After earning bachelor’s degrees in animal science and biology, a master’s degree and doctorate in animal science, and an MBA, Dr. Ryan Yamka started his career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. His research focused on genomics, weight management, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, fiber utilization, and technologies for alternative testing. He played a critical role in the development of many new and innovative products, was active in the application of new technologies for several of Hill’s weight management products, and developed a urine pH prediction model for felines. 

 

Dr. Yamka served as senior VP of R&D, QA, and nutrition for Blue Buffalo. While at Blue, he built and led a team that successfully developed and launched more than 250 new products in the veterinary, dry, wet, meat roll, treat, and litter categories. 

 

In 2016, Dr. Yamka founded Luna Science and Nutrition. He currently serves as an advisory board member for Bond Pets, KDC Ag, and PetMio.  In 2017, he co-founded Guardian Pet Food Company.  He is a certified professional animal scientist (PAS), board certified with the American College of Animal Sciences (Dipl. ACAS) in nutrition, and a fellow of the American College of Nutrition (FACN). He has published numerous manuscripts, abstracts and book chapters, and has 50 patents granted. Lastly, he writes blogs for Petfood Industry Magazine debunking pet food myths and misconceptions and has been featured on numerous podcasts.