Pet Food
Fresh, Nutrient-Rich, and Complete Meals for Companion Animals
From ingredient research to pilot-scale production, we help you create scientifically validated fresh and cooked diets that meet nutritional, sensory, and functional needs for pets.
Pet Food Formulation & R&D Services
Fresh / Cooked Pet Food Product Development Services
Fresh or cooked pet food refers to diets that are minimally processed and refrigerated diets that retain the natural taste and nutrients of the ingredients. These diets are typically made with fresh proteins, vegetables, grains, and beneficial additives, unlike dry or canned food. Many of these products will contain 70-85% moisture, and provide balanced combinations of fresh meat vegetables, grains and functional ingredients.
Fresh pet food is convenient for pet owners wanting highly palatable meals that may be customized to a life-stage, breed, or health-related requirement. Fresh and cooked pet foods are carefully prepared with processing, packaging and cold chain that needs oversite to ensure that products are microbially safe, shelf-stable, and maintain the nutritional integrity. [1] [2]. At Food Research Lab, we utilize new R&D processes, precision cooking, and controlled processing conditions to create nutritious fresh and cooked pet foods that are functional and safe.
Scientific and R&D Approach
The Food Research Lab utilizes a science-based approach to develop pet foods fresh and cooked:
Nutrient Proven Formulation
Finished product testing for puppies, adults, seniors and for therapeutic dietary needs.
Ingredient Optimization
Protein from fresh sources, vegetables, grains and functional additives are all assessed for digestibility, palatability and nutrient retention.
Gentle Processing
Gentle food preparation methods, cooking or steaming, preserves sensitive nutrients while protecting against harmful microbes, food-borne illness, or spoilage.
Functional Additives
Probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds are included in the diet to support gut, immune, and skin health.
Sensory Evaluation
The aroma, texture and flavor of the product are tested to obtain the highest acceptability level with a preserved nutritional profile.
Shelf-life & Safety Studies
Depend on pH control, modified-atmosphere packaging and micro tests is done in the most suitable laboratory trials to obtain food safety and quality shelf-stability.
Manufacturing Process
Targeted Product Formats
Tray Foods
Pouched Meals
Once-Cooked Raw-Style Meals
Functional Fresh Meals
Therapeutic Fresh Meals
Life-Stage & Functional Nutrition
Puppies/Kittens
Adults Pet
Senior Pet
Therapeutic Fresh Meals
FRL Service Scope – Fresh / Cooked Pet Foods
| Service Area | Description |
|
Custom Formulation |
Develop fresh diets tailored to species, life stage, and health objectives using human-grade proteins and functional ingredients. |
|
Prototype Development |
Pilot-scale trials to optimize texture, taste, and nutrient retention. |
|
Quality & Safety Testing |
Nutritional analysis, microbial checks, pH control, and shelf-life studies to ensure safety and compliance. |
|
Regulatory & Labelling Support |
Guidance on FSSAI, BIS, and global compliance, including claims and labeling support. |
|
Sensory & Palatability Trials |
Feeding trials to optimize aroma, taste, and texture for pets. |
|
Packaging Solutions |
Evaluate vacuum, MAP, or sealed trays to maintain freshness and nutrient integrity. |
|
Scale-Up & Costing |
Support lab-to-production transition with cost and process optimization. |
|
R&D & Innovation |
Reformulate for functional ingredients, clean-label trends, and nutrient-dense diets. |
Process flow
Requirement Analysis
Establish the client’s goals including nutritional, functional and regulatory components of the fresh or cooked diet.
Ingredient Sourcing and Research
Find a source of high-quality protein, vegetables, grains and functional ingredients and evaluate digestibility, palatability and nutrient retention.
Prototype Development
Process or cook meal fresh or cooked at pilot scale, including evaluation/optimization of texture, flavour, nutrient distribution and shelf-life stability.
Efficacy and Quality Testing
Carry out nutritional profiling, palatability studies, microbiological analyses and sensory testing to establish safety, efficacy and consumer acceptance.
Product Development and Compliance
Deliver finished product in sterile packing, such as vacuum / MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) with packaging requirements and labelling.
Why Choose FRL
- Human-Grade Ingredient Knowledge: Knowing what proteins, vegetables, and functional additives are human supply-chain grade ensures safe, secure, trustworthy, and nutritious pet food quality.
- Controlled Processing Technology: Using gentle cooking methods, nutrients, flavor and functional properties are preserved at their highest levels
- Full Scale R&D Workflow: Detailed collaboration from ingredient sourcing research to formulation and pilot all the way through commercial grade meals.
- Palatability & Sensory: No matter how you feed your dog, they will love the taste and smell of this new wet dog food.
- Global Regulatory Compliance: Products formulated and produced by using the safety, labeling, and claims standards for FEDIAF, AAFCO, Codex and local regulation.
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.
