On March 1, 2024, the founding meeting of the Companion Animal Nutrition and Food Branch of the Chinese Nutrition Society was held in Beijing. Nominated by Professor Yang Yuexin, Chairman of the Chinese Nutrition Society, Qiao Shiyan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor of China Agricultural University, has become the Chairman of the Companion Animal Nutrition and Food Branch. Professor Dai Xiaofeng, Professor Yang Xiaojun, Professor Wu Zhenlong, Professor Feng Zhongwu, Professor Wu Yongning, Professor Ma Haile, and Professor Xia Zhaofei were elected as deputy directors.

Since the development of the pet industry can meet the spiritual needs of people in pursuit of a better life, pets, such as cats and dogs, are categorized as "companion animals" within China and internationally. Statistics show that, in 2022, the number of pets (dogs and cats) kept in urban areas of China exceeded 167 million, and the number of pet owners exceeded 70.43 million. Accordingly, the market value of pets (dogs and cats) within urban areas of China has reached 279.3 billion yuan in 2023. In February 2023, the number of people aged 60 or above has reached 280 million, accounting for 19.8% of the total population. People aged 65 and above have reached 210 million, accounting for 14.8% of the total population. This indicates that China has entered a stage of rapid population aging. The demand for companionship from the aging population has become a vital driving force for the rapid development of the pet industry. The relationship between pet nutrition and health has attracted increasing attention, and the need for refined and scientific petting is imminent. The establishment of the Companion Animal Nutrition and Food Branch can help and guide the development of our country's companion animal nutrition area.

In recent years, Professor Ma Haile's team has cooperated with Shanghai Pamxing Pet Products Co., Ltd. to carry out research on pet nutrition and health, pet food, pet behavior, etc. The first book, "Introduction to Pet Food", authored by Professor Ma Haile in regard to this research, was published in China Agricultural Press on April 1, 2023. Patents were granted over multiple product developments, bringing promising market expectations. This work is a very creative exploration to expand the scope of food science and engineering and improve the development quality of the companion animal industry.