flavor Chemist at Kemin Industries, will present "Fresh Meat Implications on Pet Food Palatability." His presentation will explore how microbial and biochemical changes occurring during raw material storage can influence final product quality and palatability. Attendees will learn how analytical chemistry tools can provide valuable insights into pet food flavor and acceptance while helping manufacturers better understand the impact of raw material shelf-life on finished products.

Dr. Willy Núñez, Research Scientist in Research and Development at Simmons Animal Nutrition, will present "Raw Materials Fit-for-Purpose: Functionality, Freshness, and Shelf-Life." His discussion will highlight the importance of performance-driven raw materials and their role in delivering freshness, functionality, and shelf-life through intentional formulation design. Dr. Núñez will review critical meat raw material attributes and demonstrate how tighter control of specifications, handling practices, and batch consistency can improve product performance and quality outcomes.

 Rounding out the session, Dr. Craig Bacon, Head of the Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas, will discuss "Humanization/Premiumization of Products in Pet Food." As consumers increasingly view pets as members of the family, demand for premium, health-focused products continues to grow. Dr. Bacon will examine the drivers behind pet food humanization and premiumization, including consumer purchasing behaviors, emerging market trends, and the implications these trends have on product development, innovation, and industry growth.

 Together, these presentations will provide attendees with a comprehensive look at the scientific, manufacturing, and consumer factors influencing the rapidly changing pet food sector. From ingredient functionality and product shelf-life to evolving consumer expectations, this session will offer valuable insights for researchers, product developers, ingredient suppliers, and pet food manufacturers seeking to remain competitive in a dynamic marketplace.

 The AMSA 79th Reciprocal Meat Conference will be held June 22–25, 2026, on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.