Analysis of pet food
Pet food refers to single and mixed feedstuffs specifically tailored to meet the needs of pets. Pets are animals kept as domestic companions and not intended for human consumption. These primarily include dogs, cats, rodents, birds, and fish.
Proper nutrition is a key prerequisite for a long and healthy life for pets. Additionally, each animal has different nutritional needs. Accordingly, pet food must be composed in such a way that these needs are optimally met.
The range of pet food is characterized by a great variety of options. There are different types of feed for various species, as well as specialized food within a species for young animals, senior pets, or animals with specific health issues (e.g., allergies, kidney diseases, or sensitive digestion).
Pet food is available as dry or wet food, based on either plant or animal ingredients, and is offered by manufacturers as complete, supplementary, or diet feed.
For feed used as complete food, all essential nutrients, such as proteins, fats, amino acids, and minerals, must be present in the correct composition, as the animal will not receive additional sources of these nutrients.
The Tentamus Group, with its accredited laboratories, supports you with the analyses necessary for quality assurance of pet feed and all types of pet food.
Challenges for producers and distributors of pet food
The production and distribution of pet food come with numerous challenges. These range from complying with all legal requirements (such as EU feed regulations and labeling obligations), meeting quality and safety standards for raw materials and the production process, to addressing consumer demands and competing with other feed manufacturers.
Producers of pet food must also stay informed about new scientific findings in the field of animal nutrition to adapt their products according to the latest scientific insights if necessary.
In Europe, the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) guidelines apply to pet food, providing a standard for the nutrient composition of feed for dogs and cats.
Necessary tests for the analysis of pet food
Regular feed analyses from chemical and microbiological perspectives, as well as regarding composition and authenticity, help ensure the provision of safe feed in the desired quality. This minimizes the risk of reputational and financial damage caused by product recalls.
Weender Analysis
A classic method of feed analysis is the Weender analysis, which provides an overview of the composition of a feed and represents an essential component in feed evaluation. The Weender analysis determines the following main components: dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash (including the inorganic components remaining after complete combustion), and crude fibre.
In addition to this classical analysis of pet food ingredients, the accredited laboratories of the Tentamus Group offer further methods that enable precise and comprehensive analysis of feed ingredients. These include, for example, detailed nutritional information and determination of vitamin and mineral content.
Microbiological Contamination
Microbiological contamination of pet food by bacteria, yeasts, or moulds can lead to severe illnesses in pets and must be prevented by manufacturers through strict measures.
Microbiological testing of pet food is therefore an essential component of quality assurance. Through comprehensive analysis, manufacturers can ensure that their products do not pose a risk to animal health.
The accredited laboratories of the Tentamus Group offer the following microbiological tests:
- Total viable count
- Detection of pathogenic bacteria such as Enterobacteria
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Staphylococci
- Listeria
- Clostridia
- Yeasts and moulds
Residue Analysis
Undesirable residues such as pesticides, heavy metals, and mycotoxins can significantly compromise the quality of pet food. These residues may enter the feed through raw materials, manufacturing processes, or during storage and transport. Feed analyses detect these unwanted substances before the food reaches the market.
The accredited laboratories of the Tentamus Group offer residue analysis for the following substances:
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, and mercury)
- Environmental toxins such as PCBs, dioxins, and furans
- PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances)
- Mycotoxins (e.g., ochratoxin A, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol)
- MOSH and MOAH
- Veterinary drug residues
- Pesticides and other plant protection products
Adhering to high-quality standards and conducting regular inspections can minimize the risk of residues in pet food.
Authenticity Testing
Particularly in animal feed containing meat, it is possible that cheaper, lower-quality meat is used instead of what is stated on the packaging. Similarly, plant-based ingredients, such as grains and dried herbs, can also lead to adulteration of pet food. Using various analytical methods, the laboratories of the Tentamus Group verify the authenticity and purity of pet food products, helping to prevent fraud.
GMO Testing
Through GMO screenings, our laboratories can check whether pet food contains genetically modified organisms (e.g., in maize, soy, rapeseed, or rice). The use of genetically modified plants and other organisms is subject to labeling requirements and must be declared accordingly.
Labeling Verification
The laboratories of the Tentamus Group offer labeling verification according to national and international standards. As you are responsible for the information on the packaging not only as a manufacturer but also as an importer and possibly a distributor, our service helps protect you from warnings and product recalls due to incorrect information.
Sample shipment for the analysis of pet food
To ensure fast and reliable pet food analysis, the Tentamus Group offers various options for submitting samples. You can send them via parcel service or deliver them in person to one of our laboratories. Alternatively, the Tentamus Group provides a convenient pickup service in some locations.
Relevant legal bases and directives
- Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (undesirable substances in animal feed)
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 (laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of feed)
- Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (on additives for use in animal nutrition)
- Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Animal By-Products Regulation)
Then contact us:
+49 30 206 038 230
food@tentamus.com
Overview of Tentamus Group laboratories offering pet food analysis
The following laboratories from the Tentamus Group offer pet food analysis worldwide:
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