Research & development
How a formulation takes shape here
We follow a fixed development process. Not because every project is the same, but because a fixed structure makes sure no step gets skipped.
The process
Six phases from question to dossier
Question and scope
Together with the partner we establish which species, life stage and use case we are developing for, and which legal framework the product falls under.
Literature and state of the science
We review what is known about the nutrients and ingredients involved, including established nutritional standards and known points of attention for dogs or cats.
Ingredient selection
Ingredients are assessed on function, origin, purity, security of supply and the availability of specifications and certificates of analysis.
Formulation and trial production
We compose the recipe, calculate the nutrient balance and have trial batches produced to assess processability and texture.
Stability and palatability
Shelf life, stability under storage conditions and acceptance by the animal are tested. Palatability work takes place with animals in their own homes, without any burden on them.
Dossier and handover
The partner receives the formulation, specifications, substantiation, proposed labelling and production instructions as a single coherent dossier.
Research themes
Where our attention goes
Within nutrition and care for dogs and cats we work on a number of recurring themes.
Protein quality and amino acid profile
Assessing protein sources for digestibility and amino acid composition, with particular attention to feline requirements.
Fatty acids and lipid composition
Working towards a balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids within applicable nutritional standards.
Fibre and digestive comfort
Research into fibre sources and their effect on consistency, satiety and day-to-day comfort.
Palatability without shortcuts
Improving acceptance through ingredient choice and processing rather than added flavour enhancers.
Stability of sensitive ingredients
Preserving delicate nutrients through production, packaging and the full shelf life.
Grooming and skin comfort
Formulations for external care using mild ingredients suited to the skin and coat of dogs and cats.
Research ethics
How we work with animals
We do not conduct animal testing, nor do we commission it. Our research is limited to laboratory analysis of ingredients and products, literature review, and palatability and acceptance studies with pets living at home with their own owners.
Participation in the latter is always voluntary, takes place with the informed consent of the owner, and can be stopped at any moment. Only products that have completed their full safety assessment are ever used.
Collaboration
We rarely work alone
For specialist analysis, clinical expertise and production scale-up we work with external laboratories, veterinarians, nutritionists and qualified manufacturing partners. That collaboration lets us combine depth with a realistic timeline.
Let us introduce ourselves
Have a question about how we work, or an idea you would like to test? We are happy to think it through with you.