The formulation of pet food ingredients is important to support the health and growth of companion animals and to overall well-being. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India has prescribed IS 11968:2019 which is limited to pet food and more specifically, pet food for dogs and cats, as part of these relevant regulatory provisions outlining the ingredients of pet food. Compliance with these regulatory provisions as it outlines ingredient specifications in the production of dog and cat pet food, safety, adequacy of nutrition, and traceability of pet food products to assure manufacturers are producing safe and nutritionally adequate pet food products to national standards. This article provides an overview of the key ingredient provisions, feed materials allowed, and the principles for safe and responsible production of pet food to support pet food product development.
Ingredient Regulations – What Ingredients Are Allowed in Pet Food by IS 11968:2019
The formulation of pet food ingredients is important to support the health and growth of companion animals and to overall well-being. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India has prescribed IS 11968:2019 which is limited to pet food and more specifically, pet food for dogs and cats, as part of these relevant regulatory provisions outlining the ingredients of pet food. Compliance with these regulatory provisions as it outlines ingredient specifications in the production of dog and cat pet food, safety, adequacy of nutrition, and traceability of pet food products to assure manufacturers are producing safe and nutritionally adequate pet food products to national standards. This article provides an overview of the key ingredient provisions, feed materials allowed, and the principles for safe and responsible production of pet food to support pet food product development.
1. Overview of Ingredient Regulations
IS 11968:2019 establishes protocols for ingredients in pet nutrition product development, outlining safety, nutrition adequacy, and traceability. The standard outlines the following ingredient categories to assist manufacturers:
- Animal-Derived Ingredients – such as protein from meat, meat by-products, milk, and eggs.
- Plant-derived ingredients – such as protein from grains and legumes, and plant protein concentrates.
- Additives – such as Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids, and acceptable preservatives.
- Functional Ingredients – such as fiber-containing materials, omega fatty acids, and probiotics.
The final composition for all ingredients must meet specifications for quality, purity and safety before being used, as well as acceptable documentation for determining pedigree and processing. This ensures consistency in Dog & Cat nutrition product development. [1]
2. Animal-Derived Ingredients
For pets to grow and maintain their bodies, they need adequate protein, fats, and micronutrients from ingredients that contain animal-based sources, including:
- Meat and Meat By-Products: Beef, chicken, lamb, and fish are acceptable; organ meats yielding nutrient dense components, like liver, kidney, and heart, are also permitted. Concerns include that no harmful or prohibited organ meats are included as by-products.
- Milk and Dairy Ingredients: Providing milk, whey, and milk products, if they are without contaminants.
- Eggs: Fresh (also dried) eggs can be appropriately provided as high quality protein source.
All animal-derived sources must come from healthy animals, be handled in sanitary conditions, and be tested to confirm no exposure to harmful pathogens, supporting safe Pet food formulation & development.
3. Plant-Derived Ingredients
Food sources from plant ingredients are carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and important micronutrients.
- Cereal grains: Such as rice, corn, wheat and barley can provide energy and fiber. Typical inclusion of cereal: 20-40%.
- Legumes and pulses: Like soybean, chickpea, lentils, and peas can provide high protein and fiber. Typical inclusion of legumes and pulses: 5-15%.
- Vegetables and fruits: Including carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries can be included for added fiber, vitamins, and/or antioxidants. Typical inclusion of vegetables/fruits: 2-5%.
- Plant protein concentrates: including options like soy protein, pea protein isolates, and wheat gluten, provide digestible plant protein. Typical inclusion of plant protein concentrations: 5-15%.
Plant ingredients must avoid mycotoxins, heavy metals, or pesticide residues, ensuring high-quality pet meals product development. [2]
4. Permitted Additives
IS 11968:2019 limits all additives to those which are safe, wholesome, and scientifically warranted:
- Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium (0.5–1.5%), Phosphorus (0.4–1.2%), Zinc (50–150 mg/kg), Iron (50–120 mg/kg), Vitamin A (10,000–50,000 IU/kg), Vitamin D3 (1,000–3,000 IU/kg), B-complex vitamins (according to the recommended daily allowance).
- Amino Acids: Taurine (essential for cats, 0.05–0.1%), Methionine for dogs (0.03–0.6%).
- Preservatives: Natural antioxidants such as mixed tocopherols (up to 0.1%) or approved synthetic preservatives according to limits.
- Flavor Enhancers: Preservatives permissible at levels that do not exceed sensory levels or safety limits.
Additives must be listed on the label to support Pet food product innovation and maintain transparency.
5. Functional Ingredients
Functional ingredients are ingredients that may have health benefits:
- Sources of Fiber: Beet pulp, chicory, and psyllium aid in digestive health (normally added at 2-5% on a dry matter basis).
- Fatty Acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids contribute to skin, coat, and joint health. Typically, they are added at levels of between 0.3-0.5%.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: They assist in the gut microbiota and support immunity.
- Antioxidants: Vitamin E, or plant-derived antioxidants can help mitigate oxidative stress. [3]
Levels must be evidence-supported and complement critical nutrients, enhancing overall pet food product development.
Table1: Permitted Ingredients, Levels, and Example Products in Pet Food (IS 11968:2019)
Ingredient | Permitted Level | Purpose | Example Product |
Meat (chicken, beef, fish) | 30–60% DM | Protein, fat | Royal Canin Maxi Puppy |
Organ Meats (liver, kidney, heart) | 2–10% | Micronutrients, vitamins | Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Lamb & Rice |
Milk / Dairy | 5–15% | Protein, calcium | Royal Canin Babycat Milk |
Eggs | 2–5% | Protein, amino acids | Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog |
Cereals (rice, corn, wheat, barley) | 20–40% | Carbs, fiber | Royal Canin Adult Dog |
Legumes / Pulses | 5–15% | Protein, fiber | Orijen Original Dry Dog Food |
Vegetables & Fruits | 2–5% | Vitamins, antioxidants | Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog |
Plant Protein Concentrates | 5–15% | Digestible protein | Acana Pacifica Dry Cat Food |
Vitamins & Minerals | As per RDA | Growth, bone, metabolism | Royal Canin Mini Adult Dog |
Amino Acids (Taurine, Methionine) | Taurine 0.05–0.1%, Methionine 0.3–0.6% | Heart, eye health | Royal Canin Feline Adult |
Preservatives | ≤0.1% | Prevent spoilage | Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog |
Fiber (beet pulp, chicory, psyllium) | 2–5% | Digestive health | Royal Canin Digestive Care Dog |
Omega Fatty Acids | 0.3–0.5% | Skin, coat, joints | Orijen Original Dry Dog Food |
Probiotics / Prebiotics | As justified | Gut, immunity | Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog |
Antioxidants (Vitamin E, plant extracts) | As justified | Reduce oxidative stress | Royal Canin Aging 12+ Dog |
6. Ingredients That Should Be Avoided
Some components are either banned or restricted for safety considerations.
- Animal based products bought from animals that have been or are ill.
- Animal parts not fit for human consumption.
- Ingredients that contain heavy metals or chemical residues that exceed limits established by health authorities.
- Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that a person doesn’t have to control of the standard.
- By-products made from ingredients that were unknown or not traceable. [4]
Manufacturers would be expected to provide tight quality control testing and traceability under a premise of no unsafe ingredients being included.
Table 2: Ingredients to Avoid in Pet Food
Ingredient Category | Examples / Details | Reason to Avoid |
Meat or Dairy from Diseased Animals | Sick or unfit animals | Risk of transmitting pathogens and toxins |
Unapproved Animal Parts | Bones, hooves, horns, inedible by-products | Unsafe or indigestible for pets |
Contaminated Ingredients | Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), pesticide residues | Toxicity, long-term health risks |
Unauthorized Additives | Synthetic colors, flavors, preservatives not approved | Potential toxicity and regulatory non-compliance |
Unknown/Non-Traceable By-Products | Ingredients with unclear origin or processing | Cannot guarantee safety or quality |
Spoiled or Rancid Fats | Oxidized fats or oils | Digestive issues, reduced nutrient value, potential toxicity |
Toxic Plants or Plant Derivatives | Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate | Toxic to dogs/cats, can cause organ damage |
Pathogen-Contaminated Ingredients | Salmonella, Listeria, mycotoxin-producing molds | Foodborne illnesses, severe health risks |
7. Ingredient Sourcing and Traceability
IS 11968:2019 stresses the responsibility to transparently source ingredients and ingredients:
- Suppliers are responsible for providing certificates of analysis for all raw materials.
- Ingredients are sourced from suppliers that trace the ingredient back to its source to isolate the source of any contaminations.
- Routine testing is performed to ensure that what is stated on the label meets compliance for nutrition and safety.
Implementing traceable sourcing and batch verification ensures the integrity of pet nutrition product development and builds consumer trust.
8. Labelling requirements for ingredients
Ingredient regulations operate on the labeling:
- All ingredients must be listed on the label in weight descending order.
- Additives and functional ingredients must identify and label for their functional purpose.
- Claims such as “rich in protein” and “fortified with vitamins,” must any practical analysis. [5] [6]
Ensure labelling is as accurate as possible to inform pet owners that the product meets the standards of IS 11968:2019 as it relates to pet nutrition product development for Dogs & Cats.
Conclusion
It is essential for the development of safe, wholesome, and marketable pet food to comply with IS 11968: 2019. By sourcing high-quality ingredients, using approved additives, and ensuring traceability, manufacturers can develop reliable pet food product development processes that support the health and wellness of dogs and cats. A transparent ingredient sourcing builds consumer confidence and enhances the reputation of the brand.
Working with the Food Research Lab, offers expertise relative to ingredient sourcing, verifying quality, and formulation, in addition to regulatory compliance and optimized pet nutrition product development.
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