Pet Food Testing

We are all witnessing the growth of pet food market and is subjected to increased demands in terms of quality testing and flavor testing. Pet food testing will be more accurate when certified, accredited labs conduct tests using guaranteed analysis. For pet foods testing, one should follow food labelling guidelines of AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) and it is equivalent to FDA in terms of pet and animal food labelling.

We all are aware of currently undergoing projects that are leading the fight for better pet food like the clean label project in the United States and the campaign for real pet food in the United Kingdom. These organizations are working towards bringing awareness among consumers regarding truth and transparency in labelling and removing harmful chemicals from pet food.

Pet food safety regulations

Pet food regulations are similar like any other animal products. All pet foods should be manufactured and produced under sanitary conditions following all safety measures. Pet foods which are canned must be processed abiding the low acid canned food guidelines that ensure the pet food is free of any pathogenic microorganisms. The rules for pet food safety are based on a model which is given by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

AAFCO is a private non-profit corporation that establishes -

• A procedure for defining ingredients used in animal feed and pet food.
• A protocol where state agencies, federal agencies, and industry develop uniform language that states may adopt or reference in laws.
• Two meetings per year where specialized trainings for members and industry will be conducted

The AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles were made to recommend a minimum and some maximum amount of nutrient content in dog and cat foods. The AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles recommends nutrient levels on dry matter or moisture-free basis. Usually, a minimum requirement is determined for a particular nutrient, based on the expected digestibility to be equal to the minimum requirement for that nutrient, suggested in an AAFCO nutrient profile. Canned pet food contains normally 75 to 78 percent moisture. Dry pet food is normally 10 to 12 percent moisture. Nutrient levels can be directly compared between products with near-equal moisture content. Various types of analysis for testing dry matter, crude protein, moisture is performed on pet foods. Our experts at Eurofins offer a wide range of analytical services for the pet food industry. We have expert team within the field of pet food testing and evaluation so that we can contribute for concerned producers and retailers to maintain their product lines effectively under control.

Our experts make use of the latest technology to help ensure quality food safety management system and to deliver best possible results to clients.

Our Comprehensive Range of Pet Food Testing Services Include

Eurofins' portfolio includes reliable analytical methods for determination of the safety, purity, composition, quality, and origin of pet food products and their ingredients. Each method that we select is focused to ensure matrix suitability, adhere to regulatory standards, and manage result expectations.

• Nutritional Labelling – any food product is required to have a full range of nutritional analysis which covers
  • Proximate composition – moisture, fat, protein, ash, fiber
  • Determination of      Carbohydrate         –      mono,       di,       oligo, polysaccharides
  • Fatty Acid Profiling – essential fatty acids, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, trans fats
  • Vitamins, minerals and other trace elements
• Other Chemical tests:
  • Additives like propylene glycol, ethoxyquin, BHA, and BHT, and various food dyes
  • Allergens Testing
  • Antibiotics Residues
  • Pesticides Residues
  • Heavy metals
  • Mycotoxins

• Shelf Life Testing in terms of microbiology, water activity, pH, label claims, sensory evaluation. Using our state-of-the-art shelf-life testing protocols, we ensure that products are kept at specific temperatures and humidity levels throughout the duration of the tests. Each test will be performed as per your specific needs and product
• Microbiological Analysis: General microbiological parameters, detection of indicator organism, detection of pathogenic microbes like salmonella
• We are also offering strong Environmental monitoring programs (EMP) as a part of pathogen mitigation program

Eurofins is Ready to Support You

• We serve food businesses, corporates, residential and
• We offer services with sample collection across cities
• We have most efficient modern technology to deliver accurate, flexible, rapid results
• We will approach you with easy-to-understand reliable reports
• We are the leading analytical services with finest customer support services
• Our experts are aware of international regulations and familiar with regional laws and trading conditions, and laboratories are ISO 17025
• Competence Centers with state-of-the-art equipment like high-resolution GC, HPLCs, GCMSMS, FTIR, ELISA, HR-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, LC- MS/MS, ICP-MS, Real-time PCR and NMR systems
• Fast turn-around time (TAT)
• Local contact with a Global Network
• Active participation in industry associations and regulatory bodies allowing prior advice on potential food scares and legal obligations
• Access for expert advice - testing schemes, on-site-check for hygiene and allergens, labelling advice and traceability
• A broad portfolio of analyses for all your raw materials and finished products
• A customer service that ensures the personalized follow-up of your samples
• Online access to your samples and the ability to download your results via the EOL platform (Eurofins Online)
• A legal and regulatory support possible by our legal expert
• Internationally recognized
• Strong customer focus with quality service
• One-stop solution lab
• Competent, Qualified and Experienced analysts
• Customer needs a specific solution
• Trusted by top brands in India