Why Choose Food Research Lab's FRL as Your Food Product Development (FPD) Consultant and Partner?

There are several options in almost every product area in today’s market, and the difficulty is in coming up with unique items that stand out and connect with customers. Food Research Lab's Food Research Lab takes a holistic approach to creating food and beverage products. We define, demographically target, and build effective goods through a sequential process for category selection and comprehension. The client can visit the lab to learn the process. We offer unlimited rounds of revisions to ensure customer satisfaction. The final product prototype, along with the documentation process, including the video (through email), will be shipped to the client, and in case the client is not satisfied with the video, a food technology consultant will visit the place for the product demo at the client’s costs.

What are the different forms that you deliver the Food Product Formulations?

The food industry is witnessing a new form of consumption. Keeping that in mind, we can formulate the products in the form of ready-to-eat, ready-to-drink, ready-to-mix, ready-to-serve, and ready-to-cook food products. We use ingredients that offer an added value to the development and improve its indulgence and sustainability in terms of its functional ingredients, plant-based food dyes, and natural preservatives with a clean label.

What are the sectors Food Research Lab cover?

We cover a wide range of sectors such as soups, sauces and dips, chips, tortillas, dry beverage powder, plant-based products, masalas, puddings, instant mixes and many more.

How is sensory testing been carried out?

Our sensory examination leads to the precise formulation and recipe recommendations. We develop data-driven design models based on sensory research and customer insights. The fact-based design methodology used by Food Research Lab reduces risk and gives our clients market confidence while cutting development time in half. With our dedicated sensory lab facility, our team takes satisfaction in creating and optimizing successful products in the marketplace, generating a favourable return on investment, and developing brand advocates.

The formulation method is a commonly used approach for substantiating “complete and balanced” claims on pet food labels. By calculating the nutrient content based on ingredient composition or conducting a chemical analysis of the final product, manufacturers can verify that the food meets specific nutrient levels established by the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for designated life stages, such as growth or adult maintenance.

Formulation Method for Nutritional Adequacy in Pet Food

Interesting News . Nov 21, 2024

The formulation method is a commonly used approach for substantiating “complete and balanced” claims on pet food labels. By calculating the nutrient content based on ingredient composition or conducting a chemical analysis of the final product, manufacturers can verify that the food meets specific nutrient levels established by the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for designated life stages, such as growth or adult maintenance.

Substantiating Nutritional Claims with the Formulation Method

Pet foods validated using the formulation method must include a specific label statement to indicate compliance with AAFCO standards. The standard declaration reads:

“(Complete name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog (or Cat) Food Nutrient Profiles for (life stage).”

This statement informs consumers that the product has been formulated to align with AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines. However, states that have not adopted AAFCO Model Pet Food Regulations may allow slight variations in wording.

Types of AAFCO Feeding Trials

Adult Maintenance Trial

Protocol: This trial includes eight animals fed solely on the test food for six months. Animals are examined by a veterinarian at the beginning and end of the trial, with ongoing monitoring for body weight and potential signs of nutrient imbalances.
Laboratory Evaluations: Key health markers, such as red blood cell count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum albumin, and whole blood taurine (for cats), are assessed to detect any nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
Benefits: This trial can reveal nutrient deficiencies or other safety issues that may not be evident in formulations alone, although longer-term deficiencies might not be detected in this relatively short trial.

Advantages and Limitations of the Formulation Method

The formulation method offers a cost-effective and less time-consuming alternative to feeding trials, as it doesn’t require live animal testing. This approach is especially beneficial for manufacturers aiming to launch new products quickly or reduce costs associated with substantiating nutritional claims.

associated with substantiating nutritional claims. However, there are notable limitations:

Bioavailability: The formulation method only verifies nutrient content on paper, without evaluating the bioavailability of those nutrients. Nutrient bioavailability refers to the body’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients, which can vary depending on ingredient sources and processing techniques.
Palatability and Acceptability: Formulation alone doesn’t account for taste and acceptability, potentially affecting how well animals consume the product.

A study in 1991 highlighted potential shortcomings in the formulation method, reporting that some commercial pet foods claiming to be “complete and balanced” based solely on formulation did not support adequate growth in animals due to poor nutrient bioavailability.

Comparison of Formulation and Feeding Trial Methods

Aspect	Formulation Method	Feeding Trial Method
Cost	Lower cost, minimal testing required	Higher cost, includes live animal testing
Time	Faster, as nutrient levels are calculated	Slower, as trials run over weeks or months
Nutrient Evaluation	Ensures nutrient levels meet AAFCO standards on paper	Verifies nutrient bioavailability and digestibility
Animal Acceptance	Does not test acceptability or palatability	Evaluates consumption and physical health in animals

Ensuring Nutritional Quality Beyond Formulation

While the formulation method provides a foundation for validating nutrient content, it’s essential for manufacturers to consider additional testing to ensure that nutrients are not only present but also bioavailable and palatable. This comprehensive approach helps improve product efficacy and consumer satisfaction, supporting the health and well-being of pets.

With Food Research Lab’s Nutritional Formulation Services and AAFCO Compliance Consulting, manufacturers can create pet foods that meet industry standards while prioritizing nutrient availability, acceptability, and quality assurance.