Petfood Forum 2016

Ryan Yamka
Senior Vice President, R&D, QA and Regulatory Affairs
Blue Buffalo Co.


Yamka earned bachelor’s degrees in animal science and biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, followed by a master’s degree and doctorate in animal science from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Baker University. He started his career as a nutrition scientist in product development at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where he subsequently held positions of increasing responsibility in research and product development. Yamka’s research has focused on genomics, weight management, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, fiber utilization and technologies for alternative testing. He has maintained a critical role in the development and implementation of many new and innovative products for companion animals and was active in the application of new technologies for several of Hill’s weight management products. In addition, Yamka developed a urine pH prediction model for felines that eliminated the need for feeding studies to test urine pH. Yamka also worked for Hartz Mountain Corp. as senior director for nutrition and wellness. He is a certified professional animal scientist, a diplomat of the American College of Animal Sciences (ASAS) in nutrition and, in 2011, received the ASAS Corbin Companion Animal Biology Award. He has published numerous manuscripts, abstracts and book chapters, and had 34 patents granted. 

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