We digest your finished product the way a dog or cat would, then measure what the released active does in species-matched cells.
Does the active survive gastric and pancreatic digestion and become available in the gut?
Once released, does it produce a measurable response in dog or cat cells?
The method runs as a sequence. Each step feeds the next, so you follow the active from release, through availability, to how the cells respond.
We digest your finished kibble or treat with gastric and pancreatic enzymes, at canine or feline pH and timing. This releases the active the way the gut would.
We measure how much of the active becomes available after digestion — the fraction released from the finished matrix and free to reach the cells.
We apply the digested, available fraction to a dog or cat cell model and record the biological response tied to your claim area.
Each area is read in a dog or cat cell model, using markers tied to the claim. These are the areas we cover on this page.
We read the digested product on intestinal cell models — barrier integrity and nutrient-uptake markers.
We assess responses in dermal and keratinocyte cell models linked to the skin barrier.
We measure immune and inflammatory signaling in relevant canine or feline cell models.
We look at metabolic activity in adipocyte and related cell models.
A canine and feline digestion sequence — gastric and intestinal phases at species-relevant pH, enzymes, and timing. This releases the active from the finished kibble or treat before any cell work begins.
All areasGut-lining cells used to read barrier integrity and nutrient uptake after digestion.
Digestive health and nutrient absorptionCells that report immune and inflammatory signaling in response to the digested sample.
Immune and inflammatory responseSkin cells used to read responses linked to the skin barrier and coat condition.
Skin and coat healthFat and metabolic cells used to read metabolic activity markers.
Weight control and metabolic healthDoes your active have measurable activity in dog or cat cells? Faster, cleaner signal. The claim is about the ingredient.
Does that activity survive processing, at your real inclusion rate, in the finished kibble or treat? Harder to pass, more defensible. The claim is about the product on the shelf.
You get documented, species-specific biological data on how dog or cat cells respond to your digested product. Documented company research is recognised as valid substantiation in the markets you sell into.
Accepts documented company research as valid substantiation for feed claims.
The retained version applies in Great Britain, with the same substantiation principle.
Claims on pet food are expected to be truthful and substantiated by documented data.
In-vitro data shows biological activity at the cellular level. It is not a clinical outcome in a live animal.
Answer three quick questions. We come back with the models and the level of test your claim needs.
