How pet supplement chews are made
Pet supplements run on the same cGMP equipment as human products, with three differences: species-specific dosing, palatants, and a microbial plan that treats Salmonella as a release criterion.
1. Formulation for the species
Dog and cat physiology differ — cats need dietary taurine, dogs tolerate different botanical doses, and body-weight ranges span 3 kg to 60 kg. Each stock formula states the species and a feeding table by weight. Ingredients that are fine for humans but not for pets (xylitol, some essential oils) are excluded from the pet ingredient list entirely.
2. Palatants
A supplement a pet will not eat is worthless. Chicken, beef, peanut butter and salmon palatants (natural, hydrolysed protein based) are blended into the base at 3–8%. Palatability is confirmed with a panel before a new flavor is released.
3. Blending and pressing
Actives, palatant, binder and a small amount of lubricant are blended, then pressed into 2–2.5 g tablets on a large-format press. Hardness is set so the tablet survives shipping but breaks easily in a bowl or can be crumbled over food. Friability and hardness are tested per batch.
4. Drops and powders for pets
Pet drops (60 ml) and powders (60 g taurine, AIM blend) run on the liquid and powder lines with pet-specific dosing and flavoring. Dental powder is a custom product (seaweed and probiotic base) quoted from 500 jars.
5. Microbial plan
Pet products are tested for Salmonella on every batch — it is a release criterion, not a periodic check — in addition to total plate count, yeast and mold, and E. coli. Heavy metals are tested on incoming botanical and mineral ingredients.
6. Labeling
US pet supplements are labeled to AAFCO conventions: product name and species, guaranteed analysis (crude protein, fat, fiber, moisture and the actives), ingredient list in descending order, feeding directions by weight, net weight, and the responsible party. We prepare the label with the analysis values from the batch; state registration, where required, is filed by the seller. EU products follow feed-law labeling.
QC release
| Test | Why |
|---|---|
| Tablet weight, hardness, friability | Dose and durability |
| Active assay | Guaranteed analysis values |
| Salmonella (every batch) | Release criterion for pet products |
| TPC, yeast/mold, E. coli | Safety |
| Palatability (new flavors) | Acceptance |
What drives cost
- Actives — probiotics and glucosamine cost more than calcium and vitamins.
- Count and tablet size — 30 × 2.5 g vs 240 × 1 g.
- Palatant grade — natural hydrolysed protein palatants cost more than artificial flavor.
Stock pet products: private label pet supplements.
Frequently asked questions
Chewable tablet or soft chew?
Our stock pet products are pressed chewable tablets (2–2.5 g) — shelf-stable, no preservatives needed, accurate dosing. Soft chews (extruded, moist) are quoted per project.
How do you know dogs will eat it?
Palatability trials: a panel of dogs is offered the chew and acceptance is recorded. Chicken and peanut butter score highest; salmon is preferred for cats.
Can you make cat products?
Yes. Taurine powder and probiotic chews are cat-appropriate; doses and palatants differ from dog products, so species is fixed per SKU.
Is “dewormer” allowed on the label?
No. In the US that is an animal drug claim. Botanical digestive-support chews are labeled for digestive and immune support only.