Dr. Cheryl Morris has over 26 years of comparative animal nutrition experience.  She obtained her B.S. in Human Nutrition from the University of New Mexico, her M.S. in Animal Science (Ruminant Nutrition) from Iowa State University and her Ph.D in Nutritional Sciences (Canine Nutrition) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

She developed the comparative nutrition department for Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, that included oversight of all animal diets. Most recently she provided leadership to the veterinary department and all the research departments at the zoo including comparative nutrition, reproduction, pathology and rare plants.  In 2021, she joined the faculty in Animal Science at Iowa State University. Her research focus is specialized in carnivore nutrition, particularly raw diet formulations for domestic and exotic carnivores. Her research publications include carnivores, domestic livestock, exotic ruminants, vampire bats, insects, amphibians, birds, and reptiles. She continues to work with zoos, particularly through the Canid and Felid Taxon Advisory Groups including instruction at husbandry courses. 

Dr. Morris has competed in the sport of dog agility with her dogs since 2006. She has obtained more than 300 performance titles with her dogs over the years including agility, rally, barn hunt, Fast Cat, and CGC.  Recently, she has added UKC and AKC nose work to her training plan. She won the 2013 AKC National Agility Championship (16 inch) with her rescue border collie, Karma. She also created the Ace Project at ISU that connects students with training shelter and rescue dogs. 

Meet Dr. Morris

Dr. Morris has a deep understanding of gut anatomy and physiology and specializes in clinical diet formulations related to gastrointestinal imbalance including IBD and PLE.