animal food product development

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...

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 method of processing pet food significantly influences its nutritional value, digestibility, and safety. Factors such as temperature, moisture levels, and ingredient type play crucial roles in determining the quality of the final product. Here,...

Meeting the nutritional needs of companion animals requires an understanding of their unique physiology and metabolic capabilities, particularly when considering natural or ancestral diets. These diets aim to align with dogs' and cats' natural nutritional...

Pet food formulations include a variety of carbohydrate and fat sources, each serving distinct purposes for energy, digestion, and nutrient balance. While carbohydrates are not considered essential for dogs and cats, they play a functional...

At Food Research Lab, we follow the recognized feeding trial protocols established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to support nutritional adequacy claims for pet food. Feeding trials are regarded as...