Pet Digest

Companies Excelling in Feeding Trials  In the pet food industry, ensuring the nutritional adequacy and safety of products is paramount. While formulation-based methods meet basic nutrient requirements, feeding trials provide real-world data on the food's performance and safety when consumed over time. This post examines how leading pet food brands conduct comprehensive feeding trials to guarantee the health and well-being of pets. Zignature: Beyond Standard AAFCO Trials Zignature conducts 6-month (26-week) feeding trials with 8 healthy dogs, adhering to AAFCO protocols. However, they go beyond the standard requirements by incorporating over 40 measurable parameters, including: Echocardiograms evaluated by board-certified cardiologists Cardiac biomarker testing (e.g., troponin I) at three timepoints Amino acid and taurine levels in whole blood and plasma Plasma carnitine analysis to assess nutrient absorption Weekly health checks by licensed veterinarians Stool...