Why NASC Certification Is Important for Animal Supplements

Approximately 40% to 60% of pet owners consider packaging and labels when shopping for animal supplements. These elements help customers decide if products seem effective and safe or potentially harmful for their pets. 

The appearance of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal on packaging can reassure even the most skeptical pet owners. Brands can only use this bright yellow seal if they obtain NASC approval for their pet supplements. Earning this prestigious credential helps companies entering this competitive market demonstrate product quality and gain consumer trust. 

What Is the NASC, and Why Is it Important in the Pet Supplement Industry?

The National Animal Supplement Council is a non-profit trade organization for pet supplement manufacturers, retailers, and ingredient suppliers. The association aims “to improve the quality and consistency of these products sold to consumers for the benefit of their dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals.”  

The NASC’s Quality Program promotes effective, high-quality, and safe animal supplements. This initiative sets the standard for best practices in pet supplement manufacturing. It establishes strict quality control standards for every aspect of creating pet supplements, including: 

• Raw material sourcing
• Manufacturing
• Labeling 
• Marketing 
• Adverse event reporting

Brands must adhere to these standards and pass regular third-party audits to earn NASC certification. This process allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to quality and practice transparency, strengthening brand reputation and credibility. 

NASC certification also builds consumer trust. Pet owners can feel confident that certified supplements have been vetted for quality and safety by an unbiased third party. 

History and Evolution of the National Animal Supplement Council

The NASC has a long and distinguished history in the pet supplement industry. 

In 1994, the United States Congress laid the groundwork for the organization when it passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). This law modified the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include a new category for dietary supplements. However, Congress didn’t include animal supplements within this category, so these products remained largely unregulated. 

In 2001, 18 companies—including  FoodScience, the parent company of Pet Tech Labs—formed the NASC to address the need for quality standards for pet supplements.

The NASC has two primary missions: “To promote the health and wellbeing of companion animals and horses that are given animal health supplements by their owners, and to protect and enhance the animal health supplement industry.”

Over the last two decades, nearly 300 pet supplement manufacturers have rallied around this mission by joining the NASC. Other key accomplishments include: 

• Collaborating with the Association of American Feed Control Officials to create pet supplement regulations 
• Developing the NASC Adverse Event Reporting System
• Founding the NASC Preferred Supplier Program to vet raw materials suppliers and other vendors 
• Organizing the NASC Annual Conference to educate members about the latest developments in pet supplement manufacturing 
• Publishing a ground-breaking safety study of canine cannabidiol supplements
  
  

Why Should Businesses Prioritize NASC Certification for Their Pet Supplements?

Businesses must invest significant time and effort to earn NASC certification. So you may wonder, is it worth it to get certified? 

The answer is yes. NASC certification offers many benefits for pet supplement businesses. Following the organization’s rigorous guidelines ensures your products meet industry standards for quality and safety. As a result, you’ll reduce the risk of adverse events that can harm pets and their owners. 

Additionally, NASC certification improves product credibility and marketability. Many pet owners recognize the NASC Quality Seal and look for the familiar yellow logo when choosing supplements. This certification can boost sales and help you stand out from competitors.

How Do Businesses Offering Pet Supplements Get NASC Certification?

Earning NASC certification involves several steps, including: 

• Comply with all NASC quality standards and labeling guidelines 
• Create a quality control manual that defines standard operating procedures
• Establish an adverse event reporting system 
• Verify label claims through random product testing by a third-party lab
• Attend NASC training annually 
• Pass an independent audit every two years 

These steps may seem simple, but many businesses encounter significant challenges during the certification process. For example, you may need to retrain staff to meet NASC manufacturing standards. Other common obstacles include developing an effective adverse event reporting system and sourcing high-quality ingredients.

The NASC certification process has a steep learning curve, so you’re more likely to encounter these issues if you try to navigate it alone. 

The Role of NASC-Certified Pet Supplement Manufacturers

The NASC certifies manufacturers, raw ingredients suppliers, and other vendors through its Preferred Suppliers program. Partnering with one of these companies can help you avoid roadblocks and earn NASC certification faster. 

NASC-certified pet supplement manufacturers must comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practices and uphold the NASC’s quality standards. The organization also requires them to pass an independent quality audit, which fosters accountability, integrity, and transparency. 

These manufacturers can provide invaluable assistance throughout the certification process. They’ll help you comply with manufacturing standards, create necessary documentation, source ingredients from reputable suppliers, and more. 

Deliver Consistent Quality With NASC Certification 

NASC certification is the gold standard of quality and safety in the pet supplement industry. Companies with this elite credential have proven they consistently meet industry best practices and rigorous quality standards. 

Obtaining NASC certification can streamline your entry into the pet supplement market. Your products will instantly gain credibility and familiarity when displaying the NASC Quality Seal. 

Get started by working with an NASC-certified manufacturer like Pet Tech Labs. We’ll help you navigate the certification process and create high-quality, safe supplements. 

Contact us today to learn more.