Master's thesis
Dog food processing & analytical composition
Research on the impact of manufacturing methods on the analytical composition of dog food and its compliance with labelled values.
View in TalTech Digital Collection →Background & Experience
Food science applied to canine nutrition
My professional experience includes leading R&D at a Nordic pet food company, where I worked on product development, formulation, nutritional evaluation, and practical production challenges.
- Food technologist
- MSc in Food Science
- 4+ years in dog food R&D and product development
I am a food technologist with a Master's degree in Food Science and more than four years of professional experience in dog food R&D, including recipe formulation, ingredient selection, nutritional evaluation, production, and product quality.
My specialist focus is natural and minimally processed dog food, including raw, home-cooked, air-dried, and freeze-dried diets.
My academic work has also focused on dog food composition and processing, supported by laboratory experience in food microbiology and analytical methods.
I work with both pet food businesses and individual dog owners. For businesses, I provide support with product concepts, formulation, nutritional balancing, functional ingredient selection, production considerations, and existing recipe evaluation.
For dog owners, I provide practical nutrition guidance based on the dog's age, activity level, body condition, current diet, preferences, and individual needs.
How it started
From personal interest to a professional career
My interest in canine nutrition began with my first dog Alassie, who was never particularly interested in conventional dry food. This led me to explore different feeding approaches and learn more about how nutrition can influence a dog's digestion, coat, well-being and quality of life.
This interest led me to study Food Science and later shaped my professional direction in dog food development. Today, I apply my scientific background and practical experience both in canine nutrition guidance and in the development of dog food products.
Life with dogs
More than a professional interest
Dogs are a large part of my everyday life, not only my work. I share my life with two Rough Collies, Alassie and Bequi, and have been actively training dogs for many years.
We compete in rally obedience, where both dogs have reached the highest competition class. We have also trained in obedience. More recently, we started dog dancing. Our first official competition was in March 2026.
Training and competing with my own dogs gives me another perspective on canine nutrition — not only in terms of nutritional requirements, but also activity, ageing, body condition, recovery, and everyday feeding.
Research & academic work
My academic work includes research specifically focused on dog food quality, composition, processing, and microbiology, alongside laboratory research in biotechnology.
Bachelor's thesis
Microbiological quality of dog food
Research on the microbiological quality of dog food during storage, including microorganisms relevant to product quality.
View in TalTech Digital Collection →Scientific publication
Hydrogel & biotechnology research
Co-author of a published peer-reviewed research article on engineered hydrogels using yeast exopolysaccharides for embedding cancer spheroids.
View publication →Work with me
Looking for professional nutrition support?
Explore professional support for pet food businesses or individual nutrition guidance for dog owners.
Nutrition guidance provided through this website does not replace veterinary examination, diagnosis, or medical treatment. Dogs with diagnosed or suspected health conditions should remain under the care of a veterinarian.