Pet Food
Transform Your Pet’s Digestive Health with Prebiotic and Probiotic Solutions
Science-based, tailored products can provide effective, gut-friendly nutrition for maintaining digestive health. Our expert formulations backed by clinical research provide palatable products that deliver trustworthy results, specifically designed for and with today’s pet in mind.
Pet Food Formulation & R&D Services
Digestive Health Products
Digestive health is a crucial frontier in pet nutrition, and emerging research is continuing to reveal the connection between gut health and overall health, immunity, absorption of nutrients, and behavior. Prebiotics and probiotics either provided through a pet food or in the form of a supplement are now key staples of advanced digestive health products. Brands and formulators are concentrating on products to help balance the gut microbiome, address digestive issues (such as diarrhea, or inflammatory bowel disease), or build resilience to dietary and environmental stressors.
Recent innovations are combinations of prebiotics and probiotics to improve the viability and colonization of beneficial microbes to create an effective product.
Food Research Lab goes beyond digestion with its highly innovative research and product formulation to develop viable digestive health solutions for pet needs that are scientifically supported, stable, and effective.
Scientific and R&D Approach
At the Food Research Lab, we apply evidence-based approaches to create digestive health products, which include:
Efficacy Testing:
Evaluations of safety and effectiveness, in vitro and in vivo, include microbial diversity, short-chain fatty acid production, stool consistency, immune response indicators, and improvement of clinical symptoms.
Ingredient Selection:
Pairing prebiotic fibers (inulin, FOS, MOS) with potent, shelf-stable probiotic strains (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus faecium) with demonstrated synergy.
Advanced Combinations:
Appropriate pairings of prebiotics with probiotics often improve gut-flora modulation, especially in pets recovering from antibiotics or pets experiencing gastrointestinal distress.
Matrix Compatibility and Stability:
Assess viability of probiotic strains after processing conditions (high heat, dried), and availability of prebiotics in shelf stable or fermentation.
- Supports beneficial gut bacteria, alleviating GI upset and improving speed of recovery
- Improves stool quality and regularity for digestive comfort
- Supports nutrient absorption and immune health; a considerable amount of immunity resides in the gut
- Provides support for stress, allergies, and food intolerances
- Prebiotics: Such as Inulin, FOS, MOS, chicory root fiber and Acacia gum/beet pulp – beneficial for the gut in stimulating the good bacteria as well as SCFA production.
- Probiotic: Re-populating viable strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, ‘Bifido’ Bifidobacterium animalis, Enterococcus faecium) that bind in the gut and have health benefits.
- Functional botanicals: Non-GMO extracts (aloe vera, ginger, licorice) that can be fresh, taste good raw, are considered gut healing and gut friendly botanicals which may promote digestive comfort and mucosal health.
- Clean label: There are no fillers or artificial preservatives to be more sensitive to preserving bioactivity (and consumer trust).
| Product Format | Description | Key Benefit |
| Synbiotic Kibble Diets | Complete diets enriched with prebiotics and probiotics | Everyday gut health support |
| Functional RTD Beverages | Ready to drink prebiotic and probiotic products | Easier dosing and quicker hydration |
| Powder Toppers & Mixers | Powdered additives that are synbiotic based | Convenience and dosing control |
| Functional Chews & Treats | Treats that are palatable with digestive support | Stress relief and GI comfort |
| Probiotic Capsules & Pastes | High potency supplements for strong clinical GI needs | Therapeutic dosing / gut rebuilds |
Life-Stage & Functional Nutrition
Puppies/Kittens
Adults Pet
Senior Pet
Therapeutic Fresh Meals
FRL Service Scope
| Stage | Description |
| Research & Innovation | Develop new digestive health blends, execute clinical trials, and evaluate novel gut health technologies. |
| Custom Formulation | Create clinically validated recipes combining prebiotics, probiotics, and botanicals. |
| Pilot-Scale Trials | Test small batches for probiotic viability and prebiotic functionality. |
| Microbial Validation | Verify probiotic survival and ingredient safety after processing. |
| Nutrient Analysis | Comprehensive profiling of nutrients and bioactives. |
| Sensory Trials | Conduct acceptance and palatability trials in the target group of pets. |
| Packaging Solutions | Design packaging to maintain probiotic viability and shelf stability. |
| Regulatory Support | We provide global regulatory guidance, covering FDA CVM, FEDIAF, AAFCO, and APAC markets, assisting with ingredient approvals, labeling compliance, claims, and product registration. |
| Scale-Up & Production | Support the transition of prototype and new products to commercial manufacturing with stability and potency assurances. |
Regulatory Landscape for Pet Digestive Health Products
Pet food and supplement products aimed at supporting digestive health have their regulatory basis changing across countries and even regions. The central regulatory bodies for the same are:
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM): This division regulates pet food and dietary supplements in the United States, with regulations regarding ingredient safety, manufacturing, and health claims.
- AAFCO: the Association of American Feed Control Officials provides model ingredient definitions and labeling standards in widespread use in North America.
- FEDIAF – European Pet Food Industry Federation: This sets the nutritional guidelines and labeling for pet foods sold in Europe.
- APVMA (Australia), CFIA (Canada), and other national authorities: Enforce local regulations on ingredient use, claims, and product registration.
- Bureau of Indian Standards: IS 11968:2019 specifies the Indian Standard for the Safety, Quality, and Nutritional requirements of complete feeds for pets. Currently voluntary, FSSAI monitors general aspects of food safety, hygiene, and labeling of pet foods with a view to ensure that products comply with the requirements for ensuring public health and safety in India.
Understanding and aligning with these bodies ensures the safety of the product, truth in marketing, and consumer trust.
Process flow
Market Research & Concept Development:
Investigate consumer demand and veterinarians’ perspectives regarding pet gut health.
Formulation:
Create symbiotic corresponding to specific CFU levels, types and quantities of fibers, and preferred delivery formats.
Pilot Studies
Test product efficacy, standing up in acidic conditions, and acceptance in the production process.
Efficacy & Safety Studies:
Validate changes in gut microbiota, the bioavailability of matrix, and its long-lasting safety through lab egestion & feeding studies.
Sensory & Palatability Studies:
Perform controlled tasting panels to measure aroma, flavor, and acceptance in intended pets.
Regulatory & Labeling Support
Meets FDA GRAS, FEDIAF, and local standards, create compliant marketing materials, and conduct stability and accelerated shelf-life testing for product compliance.
Why Choose FRL
- We have experience developing gut health product formulations for all life stages and health conditions.
- We have data from clinical studies to be able to support product efficacy and safety.
- Highly specialized sensory evaluation on taste and acceptance (in pets).
- Support in full regulatory compliance across the globe.
- Innovation focused on science-based solutions for reliable pet nutrition.
Let’s create something Innovative and Delicious together
Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.
