From concept to market-ready formula
Science-based formulation services for brand owners building the next generation of pet nutrition.
Services for pet food brands
Start with the service that matches your product, or bring the whole project. Each page explains the work in detail.
Formulation
Pet food formulationComplete and balanced formulas across every format Dog food formulationFresh, raw, kibble, freeze-dried, and puppy diets Cat food formulationFormulas built around feline nutrient requirements Pet supplement formulationDog and cat supplements, probiotics, and soft chewsReview and verification
Formula audit and reviewIndependent check of an existing formula’s adequacy Label reviewGuaranteed analysis, calories, and feeding guides Nutrient analysis and testing supportTest planning and lab result interpretation End-to-end product developmentSupport from concept through launch, belowWhat I formulate
Any format, any concept. Each format brings its own formulation challenges, from moisture and cooking yield to extrusion and shelf stability.
Not sure where to start?
Select the situation closest to yours to see the usual starting point.
The concept stage is the most cost-effective time to bring in a nutritionist. Species, life stage, format, and positioning set the limits for every decision after them, so getting them right first saves rework later.
Usual starting point
A draft formula is a strong start. The next step is checking it against nutrient targets, real ingredient specifications, and the process it will go through, before money goes into production.
Usual starting point
Products in market benefit from a fresh look after supplier changes, cost pressure, new claims, or a move to a new manufacturer. A review shows what, if anything, needs to change.
Usual starting point
Calculated values and lab results rarely match exactly. A discrepancy is a question to investigate, usually traced to ingredient variability, moisture, processing, or sampling, rather than proof that either is wrong.
Usual starting point
Supplements add their own questions: evidence at the proposed dose, species suitability, stability, and how the product’s intended use connects to its claims.
Usual starting point
Have a wild idea? Let’s make it happen.
Fresh cooked, raw, extruded, freeze-dried — or something no one’s tried yet. I bring the science; you bring the vision. Together we build something worth putting on shelves.
The process
Six stages from concept to continuous improvement. Not every project needs all six. Select a stage to see what it covers.
1Concept and feasibilityDefine the product before ingredients are locked in.
- Species, life stage, format, and nutritional purpose
- Competitive context and product positioning
- Technical feasibility from a nutrition perspective
- Ingredient sourcing considerations
2Formulation developmentBuild the formula around nutrient targets and real ingredient data.
- Macro, micro, and functional ingredient balancing
- Nutrient targets based on AAFCO nutrient profiles and NRC requirements, with FEDIAF guidelines for export-oriented products
- Palatability and digestibility testing guidance
- Evaluation on dry matter and calorie bases
Related: Pet food formulation services
3Testing and validationConfirm the finished product reflects the formula.
- Laboratory testing plans for nutrients, contaminants, and shelf life
- Interpretation of lab results and formula-to-lab comparisons
- Pilot run support and formula adjustments
Related: How pet food is formulated
4Manufacturing supportWork with your co-manufacturer so the formula holds up at scale.
- Accounting for processing losses, cooking yield, and moisture
- Formula efficiency and cost optimization
- Nutrition input into quality and food safety programs
5Labels and launchMake sure what is on pack matches what is in the product.
- Guaranteed analysis, calorie statement, and feeding guidelines
- Nutritional adequacy statement consistent with the formula
- Nutrition review of proposed marketing claims, alongside your regulatory advisor
Related: What AAFCO approval really means
6Continuous improvementKeep the line current after launch.
- Line extensions and new recipes
- Reformulation for supplier changes or cost
- Ongoing consulting support
Nutrition and formulation consulting works alongside your co-manufacturer, laboratory, food safety team, and regulatory or legal advisors. Final decisions on production release and regulatory compliance stay with your company and those partners.
Built for North American markets
Most clients sell in Canada, the United States, or both. Formulation is planned with the target market in mind from the start.
AAFCO-based formulation
- Formulating to AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles
- Nutrition support for complete and balanced claims
- Nutrition-related label content and feeding guidelines
Canadian market support
- Formulation for Canadian brands selling at home and into the US
- Health Canada Veterinary Health Products notification support for eligible supplements
FEDIAF guidelines
- FEDIAF nutritional guidelines for export-oriented formulas
- Comparing nutrient targets across standards
- Formulas planned for more than one market
Formulation and nutrition consulting is not legal advice. Market-specific labelling and regulatory questions should be confirmed with a qualified regulatory or legal professional.
Who you’ll work with
Andrea Geiger, MSc, is a Certified Companion Animal Nutritionist with a Master’s degree in Veterinary Toxicology and Nutrition from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.
That experience covers the practical side as well as the science: real ingredient specifications, lab results that need interpreting, and the constraints manufacturers work within. Learn more about Andrea.
Questions from brands
What services do you offer pet food brands?
Formulation for dog food, cat food, treats, and supplements; formula audits and reviews; nutrient analysis and testing support; label review from a nutrition perspective; and end-to-end product development support. See the pet food formulation services page for detail.
Do you work with startups?
Yes. Many projects start with a founder and a concept. The concept stage is the most cost-effective point to involve a nutritionist, because early decisions shape everything that follows.
Which pet food formats do you work with?
Fresh and gently cooked, raw, extruded kibble, baked, dehydrated, air-dried, freeze-dried, treats, and supplements, along with novel concepts.
Do you work with brands in both Canada and the United States?
Yes. Consulting is fully remote, and formulation is planned around the market or markets you intend to sell in.
Do you provide regulatory or legal services?
Formulation and nutrition consulting covers nutrient targets, adequacy, label content consistency, and supplement notification support where applicable. It is not legal advice, and it works alongside your regulatory and legal advisors rather than replacing them.
Can you manage manufacturing or sign off on production?
No. Support is consulting-only: working with your co-manufacturer on how the formula behaves in production. Production release and quality sign-off stay with your company and manufacturer.
How does pricing work?
Projects are quoted after a short scoping conversation, based on the number of formulas, format, and the support needed. See the project pricing guide for an overview of how projects are priced.
How do we get started?
Send a short description of your product concept, target species and life stage, format, and where you are in development through the contact page.
Have a concept, a draft formula, or a product that needs a second look?
Let’s discuss your product, your stage of development, and what support the project needs. A rough idea is enough to start the conversation.
Looking for help with your own pet’s diet? See nutrition strategies for pet owners.