Kibble & Treats: Test Digestibility and Bioactivity.
We digest your finished product the way a dog or cat would, then measure what the released active does in species-matched cells.
Digestibility
Does the active survive gastric and pancreatic digestion and become available in the gut?
Bioactivity
Once released, does it produce a measurable response in dog or cat cells?
Three steps from bag to cell
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.
Digestion with gastric and pancreatic enzymes
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.
In-vitro bioavailability assay
We measure how much of the active becomes available after digestion — the fraction released from the finished matrix and free to reach the cells.
Bioactivity assay on cell model
We apply the digested, available fraction to a dog or cat cell model and record the biological response tied to your claim area.
The science areas we work in
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.
Digestive health and nutrient absorption
We read the digested product on intestinal cell models — barrier integrity and nutrient-uptake markers.
Skin and coat health
We assess responses in dermal and keratinocyte cell models linked to the skin barrier.
Immune and inflammatory response
We measure immune and inflammatory signaling in relevant canine or feline cell models.
Weight control and metabolic health
We look at metabolic activity in adipocyte and related cell models.
Simulated gastrointestinal digestion
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 areasIntestinal epithelial cell models
Gut-lining cells used to read barrier integrity and nutrient uptake after digestion.
Digestive health and nutrient absorptionImmune and inflammatory cell models
Cells that report immune and inflammatory signaling in response to the digested sample.
Immune and inflammatory responseDermal and keratinocyte cell models
Skin cells used to read responses linked to the skin barrier and coat condition.
Skin and coat healthAdipocyte and metabolic cell models
Fat and metabolic cells used to read metabolic activity markers.
Weight control and metabolic healthTwo ways to test
Ingredient level
Does your active have measurable activity in dog or cat cells? Faster, cleaner signal. The claim is about the ingredient.
Finished-matrix level
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.
We'll help you decide which one your claim needs.
What Data gets You
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.
Regulation (EC) 767/2009
Accepts documented company research as valid substantiation for feed claims.
Retained Regulation 767/2009
The retained version applies in Great Britain, with the same substantiation principle.
AAFCO model rules · FDA CVM
Claims on pet food are expected to be truthful and substantiated by documented data.
Disclaimer
In-vitro data shows biological activity at the cellular level. It is not a clinical outcome in a live animal.
Tell us about your product and claim. We design the test with you.
Answer three quick questions. We come back with the models and the level of test your claim needs.