Heather Mendoza, PhD’s Journey to Success in the Pet Food Industry

Heather Mendoza, PhD, the director of research and development at Nulo, has been successful in her pet food industry career by stepping outside her comfort zone. In a recent interview, she shares how her education and professional journeys led to personal and professional growth.

Background in the Pet Industry

Mendoza has been interested in working with animals throughout her life. After completing her bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary science, she accepted her first full-time position in the pet food industry with Natural Balance Pet Foods in 2010. During that time, she had the opportunity to work alongside several mentors who inspired her to pursue animal nutrition as a viable career path. To improve her knowledge in this area, she undertook a Master of Science degree program in monogastric nutrition while working full-time.

After graduating, Mendoza attended her first SuperZoo tradeshow in Las Vegas, where she was introduced to Michael Landa, the founder and chief executive officer of Nulo Pet Food. Nulo was looking for someone to support with product development, and Mendoza saw this as the perfect next step in her career. To further her education, Mendoza joined Greg Aldrich’s lab to pursue a PhD while continuing her role at Nulo.

Since joining Nulo nine years ago, Mendoza has worked with the highest caliber manufacturers globally, developed a diverse range of premium pet food products, and worked with renowned experts in the industry.

Challenges in Product Development

One of the biggest challenges Mendoza has faced in product development is satisfying the demand for unique and disruptive innovation in lightning-quick concept-to-market timeframes. This requires meticulous attention to every detail, efficient utilization of internal resources, cooperation of external stakeholders, and constant cross-functional coordination across the organization to execute properly. Speed to market is critical for success in the rapidly evolving pet food industry.

Professional Accomplishments

Mendoza is proud of the innovations she has brought to the pet food market. Seeing the difference these products make in the lives of pets and their owners is deeply gratifying. She has had the privilege of participating in the commercialization of hundreds of products, and it never gets old to hear customers’ testimonies of how Nulo has helped their pets look and feel better.

Trends in the Pet Industry

Mendoza believes there are three significant trends influencing the industry today. Firstly, pet owners are more open-minded about trying alternative pet foods like raw, fresh/frozen, and minimally processed options, promoting infinite new product possibilities as the market continues to embrace innovative processing technologies. Secondly, there is growing focus on gut health research and how the gut communicates with other body systems. Finally, there is a newfound focus on sustainability that companies like Nulo are adopting by providing evidence of progress.

Advice for Women in the Pet Industry

Mendoza advises women to step outside their comfort zones if they want to grow in their career. Invest in your education and take the opportunities that are outside your comfort zone. Seize path-altering opportunities when they come along, and invest in your personal growth. Your goals can be small or large, as long as you’re taking action to make them a reality and advance forward from where you are today.

Personal Connection with Pets

Mendoza is an all-animal person and has cared for a range of small animal pets throughout her life. She favors dogs and has two Siberian huskies, Nero and Loki. Nero passed away at 11 years of age, while her 3-year-old Siberian Husky, Loki, has a lively personality and is playful.

Final Thoughts

Heather Mendoza, PhD, has had a successful career in the pet food industry by stepping outside her comfort zone, investing in her education, and taking opportunities when they presented themselves. As the pet food industry continues to evolve, Nulo’s focus on innovation, gut health, and sustainability will enable them to continue being leaders in the market.

Originally Post From https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18347-women-in-the-pet-industry-meet-dr-heather-mendoza-of-nulo

“Meet Dr. Heather Mendoza of Nulo: A Woman Trailblazing in the Pet Industry”