How Are Wholesale Pet Vitamins and Supplements Produced?

The pet industry has recently seen a surge in demand for supplements and vitamins. As the market continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to understand the complex process of pet supplement manufacturing and manufacturers' crucial role in bringing high-quality, certified supplements to consumers nationwide.

This article explores the basics of wholesale pet vitamin and supplement manufacturing, from sourcing quality ingredients to meeting regulatory standards.

The Basics of Pet Supplement Production

While a high-quality diet can provide a healthy foundation for pets, it may not consistently deliver the comprehensive support they need. Pet supplements and vitamins are designed to support their well-being at any stage of life, with minerals, vitamins, and micronutrients to promote healthy development. 

Pet supplements come in many forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, granules, liquids, and soft chews. The best supplements contain ingredients backed by thorough nutritional research and testing. 

These are just a few of the key ingredients commonly used in pet supplements: 

• Chondroitin 
• Glucosamine 
• MSM
• Omega-3 fatty acids 
• Probiotics
• Antioxidants 

Pet supplements can also include vitamins & minerals, such as: 

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Calcium 
• Magnesium 
• Vitamin B complex 
• Potassium 
• Zinc
• Iron

Sourcing of Ingredients

Ingredient sourcing matters in wholesale pet supplements. The quality and purity of ingredients can directly impact pets' well-being.

Quality ingredients, like herbs, vitamins, and minerals, provide nutritional value and be easily digestible. 

Working with reputable suppliers allows wholesale pet supplement manufacturers to ensure the highest quality sourcing. Suppliers should be transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes and have a strong track record for consistent quality. They must also conduct rigorous testing to guarantee all ingredients' safety, purity, and quality. 

Manufacturing Process

The exact manufacturing process will depend on the form of the supplement. Each type of supplement — tablets, capsules, granules, liquids, and chews — has different formula requirements. The basic steps, however, are the same. 

First, manufacturers ensure measurements meet the product's dosage needs. Then, they blend the ingredients for an even distribution. The type of machinery used to mix the ingredients depends on the materials being processed. However, it can include paddle blenders, ribbon blenders, powder mixers, grinders, and more. 

Once all the ingredients are blended for consistent potency, they may need to undergo the extrusion process, where materials are melted or cooked and then extruded by a machine to produce the final product. Most conventional extrusion processes use high heat levels, but manufacturers may also choose a cold extrusion process. Cold extrusion can help preserve nutrients and improve shelf life without additional preservatives. 

For products like soft chews, manufacturers put the post-extrusion ingredients through a mold to shape them based on the preferred delivery form. For other types of products, manufacturers may use equipment like capsule-filling machines and tablet presses.

Finally, products are rigorously tested to confirm they meet all federal and state-level requirements. Once they meet quality control standards, they’re bottled and labeled for final use. 

Quality Control and Safety Standards

To produce wholesale pet supplements and vitamins, manufacturers must strictly follow the regulations of agencies like the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). 

According to the FDA’s guidelines, there is no regulatory classification for “dietary supplements” for animals. 

However, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine states that they will “generally not object” to marketing pet nutritional supplements as long as they conform to certain restrictions. There must be: 

• A known need for each nutrition ingredient in the product 
• Labeling that accurately represents the product for use only in supplementation and not as a substitute 
• A meaningful amount of each of the nutrients it contains 
• Packaging that doesn’t make claims about disease prevention or make any other false or misleading claims 

While the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine can take regulatory action against products violating this policy, there isn’t a standardized system for monitoring the pet supplement market. Most regulation and enforcement takes place on a state-by-state level. It’s the responsibility of the wholesale manufacturer to know and follow regulations set by each state.

The NASC also has a set of quality standards for manufacturers and retailers to follow. To display the NASC Quality Seal on its products, a company must follow Good Manufacturing Practice standards (GMPs) to ensure products are produced consistently and according to documented quality standards. NASC members must also pass a comprehensive audit every two years, participate in continuing education programs, and pass random independent product testing.

Producing Wholesale Pet Vitamins and Supplements With a Manufacturer

Manufacturing pet vitamins and supplements requires a deep understanding of pet nutrition science and the manufacturing processes necessary to produce safe, effective, and compliant products. Everything from sourcing to labeling must be done with strict quality control standards. 

Working with reputable manufacturers and suppliers is critical to navigating this process successfully. An experienced and professional manufacturer can provide your customers with top-quality products that meet or exceed industry standards.

About Pet Tech Labs

Pet Tech Labs sets the gold standard for companies looking for top-quality pet supplements and private labeling or contract manufacturing solutions.  As a part of the FoodScience® family of brands, we are guided by a commitment to the highest standards of excellence in nutritional supplements, customer care, and community involvement.

Whether you want to private label one of our existing formulas or manufacture one of your own, you will get personalized service throughout the engagement. Our representatives will meet with you one-on-one to ensure we understand your vision, product requirements, and cost threshold. Our specialists will consult you throughout the process on maximizing efficiency and profitability.