June 8, 2026
University of Calgary launches Canine Performance Lab with Champion Petfoods investment
Vital support is received towards Champion Petfoods Canine Performance and Wellbeing Fund
Calgary, AB – The new Canine Performance Lab will be launched thanks to an investment of $1.135 million by Champion Petfoods. The Lab will help dogs stay fit into old age by improving early detection and management of pain and mobility issues that commonly emerge with ageing and/or musculoskeletal disease. Building on a unique partnership between the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) and the Calgary Veterinary Wellness and Training Centre, the initiative will combine clinical care, research, and state-of-the art monitoring tools to support dogs’ lifelong health and comfort.
This long-term investment represents Champion Petfoods' deep commitment to accelerating discovery in canine health. By funding foundational research into movement, healthy aging and behavior, Champion is building the knowledge base that will drive future innovations in pet nutrition, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for dogs worldwide.
Dr. Renate Weller, Dean of UCVM, emphasizes the importance of this holistic and transdisciplinary approach to the wellbeing of our canine companions: “Like humans, many dogs experience a decline in quality of life as pain, reduced mobility, and behavioural challenges intersect. When movement becomes uncomfortable, reduced exercise can contribute to weight gain, loss of conditioning, and worsening pain—creating a ‘vicious spiral’ that can ultimately shorten lifespan. Because dogs have limited ability to verbalize what they feel, objective measures of movement and behaviour are critical for recognizing problems early and tracking whether interventions are working.”
“At Champion, we believe that world-class pet nutrition is born from world-class research. That’s why, as a company founded in Alberta, we are proud to forge this long-term partnership with the experts at UCVM. This investment isn’t just about funding; it’s a shared vision to advance the science of healthy aging, unlock the secrets to canine vitality, and set a new standard for pet wellness for years to come,”
said Jeff Johnston, Research and Innovation Leader, Champion Petfoods.
The Canine Performance lab is designed to keep dogs active and comfortable into old age; prevent and manage musculoskeletal conditions—especially osteoarthritis; optimize rehabilitation and pain management strategies; address obesity as a major risk factor for mobility problems; and support dogs with behavioural issues that may negatively influence overall health.
The Lab will adopt a ‘whole animal’ approach that considers both physiological and psychological wellbeing. A transdisciplinary team with expertise in behaviour, nutrition, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, pain management, exercise physiology, and biomechanics would work together to identify issues sooner, personalize care plans, and monitor outcomes over time. Central to the work in the Lab is a behaviour and movement monitoring system, including state-of-the-art gait technologies embedded within a clinical setting.
The support from Champion Petfoods will also advance evidence-based evaluation of common veterinary interventions. By establishing reference values and tracking longitudinal gait changes in individual dogs—while considering breed characteristics, body size, weight, sex, age, and exercise patterns—the Canine Performance Lab will help develop objective criteria to guide pain management and optimize rehabilitation programs. The goal is to support clearer clinical decision-making for treatments such as joint injections and other musculoskeletal therapies.
Pet parents are to be active participants in care through the Lab, being provided with activity monitoring systems suitable for everyday use, helping them understand trends in mobility, activity, and the balance between energy intake and expenditure—an approach widely used in human health and potentially powerful for managing canine obesity and maintaining conditioning.
With canine athletics increasing in popularity, the gait analysis technologies available in the Lab will also enable evidence-based guidance to help optimize performance while minimizing injury risk, including advice on athletic surfaces, obstacle and course design, and training regimens. In addition, a dedicated rehabilitation space will support hands-on physiotherapeutic treatment and ‘there-and-then’ coaching, empowering pet parents to carry out daily exercises at home and actively support their dog’s recovery.
University of Calgary gratefully acknowledge Champion Petfoods for investing in this initiative and supporting efforts to advance canine health, mobility and wellbeing.
About the Canine Performance Lab
The Canine Performance Lab is a transdisciplinary initiative bringing together clinical expertise, biomechanics and movement science, and practical owner tools to improve early detection, prevention, rehabilitation, and pain management for dogs—supporting healthier ageing and improved quality of life.
Media inquiries
Kirsten Glowa Kobe
Manager, Marketing & Communications
403.829.3933
ucvmcomms@ucalgary.ca
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university in this country’s most enterprising city. The youngest top five research university in Canada, UCalgary is a leader in startup creation and research innovation. With groundbreaking discoveries in child health, quantum computing and water sustainability, we’re transforming bold ideas into real-world impact. Curious and determined, our 38,000 students are using hands-on learning to forge bright futures for all. Ready to take the leap? Start something at UCalgary.
For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. Stay up to date with UCalgary news headlines on X @UCalgary. For access to UCalgary news releases, images and b-roll, and details on faculties and how to reach experts, check out our newsroom at ucalgary.ca/newsroom.
Melissa Martellotti
Senior Director, Corporate Affairs
Champion Petfoods
615.521.5022
Mmartellotti@championpetfoods.com
About Champion Petfoods
Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food maker with a reputation of trust spanning more than 40 years and part of the Mars Petcare business. Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion has grown to be a key player in the premium pet food industry across three major global geographies. Our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. And our Food Philosophy drives us to provide the highest quality in every ORIJEN® and ACANA® food we make for cats and dogs. We specialize in making foods that are Biologically Appropriate and all of our ingredients are selected from a carefully curated group of farmers, ranchers and fisheries, whom we know and trust. Our foods are crafted by passionate nutrition and health experts in world class kitchens, and as Pet Lovers ourselves, we strive for the highest quality and food safety in every food we make. To learn more, visit championpetfoods.com.