Veterinarian Bios

Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition)

Dr. Wakshlag formulates complete and balanced food for The Farmer’s Dog.

By The Farmer's Dog | July 29, 2026

Dr. Wakshlag, the original formulator for The Farmer’s Dog, received his DVM from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. His passion for nutrition led him to complete a residency in Veterinary Nutrition at the same time as receiving a PhD in pharmacology in 2005. In 2006 he became an Assistant Professor of Nutrition at his alma mater. He became a Full Professor in 2018.

He has been Chief of Service for the Nutrition department at Cornell since 2007, and was Chief of Service for their Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation department from 2014 through 2018. He has been active in benchtop and clinical studies on canine obesity, cancer cell biology, nutraceuticals, sporting-dog metabolism and nutrient requirements. He has authored more than a dozen book chapters and well over 100 peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Wakshlag is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, serving on its board from 2010 through 2014. He’s also been president of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

After many years of living with dogs, due to travel commitments, Dr. Wakshlag currently only has one pet: a domestic shorthair cat named Kitty.

Related Topics

Related Topics

More on Health & Wellness

Why Do Dogs Love to Roll in Smelly Things?

Health & Wellness, Training & Behavior • 8 minutes

Why Do Dogs Love to Roll in Smelly Things?

Here’s where they get their passion for pungency, and what to do about it.

How to Bond With Your Dog at Mealtime

Health & Wellness • 8 minutes

How to Bond With Your Dog at Mealtime

Feeding time is a built-in chance to strengthen trust and communication.

Is It OK if My Dog Licks Me?

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle, Science & Research • 8 minutes

Is It OK if My Dog Licks Me?

We all know where those mouths have been.

Why Do Dogs Love to Roll in Smelly Things?

Health & Wellness, Training & Behavior • 8 minutes

Why Do Dogs Love to Roll in Smelly Things?

Here’s where they get their passion for pungency, and what to do about it.

How to Bond With Your Dog at Mealtime

Health & Wellness • 8 minutes

How to Bond With Your Dog at Mealtime

Feeding time is a built-in chance to strengthen trust and communication.

Is It OK if My Dog Licks Me?

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle, Science & Research • 8 minutes

Is It OK if My Dog Licks Me?

We all know where those mouths have been.