NEW YORK — Brittany White, Ph.D., never planned on a career in the pet food industry, but after more than 10 years immersed in the industry, she can’t imagine doing anything else. As the vice president of research, development and engineering (RD&E) and commercial enablement at Ollie, White oversees product development, commercialization, food safety and quality, working to develop innovative human-grade pet food to help dogs live happier, healthier lives.

The satisfaction she’s found throughout her career in helping to support pet health and wellbeing through nutrition is matched only by the satisfaction she derives from leading future pet nutrition scientists.“There’s nothing like working with talented individuals and helping them reach new heights they may not have thought possible,” White said. “Supporting young scientists in our industry, giving them the confidence to take on challenges, and then watching them run with those opportunities is the most fulfilling part of my job.”

In the following Q&A, White shares how her career in pet nutrition has provided her with the tools she needs to help nourish pets while feeding the passion of future young pet nutrition scientists through leadership and mentoring.

PFP: How did you get your start in the pet industry, and how did that experience lead you to where you are now?

White: It’s actually a funny story. Back in 2006, the summer after my junior year of college, I interned with a local pet food company. When the internship committee asked what I’d learned the most, I replied, “I never want to work in pet food (or even the meat industry) again.” As a 21-year-old, working with raw meat just wasn’t exactly my dream job. To top it off, our plant was right next to a poultry processing facility, so one of our main ingredients for wet pet food came fresh from next door… you can imagine the “aroma.”

Brittany White with her Bernedoodle, Cocoa. 

| Source: Brittany White

After graduation, I decided to steer clear of meat entirely and went to grad school to study something as far from it as possible: fruit and vegetable chemistry. After finishing my Ph.D., I took a role at the USDA ARS (Agricultural Research Service), working on research to support the peanut industry. Then one day, out of the blue, a recruiter called about a pet food position in Northwest Arkansas. Funnily enough, it was the same pet food company I’d interned with. I don’t know what possessed me to even take the call, but I did, flew out for an interview, and accepted the job in 2013. Even then, I thought, “I’ll stay a couple of years and then go teach at the university.”

But I ended up truly falling in love with the role, the company, and the pet food industry as a whole. I love that it’s a growing industry but still feels small when you attend a conference and see the same friendly faces year after year. And I find the challenge of balancing pets’ nutritional needs, their “unspoken” preferences, and the expectations of pet parents endlessly rewarding. I’ve had chances to move in other directions, but I’m committed to the pet food industry — and that’s what ultimately led me to my role at Ollie today.

PFP: What has been your biggest challenge — personal or professional — related to your work in the pet industry?

White: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the pet industry, both personally and professionally, has been educating others about the importance of balancing the nutritional requirements for pets in the foods that we make. There’s often an underlying assumption that it’s “just pet food,” but in reality, the nutrient content of pet food directly impacts a pet’s health and wellbeing. This mindset has had to evolve, particularly as the industry has shifted to meet growing consumer demands for higher quality and transparency. The changes in the pet food industry have made it clear that pet food formulation is a complex process that requires thoughtful consideration of many factors. The COVID-19 pandemic really emphasized this challenge — supply chain disruptions led to ingredient shortages and forced us to consider substitutions. But simply swapping ingredients based on labeling wasn’t always possible. We had to carefully assess the nutritional and product quality impacts of these changes, ensuring they didn’t compromise the nutrient balance, quality or performance of the product for pets. Educating both internally and externally about the deeper complexities of pet food formulation, especially in times of crisis, is essential to maintaining product integrity and meeting the needs of our customers and their pets.

“Educating both internally and externally about the deeper complexities of pet food formulation, especially in times of crisis, is essential to maintaining product integrity and meeting the needs of our customers and their pets,” said Brittany White of Ollie.

On a personal level, balancing my career with the needs of my family has always been a challenge. I have two kids, ages 9 and 12, who have grown up in the pet food industry alongside me, and it’s important to me that I’m present for as many of their activities as possible. At the same time, my career and the success of my team and company are also incredibly important to me. There have been times when the demands of work and family felt at odds, but I’ve learned that work-life balance isn’t about perfection — it’s about managing the balancing act. Sometimes work demands more attention, and other times I need to focus more on my family. Both are necessary, but it’s important that one doesn’t consistently outweigh the other, as that leads to imbalance. Striking that balance, even if imperfect, is an ongoing challenge that I navigate every single day.

PFP: Tell me about a professional accomplishment in the pet industry that you are proud of.

White: Early in my career, I was part of a team tasked with revitalizing a pet treat facility that wasn’t operating at full capacity. The products we were making just weren’t resonating with pet parents, so we decided to reimagine our approach from the ground up. We essentially transformed the plant into an R&D space, challenged every aspect of our formulations, and got creative about what we could accomplish with limited resources. In just a few months, we had developed new, more compelling products and generated enough demand to bring the facility back to full capacity. We were a small but mighty team, and our ability to adapt and innovate in that environment was incredibly rewarding.

But what I’m most proud of is the work I’ve done leading teams over the last several years. There’s nothing like working with talented individuals and helping them reach new heights they may not have thought possible. Supporting young scientists in our industry, giving them the confidence to take on challenges, and then watching them run with those opportunities is the most fulfilling part of my job. Seeing their growth and success feels like the greatest accomplishment because it’s about building something that lasts and creating a legacy through the incredible work of others.

PFP: What is top of mind for you and/or your business in the industry right now?

White: Sustainability is absolutely top of mind for us right now. We just wrapped up a two-day offsite meeting dedicated to this very topic, so it’s both literally and figuratively front and center. At Ollie, I’m fortunate to work with a team truly committed to making a positive impact on our planet, both now and for the future. We’re still early in our sustainability journey, but we’re approaching it with genuine dedication. Our goal is to make meaningful choices about our packaging, ingredients and processes without rushing into claims that could feel like greenwashing. We want every decision to make a real, lasting impact.

Brittany White's cat Prince Harry | Source: Brittany White 

Another priority is scaling Ollie responsibly and with intentionality. As we grow, it’s crucial that we keep dogs at the heart of everything we do and ensure our customers have the best possible experience. We’re focused on balancing growth with our values, aiming to build a company that pet parents can trust for years to come.

PFP: If you could pick three trends influencing the industry today, which are the most important and why?

White: The pet food industry has long been driven by humanization and premiumization, but today, three trends — transparency, health and wellness, and sustainability — are really at the forefront of innovation in the industry. Transparency is now a top priority as pet owners want to know exactly where their ingredients are coming from and how they’re sourced. It’s no longer enough for brands to just make quality claims about their ingredients; consumers now want clear, verifiable information about sourcing practices.

Health and wellness are also top priorities, with pet parents focusing more on their pets’ overall wellbeing and longevity. The pandemic made people even more aware of the importance of balanced nutrition and long-term wellness for their pets.

Sustainability is another growing concern, as consumers look for products that are kinder to the environment. Pet food makes up a large portion of protein consumption in the United States, and with the industry expected to hit $250 billion by 2030, there’s a lot of pressure to adopt sustainable practices. This isn’t just about cutting down on CO₂ emissions — it’s about rethinking how we source ingredients and produce products in a way that’s responsible for the planet and for future generations of people and our pets.

PFP: What is something about the pet industry that people outside of the industry may not realize?

“Pets need balanced nutrition, not just specific ingredients, so it’s important to avoid labeling ingredients as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’” shared Brittany White of Ollie.

White: A common question I get when people learn I work for a pet food company is, “What’s the best food to feed my dog, cat, etc.?” The reality is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on several factors, including budget, personal feeding philosophies, and most importantly, the pet’s unique needs and preferences. Just like humans, pets have individual preferences, so what works for one may not work for another. This is where palatability — how much the pet enjoys the food — becomes crucial. Additionally, pets need balanced nutrition, not just specific ingredients, so it’s important to avoid labeling ingredients as “good” or “bad.”

Focusing on the overall nutritional profile of the diet is much more important. Personally, I believe in offering variety, both in my own diet and in what I feed my pets. However, it’s important to note that while some pets thrive on a variety of foods, others may have difficulty handling it.

The most important consideration is ensuring pets receive a complete-and-balanced diet. While there’s a growing trend of home-cooked meals for pets, it’s often challenging to create a diet that consistently meets their nutritional needs. Without the right quantity and balance of essential nutrients, there can be serious health risks. While I may be biased toward fresh food diets, they can be a great choice for pets, provided they meet all of the necessary nutritional requirements. Ultimately, whether you choose a fresh food or other commercial diet, the key is finding one that is both nutritious and appealing to the pet.

PFP: What advice would you give to other women in this industry?White: First, seek out a mentor and, when you’re ready, give back by mentoring others. Having someone who understands the challenges and nuances of the industry is invaluable, and they can provide both encouragement and practical guidance. It’s also deeply rewarding to mentor others in return, helping to build a supportive network of women who lift each other up. This cycle of learning and giving back is a powerful way to build confidence and foster resilience in a rapidly evolving industry faced with many challenges.

“Every stumble is a chance to learn, and with each lesson, you build strength, resilience, and confidence that will carry you forward,” said Brittany White, Ph.D., of Ollie.

It’s also important to learn to say “no” so you can say “yes” to the right things. In an industry with countless opportunities and demands, prioritizing what aligns with your values and career goals will help you grow in the areas that truly matter. By setting boundaries, you create space for the projects that excite you and the roles that align with your vision. 

And don’t be too quick to dismiss an opportunity just because it doesn’t seem ideal at first. I thought my college internship in pet food was the worst decision I’d ever made, but it ultimately led me to a career I’m incredibly passionate about. Sometimes the paths we least expect end up being the most rewarding, and staying open to new experiences can lead to unexpected, life-changing opportunities.

Finally, challenge yourself to stretch beyond your comfort zone, but remember not to push yourself to the point of breaking. If you want to grow, you have to take on new challenges — even if they feel intimidating. When things don’t go perfectly the first time, don’t let it hold you back. Every stumble is a chance to learn, and with each lesson, you build strength, resilience and confidence that will carry you forward.

PFP Just for fun, do you consider yourself a dog person or a cat person? Or, if you have pets of your own, tell us a little bit about them.

Brittany White's cat Prince William | Source: Brittany White

White: I’ve always been a dog person, but I’m definitely warming up to cats! We have a 5-year-old Bernedoodle named Cocoa, who’s fluffy, a bit neurotic, and endlessly lovable. In 2021, my mom decided it would be a great idea to gift my kids two cats, Prince William and Prince Harry, for Christmas (because what parent doesn’t love a surprise addition to the household, right?) Their personalities are hilariously spot-on with their names, and they’ve totally won over my daughter. They only give me the time of day when I’m filling their food bowls, but I’ve grown to love them, quirks and all. Plus, they’ve given me firsthand insight into the unique behaviors around cat feeding — a helpful bonus in this industry!

Brittany White, Ph.D., currently serves as vice president of research, development and engineering (RD&E) and commercial enablement at Ollie. She has a strong background in food chemistry and ingredient functionality, with a continued interest to drive forward new innovative technologies and concepts. Before joining Ollie, she served as senior director of product development for Simmons Pet Food. She received her Bachelor of Science degree and Ph.D. in Food Science from the University of Arkansas.

Continue reading about other female leaders featured in our Women in the Pet Industry series.