Pet Food Testing - A Nutritional Point of View
Just like humans, pets also require proper nutrition for their overall health and well-being. Vitamin and amino acid analysis in pet food helps ensure that the nutritional content meets their specific needs. Accurate analysis helps manufacturers create pet food that supports healthy growth, maintains strong bones, and supports overall health.
Pets generally get the same food every day, so it is important that the food contains all of the necessary vitamins and amino acids in adequate amounts to support their wellbeing and avoid diseases.
We can help you
At Eurofins Vitamin Testing we serve a wide range of the biggest Pet Food manufacturers in the world and therefore we have a comprehensive knowledge and experience throughout all segments of the Pet Food industry.
The Eurofins Vitamin Testing can as a Competence Center assist you in in ensuring that the correct amounts of amino acids and vitamins are present in your pet food. With high quality products we ensure the best to our four legged friends.
Ensuring FEDIAF’s Guidelines are met with a Nutritional Point of View
The European Pet Food Industry Federation has made some nutritional guidelines for complete and complementary pet foods for cats and dogs. You can read about the guidelines here: https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/
FAQ - A competent vitamin testing partner
Vitamins in Pet food
Vitamins
Vitamins play a key role in animal health and are essential for the metabolic process of animals. Vitamins are divided into two groups based on their solubility in fat or water. The fat soluble vitamins, except vitamin K, are well stored in the animal. It is therefore important that the feeding of vitamins is under controlled conditions, as it can be toxic in high dosages. Except for vitamin B12, the water soluble vitamins are not stored well and are quickly excreted. Therefore a continual supply of the water soluble vitamins and vitamin K is needed to avoid deficiencies.
We offer vitamin analyses on both high concentration matrices such as premixes and low concentration matrices such as complementary pet food.
Amino acids in Pet Food
Amino Acids
Testing for amino acids in pet food is important to ensure that pets receive sufficient protein for growth and tissue repair. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and accurate analysis can identify deficiencies or imbalances in the food.
When applied correctly in pet foods amino acids have a digestibility of 100 %. The biological value of proteins depends on the configuration of amino acids. A high quality Pet Food consists of an ideal amount of all essential amino acids.
Taurine in Pet food
Taurine
Cats are not able to synthesize taurine within their bodies and is therefore one of the essential amino acids for cats. It is important that adequate amounts of taurine are provided in their diets. A deficiency can cause blindness and heart troubles.
Choline in Pet food
Choline
Choline supports communication between nerve cells, which helps support your pet’s proper liver function and cell metabolism. Choline is not stored in the body and must therefore be present in a pets’ nutrition so that it is replenished daily and avoids a deficiency.
Biogenic Amines in Pet food
Biogenic Amines
High levels of these biogenic amines can indicate spoilage or improper storage conditions, which can lead to decreased nutritional quality and potential health hazards for pets. Biogenic amines can also cause adverse reactions in pets, including histamine toxicity. Regular testing of biogenic amine levels in pet food ensures that the food is safe, nutritious, and meets regulatory standards.
Carnitine in Pet Food
Carnitine in Pet food
Carnitine plays a crucial role in energy production and fat metabolism in pets. Carnitine in pet food can support weight management, heart health, and overall energy levels. Additionally, carnitine has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of certain diseases in pets
Ascorbyl Palmitate in Pet Food
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Ascorbyl palmitate is a synthetic form of vitamin C that is commonly used in pet food. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports the immune system. Additionally, ascorbyl palmitate can improve the shelf life of pet food by preventing oxidation, ensuring that the food retains its nutritional value.
