Pet Treats Testing

Specifics

Cost 1 Preparation

$170
Cost 2 Preparations

$340
Cost 3 Preparations

$510
Recommendation

Analyze 3 preparations
Sample Size

500 g
Turnaround Time

15 Business Days
Results Reported

Per 100 g,
Lab Report

Overview

Similar to a Nutritional Facts label on food for human consumption, guaranteed analysis is the method used to convey nutritional value for treats intended for pet consumption. Dictated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), guaranteed analysis claims are FDA regulated.

Your guaranteed analysis values can come from calculations (i.e. software) or testing; however, it is important to ensure that if your product is audited (i.e. analyzed) by a 3rd party, the analytical results corroborate label claims.

The following Guaranteed Analysis must be defined:

Crude Protein (min¹)
Crude Fat (min¹)
Crude Fiber (max²)
Moisture (max²)

¹ Minimum claims define the lowest amount a batch will ever contain (some batch results will be higher).

² Maximum claims define the highest amount a batch will ever contain (some batch results will be lower).

The above four guarantees must be listed before any other claims, such as vitamins and minerals. Other claims for substances recognized in the AAFCO Dog/Cat Nutrient Profiles should immediately follow the required guarantees. Nutrients that are not recognized in the AAFCO Dog/Cat Nutrient Profiles must indicate that they are not recognized as an essential nutrient by the species-appropriate AAFCO Nutrient Profile.

The goal is to provide pets with enough protein and fat to meet their dietary needs while avoiding excessive moisture and fiber as fillers.

Puppies: Approximately 30% protein and 15% fat
Adult dogs: Approximately 20% protein and 10-15% fat
Active/working dogs: Approximately 30% protein and 20% fat
Most dogs: Approximately 3-5% fiber

Items Required for Your Label

Brand and Product Name
Guaranteed Analysis (we will provide this)
Name of Species the food is intended (i.e. Dog or Cat)
Quantity Statement (Net Weight)
Ingredient Statement by Weight
Nutritional Adequacy Statement
Feeding Directions
Name and Address of the manufacturer or distributor

Initial Testing

For initial testing we recommend analyzing 3 preparations of your product, then use the statistics generated to target your guarantees more efficiently, preventing overages/underages due to product variability.
Batches

If you trust your batch-to-batch process and choose to analyze 1 preparation, we recommend giving your guarantees more leeway to avoid potential overages/underage’s.
Handling Multiple Data Points
If you have multiple data points for each analyte from testing multiple batches:
- Use the lowest value for protein, round down to the next whole %
- Use the lowest value for fat, round down to the next whole %
- Use the highest value for fiber, round up to the next whole %
- Use the highest value for moisture round up to the next whole %

Test List

Minimally, guaranteed analysis as dictated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Modern Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food, is Calories comprised of the following required guarantees:

Minimum percentage of crude protein
Minimum percentage of crude fat
Maximum percentage of crude fiber
Maximum percentage of moisture

Test Library

FAQ

Which analytes are included in the assay? Can any analytes be omitted from testing to save money?

All analytes must be included for accurate results:

Ash
Calories (calculation)
Carbohydrates (calculation)
Crude Fat
Crude Fiber
Moisture
Protein

How many preparations, i.e. batches, should I analyze?

We recommend analyzing 3 Batches over time to capture and account for batch-to-batch ingredient difference, processing environmental variances, sampling and analytical variation.

Testing only one preparation provides just a snapshot.

Do you provide a graphical nutritional label?

No, we do not. You will need to enter the results into the format of your choosing.

How often should I repeat nutritional testing?

Nutritional testing should be repeated every time you modify an ingredient or recipe, or possibly when changing suppliers.

Do you provide guaranteed analysis on pet food?

No, not at this time.
We only conduct guaranteed analysis on Pet Treats

How should I prepare and ship my sample?

Sample should represent real-world product as received by the end customer.
Packaging should maintain sample integrity by preventing exchange with the atmosphere.
Ship next day or 2nd day, avoid Saturdays and weekends.
If your product is normally refrigerated, pack with cold packs.
Non-refrigerated products can be shipped without cold packs.
Please do not use Dry Ice and do not freeze samples.

Ship or deliver samples to:
Murray-Brown Laboratories, Inc
Attn: Sample Receiving
11455 Pearl St., Northglenn, CO. 80233

Do you report directly to the FDA, USDA, State or any other regulatory agency?

No, we only report to contacts you specify in your New Client Paperwork.