Rooted Owl Appointed Dr. Barbara Royal as Advisor
The New York-based pet health brand has hired the integrative veterinarian to lead nutrition and clinical studies.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Pet Health
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Rooted Owl, a natural pet health company, has hired Dr. Barbara Royal to serve as Senior Veterinary Advisor and Head of Nutrition. Dr. Royal will oversee product formulation and design for ongoing clinical studies at the New York-based firm.
Why it matters
The appointment signals a deepened commitment to scientific rigor and formulation innovation as the company expands its offerings. Rooted Owl intends to utilize Dr. Royal's expertise to guide its research and supplement development.
Rooted Owl maintains 14 active SKUs and holds NASC certification for its products, which include a Joint & Muscle formulation containing UC-II and L-Carnitine. The company is preparing to launch a new 12-SKU line for cats in the coming months.
The players
Dr. Barbara Royal
She is the newly appointed Senior Veterinary Advisor and Head of Nutrition at Rooted Owl and serves as the owner and CEO of the Animal Diet Formulator & College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.
Rooted Owl
This natural pet health company is based in New York and is developed by Animal & Plant Sciences LLC.
The details
Rooted Owl, developed by Animal & Plant Sciences LLC, currently sells products through Amazon, Chewy, Petco Mexico, and its own website. Dr. Royal concurrently serves as the owner and CEO of the Animal Diet Formulator & College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.
Timeline
Dr. Barbara Royal joined Rooted Owl on September 29, 2026.
The 12-SKU feline product line is scheduled for launch in the coming months.
Topline data from the company's two active clinical studies is expected between 2026 and 2027.
Culture Shift
The pet industry is experiencing a pivot toward clinical validation, as companies move away from generic marketing toward transparent, research-backed supplement formulations. This hiring follows the industry-wide focus on the NASC certification standards for pet supplements.
Customers can expect a new range of feline-specific supplements to become available in the coming months. These products are being developed under the guidance of a professional veterinarian, potentially influencing the quality and efficacy of future health routines.
The takeaway
The move reflects a broader trend of pet health brands prioritizing clinical study design to build consumer trust. Owners should watch for upcoming feline products that align with these new research-led standards.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in animal wellness at Pet Health.
More information
For more information on current and upcoming products, visit the Rooted Owl company website.
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Do you trust the scientific claims made by natural pet health supplement brands?
