How Shelf Life Testing Works for Pet Food and Animal Products

03 Jul How Shelf Life Testing Works for Pet Food and Animal Products

As the pet food and animal product market continues to expand with more brands emphasizing quality, transparency, and safety, shelf life testing has become an essential part of product development and compliance. Whether you’re formulating kibble, treats, raw food, or supplements, understanding the shelf life of your product protects both animals and your brand’s reputation.

In this blog post, we’ll break down how shelf life testing works for pet food and animal products — and what you need to know if you’re developing one.

What Is Shelf Life Testing?

Shelf life testing determines how long a pet food or animal product remains safe, nutritious, and palatable under specific storage conditions. It considers microbial growth, chemical stability, physical changes, and sensory quality. The goal is to identify the expiration or “best by” date for labeling and consumer safety.

Why It Matters for Pet Food and Animal Products

Unlike human foods, pet foods often include ingredients like meat meals, fish oils, or raw elements that can spoil quickly or oxidize over time. Regulatory bodies like the FDA, AAFCO, and CFIA require products to be safe throughout their shelf life. Expired or unstable pet food can lead to:

• Nutrient degradation (e.g., loss of vitamin potency)

• Rancidity or off-odors

• Mold or pathogen growth (like Salmonella or Listeria)

• Consumer complaints and potential recalls

The Shelf Life Testing Process: Step-by-Step

1. Define Product Type and Packaging

Shelf life is influenced by product type (dry kibble, canned, raw frozen, treats) and packaging (vacuum-sealed, resealable pouches, cans). Different product formats require different protocols.

2. Baseline Microbiological & Chemical Analysis

Initial testing assesses the product’s microbial profile (yeast, mold, total plate count, pathogens) and chemical parameters (moisture, fat content, water activity, oxidation levels).

3. Storage Conditions Simulation

Samples are stored in real-time or accelerated conditions:

• Real-time: Product is stored under normal expected conditions (e.g., room temp or refrigerated).

• Accelerated: Samples are stored at elevated temperatures (typically 35–45°C) to simulate aging faster.

4. Periodic Testing Intervals

Samples are pulled and tested at regular intervals (e.g., every 30, 60, 90 days) for:

• Microbial stability

• Rancidity and oxidation (peroxide values, TBA)

• Nutrient degradation (especially fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E)

• Sensory analysis (color, odor, texture)

• Moisture loss or clumping

5. Water Activity (Aw) and Moisture Control

Especially in semi-moist and dehydrated pet treats, water activity is a critical factor. A low water activity reduces the risk of microbial growth and extends shelf life.

6. Final Shelf Life Determination

Based on results, the product is assigned a conservative “Best By” or expiration date. This is typically the last point where the product meets all safety, nutritional, and sensory criteria.

Common Shelf Life by Product Type

Do You Need Shelf Life Testing?

You likely need shelf life testing if:

• You’re launching a new product

• You’re changing packaging or switching ingredients

• You need to meet retail, export, or regulatory requirements

• You want to substantiate your product’s “Best By” date

Trust United Food Labs for Shelf Life Testing

At United Food Labs, we provide comprehensive shelf life testing for pet food and animal products across the U.S., including:

• Microbial testing

• Water activity and moisture

• Fat oxidation (rancidity)

• Nutritional stability

• Accelerated aging studies

Whether you’re launching a new formula or need to validate your current shelf life claims, we’re here to support your product’s safety and success.

📍 Locations in California, Washington, North Carolina, and Connecticut
📞 Call us at 818-749-2751 or 📧 info@unitedfoodlabs.com

Need shelf life testing for your pet food product?
Contact United Food Labs to get started today.