Waltham banner heritage

Our heritage

Take a look at our history

1960's

Our first nutrition facility is founded in the UK.

1961

We publish our first scientific review of the nutrient requirements of dogs.

running dog heritage

1963

Our first original research paper is published in the Veterinary Record, investigating the iodine requirements of budgerigars.

Two birds heritage

1965

We open our first nutrition research facility on the Mars Petcare site, Melton Mowbray, UK.

1965 scientists heritage

1970's

Our nutrition research centre moves to Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire, UK.

1973

The WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition opens at our current site.

1973 waltham heritage

1975

We help determine the amino acid requirements for dogs.

1975 advert heritage

1980's

Our research is used to help define the National Research Council (NRC) guidelines for cats.

1982

We determine the levels of taurine required in wet and dry pet food to meet the nutritional needs of cats.

molecules heritage

1982

We publish the first edition of the WALTHAM™ Book of Cat and Dog Nutrition.

1985 dog and cat nutrition guide heritage

1990's

Our purpose-built pet facilities designed to enrich the lives of our pets are opened.

1993

We publish the second edition of the WALTHAM™ Book of Companion Animal Nutrition.

1993 waltham book heritage

1994

Princess Anne (HRH The Princess Royal) opens our latest cat care unit.

1994 unveiling heritage

1995

Working with Mars Petcare product development teams we demonstrate that that one diet can help to control the formation of both struvite and oxalate stones in cats.

1995 stone heritage

1997

Our scientists determine the levels of zinc and linoleic acid required to maintain good skin and coat condition in dogs.

dog happy heritage

1997

We develop the first real time, non invasive measure of odiferous flatulence in dogs and the first nutritional supplement to reduce it.

dog with vest heritage

1997

Our researchers demonstrate the use of chicory for gastrointestinal health.

dog organs heritage

1997

We demonstrate that the natural dietary carotenoid lutein, enhances the colour in common goldfish.

goldfish heritage

1999

With Mars Petcare product developers we demonstrate that a diet supplemented with green lipped mussel is beneficial for joint health maintenance.

mussel heritage

1999

We demonstrate that a diet low in phosphorus and protein doubles the lifespan of cats diagnosed with chronic renal failure.

survival time heritage

2000's

A sensory garden for our elderly, convalescent and juvenile dogs is opened and our state of the art laboratory is built.

2000

Our scientists demonstrate the positive effect of dietary antioxidants on puppy and kitten immune health.

immune cells heritage

2002

Working with Mars Horsecare we support the launch of the first scientifically proven respiratory support formula for horses.

horses heritage

2003

We determine that cats prefer approximately 50% of their daily calorie intake from protein, 40% from fat and 10% from carbohydrate.

diet chart heritage

2003

Together with the University of Liverpool and Royal Canin, Waltham established the first pet weight management referral clinic in Europe

dog weigh heritage

2005

In collaboration with Monell Chemical Senses Center our scientists determine that cats do not have active taste receptors to sugar.

cat eating heritage

2006

Our researchers determine the macronutrient profile of food preferred by dogs. Approximately 60% of their daily calorie intake from fat, 30% from protein and 10% from carbohydrate.

dogs eating heritage

2006

Our new people and pets facility is opened.

dog and researcher heritage

2007

We develop a body condition score guide for budgerigars.

waltham magazine cover heritage

2007

As part of a global scientific collaboration, we determine that a single gene is a major determinant in dog size.

waltham Dalmatian cover heritage

2007

We receive the pioneer award from the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organization (IAHIO) for our contribution to the field of human-companion animal bond.

waltham pioneer award heritage

2008

Our new laboratory facility is opened.

waltham lab 2008 heritage

2008

We establish a partnership with the National Institute of Child Health & Development (NICHD) to support further research into Human Animal Interactions (HAI).

child and dog heritage

2008

With external collaborators we determine the genetic switches linked to stereotypical canine characteristics.

genetics cover heritage

2009

With the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) and key academics, we establish a new safe upper level of vitamin A for puppies.

puppy heritage

2010's

A sensory garden for our elderly, convalescent and juvenile dogs is opened and our state of the art laboratory is built.

2010

Waltham opens new Aquacentre.

fishtank heritage

2010

With the National Institutes of Health (NIH) public private partnership we co-edit two books on the interaction between humans and animals.

dogs on beach heritage

2011

Waltham co-author a book on the benefits of dog walking for people and pets.

walking dogs cover heritage

2012

In collaboration with external research partners we discover that when obese dogs lose weight, their owners notice significant improvement in their quality of life.

dog weight loss heritage

2013

We celebrate 50 years of WALTHAM™ science

waltham 50 years of science heritage

2014

Waltham publishes two landmark studies that shed light on the bacteria associated with oral health in dogs

dog running heritage

2015

Waltham opens new purpose built care facility for small dogs

dog sitting heritage

Busy making history

Waltham is always looking to the future.

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