Manufacturers: Hill's
Photos by Sammie Robinson
Hill’s is undergoing a $20 million expansion to its campus to study the behavior and dietary needs of 80 dogs under 12 pounds. Thee company broke ground on its new facility August 15, 2019, with an anticipated opening in January 2021. The expansion will create six new animal care technician positions and a projected $30 million in economic growth.
The animal care technicians will join more than 200 veterinarians, Ph.D. nutritionists, food scientists and other professionals working at the company’s global Pet Nutrition Center at 1035 NE 43rd Street. Residents of the Small Paws Expansion project will include a mix of small- and mixed-breed dogs and purebred dogs including Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Terriers, Poodles, Papipoos, Maltichons and more.
The company is known worldwide for its science-based, specialized nutritional solutions for helping pets with weight management, urinary conditions and other needs to support them through all life stages.
Through this project, the company will be testing its Science Diet Small Paws Adult (1 to 6 years) dog food made with nibble-size kibble, high-quality protein for lean muscles and a special antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support.
Dave Baloga, vice president of research and development for the Pet Nutrition Center, said, “Around the world, small dogs are becoming more and more popular. We decided to invest in this specialized facility to better understand their needs and discover new ways to help them lead happier, healthier lives.”
He said most dogs eat once or twice daily, while cats tend to eat several small meals throughout the day. Noting that small dogs tend to be more “cat like” in their eating habits, Baloga said the company’s research tools will allow the company to study small and mini dogs to deliver nutrition optimized for their unique physiology. A spacious bark park will also provide the pups with opportunities for outdoor exercise and observation.
Baloga said researchers in collaboration with more than 900 pet partners will focus not only on the aroma, taste, texture and ingredients used in the pet food tested but will also assess dietary impact on well-being, stool and urine quality, and gut microbiome.
“We want our pet parents to feel confident they’re feeding their pets a food backed by science, even for the smallest ones,” he said.
Hill’s hosts about 1,000 visitors to its campus as part of its Transforming Lives Tours, and Baloga said the company hopes that number will double when the Small Paws facility opens. The company also offers continuing education opportunities through in-person seminars, roundtable discussions and webcasts for professionals on topics like nutritional management of diseases, gut health and everyday nutrition for healthy pets.
With the Pet Nutrition Center, two manufacturing plants and a corporate office in Topeka, Hill’s is a key member of the Animal Health Corridor, which extends along Highway 70 from Manhattan, Kansas, to Columbia, Missouri.
“This expansion allows us to continue delivering global breakthrough innovations right here in the Midwest while supporting our hometown with
growth and jobs,” said Baloga.
COVID-19 UPDATE
“Our goal as a global pet food company is to support every pet possible. It has been inspiring to see how animal shelters, veterinary professionals, pet retailers and communities at large have gone out of their way to care for pets during this uncertain time. Through our Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program and Hill’s Disaster Relief Network, in conjunction with animal welfare partners, we are donating pet food to pantries, shelters and other non-profit partners who are caring for pets as the situation continues to evolve. We will continue to provide support to pets and the communities who care for them as needed.”
