The Nutriment Company (TNC), a European premium fresh pet food producer, established a science board comprising veterinary and research experts focused on natural pet nutrition.
The seven-member board includes internal animal nutrition specialists and external experts who will provide scientific guidance, advise on product development and support research collaborations in pet health and nutrition.
Dr. Christine Nees (DE), a veterinarian with experience in pet nutrition, clinical practice and operational consulting for VetGruppen and previously AniCura, joins the board. She served on AniCura's Nutrition Board and has worked extensively with diabetic animals, pets with gastrointestinal issues and senior patients managing chronic conditions.
Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman (FI), assistant professor at the University of Helsinki and founder of the DogRisk Research Group, also joins the board. The research program examines long-term effects of processed, fresh and raw diets on canine and feline health. Her research spans allergies, gastrointestinal health, metabolic disorders and nutrition's role in chronic disease development.
"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," said Dr. Nees.
Studies and research on fresh diets.
According to TNC, peer-reviewed studies report benefits of natural, fresh diets compared to conventional dry or wet food. Research from DogRisk Research Group and Norwegian University of Life Sciences report improved gastrointestinal microbiome balance in dogs fed fresh, minimally processed diets, alongside outcomes in allergy prevalence, energy levels, coat and joint health.
One DogRisk study found puppies raised on unprocessed, meat-based diets were less likely to develop chronic diseases, including inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders and canine chronic enteropathy, as adults compared to those fed kibble, said TNC. Over half of domestic dogs and cats are classified as overweight or obese, conditions linked to metabolic dysfunction, joint problems and other health challenges. In cats, excess weight has been associated with urinary and kidney-related disorders.
Research links natural feeding to stronger gut microbiomes, healthier skin and coats, improved immune balance and reduced risks of allergies, otitis and digestive disorders, according to studies cited by the company. Pets on fresh diets show higher energy levels, better stool quality and long-term protection against inflammatory and metabolic diseases.
"I am excited to collaborate with a company that places scientific rigor at the center of its mission," said Dr. Hielm-Björkman. "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."
Fresh pet food is not a trend
Paul van der Hook,chairman of the science board and chief production & logistics officer at TNC said the science Board marks a pivotal moment for the company.
"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," said van der Hook. "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 said it aims to deepen scientific understanding in natural nutrition, develop research-backed formulations and work with veterinarians to promote evidence-based feeding recommendations. TNC will collaborate with academic institutions, including the DogRisk Research Group, to support ongoing studies.
"We are honored to welcome such highly respected experts to our science board," said Anders Kristiansen, CEO of TNC. "Their experience and dedication to advancing natural nutrition will shape the future of our industry."
2025 TNC acquisitions
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, TNC supplies natural premium pet food across Europe through brands including Nutriment, DIBO, Barfgold, AniForte and Natural Instinct. The company offers raw pet food, snacks and supplements through online and specialist retail channels. The company is owned by Nordic private equity firm Axcel.
In 2025, TNC has acquired several companies as part of its expansion strategy across Europe and into new pet food segments like cat food.
- Easy-BARF, a French fresh pet food manufacturer, acquired in October 2025.
- Purrform: A UK-based cat food supplier acquired in July 2025.
- Graf Barf: A German private-label pet food business acquired in June 2025.
- Bulmer Pet Foods: A UK-based company acquired in April 2025, known for its affordable raw pet food.
- BAF Petfood: A German raw pet food company acquired in March 2025.
- Puromenu: A Spanish pet food manufacturer acquired in February 2025, marking TNC's entry into the Spanish market.
- The Dog's Butcher: A UK-based raw dog food brand acquired in January 2025.
- Your Pet Nutrition: A UK company in the veterinarian-developed pet supplement sector, acquired in January 2025.
