Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, Murdoch University, Western Australia
Cert. of Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine, Nottingham University, UK
An invaluable part of the Research and Development team at Black Hawk, Dr Lee Danks helps build our recipes from the ground up, bringing knowledge from the veterinary and nutrition worlds alongside industry best practice to ensure our pets are fed safe, nutritious, life-enhancing foods.
Having worked in veterinary practices and management roles in Melbourne and London and taking regional roles across England and Wales, Dr Danks brings a global view to our Australian-made brand.
“Being able to engage directly with the product development process and incorporate both my vet and pet food experience means that I’m blessed to truly make a difference in my day-to-day work. We all come together as a team, to feed our dog and cat consumers to the very best of our abilities. For me it’s ultimately about improving their health.”
Scientific communication is also an area of great passion for Dr Danks, contributing to clinical literature and giving university lectures to build on our collective understanding of the nutritional needs of dogs and cats. He believes that making great quality pet food lifts the health standards of all our pets.
“The advantage of doing this within Black Hawk versus working in a veterinary clinic is that I can help many more pets… through food!”
Dr Danks has many a pet-sit on high rotation, including Disco the Blue Staffie who reminds him how our pets truly live in the present. And his British Blue cat Oscar taught Dr Danks to be grateful for his affection, reminding him that companionship comes in many forms.
Spending time with the BackTrack Youth Works team has been another highlight for Dr Danks, as it perfectly demonstrates the depth of value we take from dog companionship.
“Dogs and cats give us so much and ask for so little, just a bit of attention and care… if I can be part of the system that provides that care and give even a little back to them, then I’m a happy man.”