Pet Food
Fresh, Natural, and Nutritional Raw and Fresh Diets for Pets
We provide scientifically validated, palatable, and safe all-natural diets that meet modern nutritional needs from ingredient sourcing and formulation to validation of microbial safety.
Pet Food Formulation & R&D Services
Raw / Fresh Diets
Raw and fresh pet diets, also referred to as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) replicate the natural feeding habits of pets by providing minimally processed and nutrient-rich complete meals. They are commonly referred to as Raw Meat-Based-Diets (RMBDs) and/or BARF, which could mean either “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” or “Bones and Raw Food.” They share characteristics of preys by natural hydration and textures and trust in their natural and ancestral nutrition.
Commercial raw diets are sold frozen, fresh or freeze dried and are available as complete meals and as supplements. However, there are concerns regarding pathogenicity, such as Salmonella and Listeria, as well as the cold chain of distribution which requires technology development and/or R&D, as well as quality controls.
Food Research Lab supports for the development of grain-free, novel protein, performance-based and custom raw meals suitable/exclusive to species/life stages, safety and nutrition.
Scientific and R&D Approach
The Food Research Lab utilizes a science-based approach to develop pet foods fresh and cooked:
Ingredient Profiling & Safety
Information about raw meat, organs, and produce: the safety of microbes and nutrient content.
Cold Chain Assurance
Verification of refrigerated and frozen supply chains to maintain product quality.
Customized Formulations
Recipes specific to life stage or health-therapeutic objectives related to digestibility and well-being.
Microbial Risk Reduction
A potential for hygienic controls combined with testing of rapid pathogens and processing technology.
Functional Additives
Probiotics, omega-3's, and botanicals are used to promote immunity and gut health.
-
- Natural, Minimal Processing: Offers species appropriate nutrition without artificial preservatives.
- High Palatability and Hydration: Like the natural dietary moisture of prey species.
- Life-Stage Specific: Indicates for growth, maintenance, or therapeutic nutritional needs.
- Cold Chain Dependent: Temperature must be adhered to for safety and freshness.
- We deliver herbal innovations to market that are safe, transparent, and market prepared across the globe.
-
- Protein Sources: High-quality meats, organs, and bones, with careful selection based on safety, digestibility, and nutrient density.
- Fats & Oils: Reserves for energy and cell health.
- Vegetables & Fruits: Selected for their fiber and antioxidant value.
- Functional Ingredients: Ingredients that support the immune system with botanicals and gut health.
- Sage: Often found in sprays and lozenges, cognitive support and soothing ability for the throat.
- Storage: Must be frozen or refrigerated and be thawed properly.
- Hydration: Foods are high moisture content reduces the need for separate drinking water.
- Handling: Considerable strict cold chain required for microbial safety.
- Suitability: Best for pet owners interested in raw or natural diets, safe handling of pet food must be part of the education.
| Life Stage | Nutritional Focus | Functional Benefits |
| Puppies/Kittens | High protein and DHA for cognitive and physical development | Supports cognitive viability and muscle development. |
| Adults | Balanced nutrition for energy and overall health | Supports wellness and maintains metabolism. |
| Seniors | Easily digestible protein, plus antioxidants | Supports aging joints and immune system, as well as digestive supports. |
| Therapeutics | Special diet(s) for allergies, weight management, and/or renal health | Targeted nutritional support for health needs. |
Targeted Product Formats
Frozen Patties
Frozen Chubs
Fresh Refrigerated Meals
Raw Mixers & Toppers
Therapeutic Raw Variants
Sous-Vide Cooked Meals
Dehydrated Raw Meals
FRL Service Scope – Raw / Fresh Diets
| Service Area | Description |
| Custom Formulation | Tailored recipes to include fresh proteins, new ingredients, and functional additives to raw diets. |
| Pilot-Scale Trials | Small volume production that emphasizes cold chain, texture, and freshness. |
| Microbial Validation | Rapid microbial testing and validating cold chain; risk of pathogens. |
| Nutrient Analysis | Full analysis of vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and availability of nutrients. |
| Sensory Trials | Acceptability testing of aroma, texture, and flavor in your target pet group. |
| Packaging Solutions | Create refrigerated/frozen packaging that promote food safety, freshness, and shelf-life. |
| Regulatory Support | Provide guidance for compliance, such as FSSAI, FSMA, AAFCO, FEDIAF, and other compliance related to raw food. |
| Scale-Up & Production | Provide support to transition from R&D to commercially viable frozen/fresh production. |
| Research & Innovation | Support development for cold chain technology, clean label raw formulations, functional ingredients. |
Process flow
Ingredient Sourcing & Profiling
Engage with trusted suppliers to source fresh meats, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. Perform microbial safety and nutrient profiling to ensure quality and safety.
Custom Formulation & Recipe Development
Design species- and life-stage-specific recipes incorporating balanced nutrients and functional additives like probiotics and botanicals for enhanced health benefits.
Pilot Production & Cold Chain Verification
Produce small batches with strict cold chain controls to maintain freshness, hydration, and natural texture. Validate ingredient integrity and microbial safety through intermediate testing.
Microbial & Nutrient Safety Validation
Conduct rapid pathogen testing and comprehensive nutrient analysis across batches. Employ hygienic risk reduction technologies such as HPP if required.
Sensory & Palatability Trials
Test aroma, texture, flavor, and acceptance with target pet groups under controlled conditions to ensure product wants and needs are met.
Packaging Design & Commercial Scale-Up
Develop solutions optimized for shelf-life and consumer convenience. Transition from pilot to commercial production with quality & regulatory compliance.
Why Choose FRL
- Clinical expertise in developing raw diets, and the cold chain aspect of a raw diet.
- Validated advanced microbial safety, monitoring, and risk reduction.
- Custom formulations developed according to species, health requirement, and life stage.
- Full comprehensive support, from research, formulation, to commercial scaling.
- Raw nutrition focus is to deliver nutrient-dense, authentic raw pet nutrition.
Let’s create something Innovative and Delicious together
Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.
