Dr. Pat Harris
MA, PhD, VetMB, DipECVCN, MRCVS
In the global landscape of veterinary science, Dr. Pat Harris stands as a pillar of equine nutritional research, respected for her rigorous scientific work, passionate advocacy for equine welfare, and unmatched ability to translate complex nutritional science into actionable insights for veterinarians, caretakers, and horse owners alike.
As one of the world’s most decorated experts in veterinary clinical and comparative nutrition, Dr. Harris continues to shape the way we understand, manage, and optimize the diets of horses at every life stage and performance level.
A Career Rooted in Scientific Rigor and Purpose
Dr. Patricia A. Harris began her journey at the prestigious University of Cambridge, where she earned her veterinary degree in 1983.
Driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of equine health challenges, she pursued a PhD at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, focusing on Equine Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome, a muscle disorder with significant implications for performance horses, an experience that contributes directly to the equine medicine continuing education course offered through the Practitioner’s Program.
This early work laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished, research-driven career at the intersection of nutrition, health, and equine performance.
Scientific Leadership at Waltham and Mars Horsecare
Since 1995, Dr. Pat Harris has led the WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group, part of the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, and serves as Director of Science for Mars Horsecare UK.
In this dual role, she oversees collaborative, multidisciplinary research with universities and institutions around the world, producing the scientific foundation for globally recognized brands such as SPILLERS™, BUCKEYE™ Nutrition, and WINERGY™.
Her team’s research informs practical feeding strategies for a diverse range of equine needs, from managing metabolic disorders and laminitis to optimizing nutrition for aging or athletic horses.
As Scientific Advisor to MARS EQUESTRIAN™, Dr. Pat Harris also helps shape industry-wide initiatives at the intersection of animal science, welfare, and innovation.
Globally Recognized Expertise in Veterinary Nutrition
Dr. Pat Harris is both a European Specialist in Veterinary Clinical and Comparative Nutrition and an RCVS-recognized specialist in Veterinary Clinical Nutrition (Equine). These designations reflect decades of cutting-edge research and clinical leadership.
She has held honorary and adjunct academic positions at respected institutions including:
- Virginia Tech (USA) – Adjunct Professor of Equine Studies
- University of Nottingham (UK) – Honorary Professor in Equine Nutrition
- University of Liverpool (UK) – Honorary Research Fellow
- University of Queensland (Australia) – Adjunct Professor
In addition to her academic appointments, Dr. Pat Harris has served as President of the British Equine Veterinary Association and President of the European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition.
She remains a board member of several international scientific organizations including the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition and the Equine Science Society.
Prolific Contributions to Veterinary Literature
Few veterinary scientists can match Dr. Harris’s publishing record. She is the author or co-author of more than 500 scientific publications, book chapters, and peer-reviewed abstracts.
Her recent work emphasizes equine obesity, laminitis, aging, PPID (Cushing’s), and feeding management for horses with metabolic and dental issues.
Dr. Pat Harris co-edited the 2021 edition of Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice on Equine Nutrition and contributed key chapters to the widely used Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition textbook, further cementing her legacy in academic and clinical reference literature.
A Trusted Global Educator and Speaker
Dr. Harris is also an internationally sought-after speaker, regularly headlining conferences, webinars, and veterinary symposia.
Whether she’s lecturing on forage management, insulin dysregulation, colic prevention, or feeding strategies for senior horses, her ability to distill research into clear, actionable recommendations makes her a go-to expert for professionals and equine owners alike.
Her Clinical Catch-Up webinars with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) continue to spotlight emerging risks and advances in equine nutritional management, from the safe use of glucose uptake inhibitors to cutting-edge diet strategies for managing endocrine and metabolic conditions.
Why Dr. Pat Harris Matters
In an age where equine health is shaped as much by diet as by diagnostics or exercise, Dr. Pat Harris provides the essential scientific bridge between knowledge and practice.
Her career reflects not only a relentless pursuit of data-driven answers, but also a compassionate commitment to the well-being of every horse, from elite athletes to aging companions.
Her work has transformed the standards of equine nutrition, empowered veterinary teams globally, and ensured that horses everywhere receive the thoughtful, science-backed care they deserve.