Author: Food Research Lab

Bifidobacterium, a Gram-positive, often branched anaerobic bacteria, has been widely utilized in the food industry for its gut health benefits. This genus includes various strains, such as Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium animalis, which have proven...

Beyond the primary nutrients, pet foods often contain ingredients aimed at enhancing palatability, aroma, and appearance. In the example ingredient list, the remaining ingredients—animal digest, garlic oil, and coloring agents (Red 40 and Yellow 5)—each...

Pet food safety starts with high-quality ingredients. Pet food manufacturers carry the responsibility of producing food that meets rigorous standards to ensure both pet and consumer trust. Here, we explore how ingredient quality is monitored,...

The European Union defines “natural” in pet food through the guidelines set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). These standards are important for manufacturers aiming to meet EU regulatory expectations for natural pet...

The European Union defines “natural” in pet food through the guidelines set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). These standards are important for manufacturers aiming to meet EU regulatory expectations for natural pet...

Both pet owners and veterinarians often ask: “What exactly is this ingredient, and why is it included in my pet’s food?” Here, we break down the thought process of pet food product development and answer...

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides specific guidelines for defining "natural" in the context of pet food ingredients. This definition is essential for manufacturers aiming to align with industry standards for natural...

In the United States, both governmental and nongovernmental organizations oversee commercial pet food manufacturing to ensure safety, nutritional adequacy, and transparency. Each organization plays a distinct role in regulating the pet food industry, setting standards,...

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...

To effectively use the formulation method in pet food production, it’s essential to understand the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profiles established for dogs and cats. These profiles, developed with input from...