Rediscovering the Power of Healthy Animals

We believe that healthier animals are the solution to some of our world’s greatest challenges.

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Animals are the X-Factor

Our civilization is technically more advanced than ever before, yet we still face fundamental global challenges in physical, mental and environmental health.

From obesity and malnourishment to social isolation and depression, the pressures on human health continue to mount while we also see civilization use more of our natural resources quicker than ever before.

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Physical
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Mental
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Environmental

We’re more aware of our environmental impact, but using our resources faster than ever.

A Game-Changing Variable

At Elanco, we believe healthy animals are the X-Factor our world has been looking for – the unexpected, game-changing variable that unlocks solutions to the seemingly disconnected issues of physical, mental and environmental health.

With this knowledge, we have the opportunity to rediscover the power of healthy animals and their impact on some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Whether it’s the emotional connection we have with our dog, or the critical protein we get through meat, milk, fish and eggs, animals are central to our existence. From cats to cows, healthy animals are the key to solving some of our world’s most fundamental issues such as food security and nutrition, human health and well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Rediscovering the Power of Healthy Animals Podcast

Episode 19: K9s for Warriors: What service dogs do for our veterans

More than 20 veterans die from suicide every day in the U.S. This is as wrong as it is shocking – that the men and women who will give their lives for this country come back and take their own. Jeff Simmons sat down with the CEO of K9s For Warriors, Rory Diamond, and Greg Wells to talk about the power of Service Dogs and the program that has led them to be the #1 Service Dog provider in the country for veterans living with PTSD, MST and/or TBI. 92% of their veteran graduates reduce or completely eliminate prescription medication when they have their prescription on four legs.

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Episode 18: “Is it ok to eat beef?"

On today’s episode, we’re going to discuss the role we play in shaping our family’s view on food. We will talk about trending topics around food like plant based proteins to marketing labels and fad diet plans. But most importantly, we will find out if beef can actually be part of a healthy diet and healthy earth plan. And maybe see if butter can too.

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Episode 17: On the Table: Will Meat Survive COVID-19?

In the past year, COVID-19 tested our food supply chain like never before. Despite shortages and disruptions, demand for meat in particular remained high as consumers relied on food that provides nutrition and comfort. In this episode, Dr. Phil Rincker, Cattle Technical Consultant at Elanco, and Dr. Jeff Savell, Distinguished Professor in Meat Science at Texas A&M University, discuss the role meat scientists play in the food industry, how COVID-19 has impacted the food supply chain and the accessibility of animal protein.

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Episode 16: Healthy Animals for Healthier People and Planet

From malnutrition to social isolation and climate change, healthy animals can unlock solutions to the greatest physical, mental and environmental health challenges facing our global community. In this episode, Elanco leaders, including Jeff Simmons, CEO and President, Sara Place, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Tony Rumschlag, Senior Director of Consulting Veterinarians, US Companion Animal, come together to discuss the role of healthy animals in creating a sustainable future along with Elanco’s recently announced 2030 Healthy Purpose Pledges, outlining the company’s vision for achieving healthier animals, healthier people and a healthier planet in the next 10 years.

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Episode 15: Pets with Purpose: How Companion Animals Keep us Healthy and Happy

Dr. Tony Rumschlag, Elanco’s Senior Director of Consulting Veterinarians for U.S. Companion Animals, joins veterinarian Dr. Andy Roark to discuss the power of pets in bringing purpose and passion to our lives.

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Episode 14: We Are All Ears: The Benefits of Reading to Pets

Our pets play an important role in our lives, encouraging us to be more active and providing emotional companionship to combat loneliness and social isolation. There’s one more benefit to uncover – pets can help us improve our literary skills. As many children are attending school virtually, reading to pets is an effective way to continue learning at home. In this episode, we join Pet Partners in a discussion about the benefits of reading to our pets and why our furry friends are great listeners.

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Episode 13: Virtual Vet Care: How Telemedicine Will Influence the Future of Animal Health

Veterinary medicine is evolving, and COVID-19 has been a catalyst in changing the way animals, from cats to cows, receive care. Most notably, the rise in telemedicine during the pandemic has provided opportunities to strengthen the bond between veterinarians and animal owners. In this episode, Dr. Aaron Smiley, President of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, and Dr. Apryle Horbal, President and Founder of VetNOW, will discuss telemedicine's impact on maintaining animal health and the future of virtual veterinary care.

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Episode 12: Protein During a Pandemic: Addressing Food Security Concerns During COVID-19

In the midst of COVID-19 and concerns about food security, animal-based proteins such as meat, milk and eggs are flying off grocery store shelves while manufacturing plants have been shut down to limit the spread of the virus among employees. Food banks are also experiencing a surge in demand as the ability to access affordable, nutritious food becomes a challenge for many families. In this episode, Dr. Adegbola Adesogan, Director of Feed The Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems, explains how COVID-19 is impacting global food security and what it means for the future of our protein/food supply chain. This episode also features a conversation with Elanco Foundation grant recipients, Harvesters Community Food Network Chief Operating Officer Steve Davis and European Food Banks Federation President Jacques Vandenschrik, as they discuss the issues they're facing to meet food security needs during COVID-19.

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Episode 11: Let's Clear the Air: Debunking Common Misconceptions about Animals 'Impact on the Environment

As people pay more attention to their environmental impact and aim to create a more sustainable world, it's important for them to know what's fact vs. fiction. Food animals are often cited as a major part of the environmental problem; however, healthy animals should be viewed as part of the solution. In this episode, Dr. Frank Mitloehner, a Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist at the University of California-Davis explains common misconceptions about animals' impact on the environment and research to reduce methane emissions.

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Episode 10: Animals Rediscovered Xpert Edition: Elanco's Chief Sustainability Officer, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Animal Welfare Officer Discuss Coronavirus and Plant-Based Protein

What does the coronavirus tell us about our global, connected society? And can plant-based diets really impact climate change? In the latest Xpert Edition podcast episode, Elanco's Chief Medical Officer Shabbir Simjee, Chief Animal Welfare Officer Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo and Chief Sustainability Officer Sara Place dive into recent headlines bringing animal health front and center of the conversation.

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Episode 9: Can You Feel the Love: The Biology of the Human-Animal Bond

We've all heard the saying "dog is a man's best friend" but what does science say about our bond with animals? Studies show that our pets and service animals can increase connection between humans by improving mental, social and emotional functioning. In this episode, Kerri Rodriguez, a Ph.D. candidate at the Purdue University Center for Human-Animal Bond, discusses the health benefits of companion animals.

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Episode 8: Good In, Good Out: Why Animal Health Matters for our Environment

Sustainability involves a delicate balance of environmental responsibility, social responsibility and economic viability. In this episode, Dr. Sara Place, Elanco's Chief Sustainability Officer, discusses how animal health can impact natural ecosystems, ruminant upcycling, and whether animal-free diets actually affect climate change. Visit elanco.com/rediscover for more information.

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Episode 7: The Power of Protein: How Animal and Plant-Based Proteins Differ

We have so much, often conflicting, information about nutrition at our finger tips. It's no surprise that there is more confusion than ever about what it takes to be healthy. To help us better learn more about the foods we're consuming, we're joined by industry expert and founder of Fruitful, Alexandra Lewin-Zwerdling. In this episode, Alex unpacks current food trends, the nutrients available in different protein sources, and what to look for at the grocery store. Visit elanco.com/rediscover for more information.

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Episode 6: Gather Together: How Animals Bolster Social Connection, Health and Well-being

We're in a world where connectivity is everything. But studies show we're more socially isolated and lonely than ever. What will help us trade the faux connectivity for real face time? We believe the solution is right in front of us – our pets. On this week's episode, Pet Partners President and CEO Annie Peters, shares how animals have the ability to improve human health and well-being, and bolster social connection.

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Episode 5: Why Healthier Animals Matter

Dr. Ramiro Cabral, Executive Vice President of Elanco International, explains why improving the health of animals – from cats to cows – matters. Healthier animals leads to healthier people and a healthier planet.

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Episode 4: Unpacking the Animal X-Factor Podcast - Impact on the Environment

Elanco Shared Value Consultant Maria Chavez discusses the importance of healthy animals when considering resource depletion and environmental preservation, highlighting Elanco's belief that animals are the original "recyclers" for our planet.

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Episode 3: Unpacking the Animal X-Factor – Impact on Mental Health

Elanco's Dr. Tony Rumschlag – an expert on companion animals and veterinary practices – sheds light on the surprising role animals have on our mental wellbeing, including decreasing stress and helping us make meaningful connections with those around us.

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Episode 2: Unpacking the Animal X-Factor - Impact on Physical Health

Elanco Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shabbir Simjee, discusses the role healthy animals play in improving people's physical health – whether by providing unique nutrients essential to both physical and cognitive development or by encouraging a more active, healthy lifestyle.

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Episode 1: Rediscovering the Power of Healthy Animals

Elanco President and CEO Jeff Simmons shares his perspective on how healthy animals can unlock solutions to some of our greatest global issues.

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You Might Be Interested in...

Get to know Elanco and our perspective on animal health by exploring more articles below.

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Our Vision

Learn more about our vision of food and companionship enriching life that we share with our customers.

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Our Programs & Initiatives

See how we advance our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life through participation in community projects.

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Elanco Foundation

We bring our vision to life by giving back to the community and our employees through the Elanco Foundation.


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