Unleashing the Growth in the Pet Supplement Industry and why NASC Certification is So Important
Pet supplements that build consumer trust and confidence like NASC certification will rise to the top.
HAYWARD, Wisc. Mar. 26th, 2024 – Beehive Botanicals, Inc. (beehivebotanicals.com)
In the past few years, there has been a noticeable shift in the way we care for our furry companions. Beyond traditional pet care, owners are increasingly turning to supplements to enhance the health and well-being of their beloved pets. This has only accelerated since the Covid pandemic. This trend has sparked explosive growth in the pet supplement industry, with a plethora of products flooding the market that are tailored to address various pet health concerns. However, not all pet supplements are created equal and ensuring the safety and efficacy of these supplements has become of paramount concern. With this explosive growth, the increase in scams, mislabeled products and frankly dangerous unregulated pet supplements has also increased.
As pet owners have become more health-conscious themselves, they have extended this awareness to their pets. This has led to a surge in demand for pet supplements that promise to support everything from joint health and digestion to skin and coat care and pain management. Many experts have labeled this, “The Pet Wellness Boom”. Much like their human companions, as pets age, their nutritional needs change, and our understanding of this has further led to a demand for specialized supplements that target senior and geriatric (~10 yrs and older) pets. Research advancements in veterinary science and nutrition have also further fueled the development of innovative pet supplements in recent years.
Manufacturers have taken notice, and are increasingly investing in research and development to create products that are not only effective but also safe for pets. This has led to the introduction of a wide array of supplements containing ingredients such as glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants, among others. Whether it's chewable tablets, soft chews, liquids, powders, or even specialized diets fortified with supplements, there is something available for every pet and every lifestyle.
With the increasing popularity of pet supplements, there has been a corresponding emphasis on regulatory oversight and quality assurance. One such regulatory body is NASC (National Animal Supplement Council), first created in 2001. NASC is a non-profit industry group dedicated to improving the quality and safety of animal health supplements. For over 20 years now, NASC has worked with manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers to establish rigorous standards for the production and labeling of animal health supplements, including pet supplements.
NASC certified manufacturing for pet supplements signifies adherence to rigorous quality standards and provides reassurance to both pet owners and industry stakeholders. We all remember the pet food scare in 2007 where various brands of pet food had to be recalled after they were found to contain contaminated ingredients from China. An unspecified number of dogs and cats were found to have died from these contaminated pet foods sold in the US. The FDA ultimately found that the pet foods contained a contaminated version of wheat gluten, a protein additive. The wheat gluten, produced in China, had been contaminated with a substance called melamine and a melamine byproduct called cyanuric acid.
Regulatory bodies like NASC implement strict guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of pet supplements, including ingredient standards, manufacturing practices, and labeling requirements. This focus on quality control is essential for building consumer trust and confidence in the industry. This is also why using a contract manufacturer like Beehive Botanicals, that is a NASC certified manufacturer, to produce your pet supplements is so important.
One of the primary reasons NASC certification holds significance is its emphasis on ensuring quality and safety. NASC sets forth stringent guidelines for manufacturing processes, ingredient sourcing, and product testing. Suppliers and manufacturers seeking certification must comply with these standards, ensuring that the supplements meet high-quality benchmarks. This includes adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and thorough testing for contaminants, pathogens, and ingredient potency. For pet owners, this translates to peace of mind, knowing that the supplements they provide to their pets are safe and of superior quality.
Five Key Benchmarks Achieved for a Pet Supplement by a NASC Certification
Quality Assurance: NASC certification signifies that a manufacturer has met stringent quality control standards. These standards encompass every stage of the manufacturing process, from ingredient sourcing to product testing and packaging. By choosing NASC-certified products, pet owners can have confidence in the quality and efficacy of the supplements they provide to their pets.
Safety Assurance: Ensuring the safety of pet supplements is paramount. NASC-certified manufacturers adhere to strict guidelines to minimize the risk of contamination, adulteration, or other safety concerns. This includes rigorous testing to meet the required specifications. Additionally, NASC-certified manufacturers are required to report any adverse events associated with their products, further enhancing transparency and accountability.
Compliance with Regulations: NASC certification demonstrates a manufacturer's commitment to compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards. This includes adherence to labeling requirements, ingredient specifications, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). By choosing NASC-certified products, pet owners can have peace of mind knowing that the supplements they purchase meet or exceed regulatory standards.
Transparency and Accountability: NASC-certified manufacturers are committed to transparency and accountability within the pet supplement industry. This includes providing accurate and truthful information about their products, including ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and quality control measures. Manufacturers are required to maintain detailed records of sourcing, production, and testing, which are subject to periodic audits by NASC. This level of transparency fosters trust between suppliers, pet owners, and regulatory bodies, ensuring that products are accurately labeled and meet the stated claims. NASC also encourages open communication with consumers and welcomes feedback and inquiries about certified products.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Obtaining NASC certification is not a one-time achievement but rather a commitment to ongoing improvement and compliance. Certified suppliers and manufacturers must undergo regular audits and assessments to maintain their certification status. This continuous monitoring ensures that manufacturing practices remain up-to-date with evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements. Suppliers are also encouraged to participate in NASC's educational programs and initiatives aimed at promoting best practices and innovation within the pet supplement industry. For pet owners, this commitment to continuous improvement translates to access to cutting-edge products that prioritize safety, efficacy, and a pet’s well-being.
How to Identify NASC-Certified Pet Supplements
Pet owners can easily identify NASC-certified supplements by looking for the NASC quality seal on the product packaging. This seal serves as a symbol of excellence, authenticity and indicates that the product manufacturing has undergone rigorous quality control and meets the highest standards of safety. Pet owners can make informed decisions about the supplements they choose for their pets, knowing that NASC-certified products adhere to stringent standards of transparency and accountability.
NASC certification serves as a badge of honor within the pet supplement industry, signaling a Brand / Supplier's dedication to excellence and integrity. The Brand / Supplier of the pet supplement must achieve full NASC compliance to be able to carry the NASC quality seal on its products and that includes achieving compliance at every step in the process including the manufacturing of the pet supplement. Using a contract supplement manufacturer, like Beehive Botanicals, that can achieve the manufacturer’s portion of the NASC certification, goes a long way towards the Brand / Supplier subsequently achieving full NASC compliance and demonstrates the Brand’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and ethical business practices. This industry recognition not only instills trust among pet owners but also enhances the credibility and reputation of certified suppliers and manufacturers. Retailers and distributors often prioritize NASC-certified products, further amplifying their visibility and marketability.
Summary / Conclusion:
The explosive growth of the pet supplement industry reflects a fundamental shift in the way we care for our pets. With an increasing focus on preventive health, vitality, and longevity,, pet supplements have become an integral part of many pet owners' wellness routines. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear – the bond between pets and their owners has never been stronger, and the quest for better health has also been unleashed. Pet supplements that build consumer trust and confidence like NASC certification will rise to the top.
In an increasingly crowded marketplace, contract manufacturers like Beehive Botanicals that can achieve and maintain NASC certified manufacturing for pet supplements will stand out as a hallmark of excellence and trustworthiness. In turn, suppliers who attain NASC certification show a commitment to upholding rigorous standards of quality, safety, and transparency and will be rewarded in the marketplace. For pet owners, choosing NASC-certified products means selecting supplements that prioritize the health and well-being of their beloved furry companions and provides peace of mind. As the demand for pet supplements continues to grow, NASC certification remains a beacon of assurance, guiding consumers toward products that meet the highest standards of excellence in the industry.
About Beehive Botanicals: Beehive Botanicals nutritional and pet supplements are produced in an NASC and NSF-certified facility following strict GMPs and offers organic and Kosher certified options. For more information about our retail botanicals you can contact Beehive Botanicals via their website at beehivebotanicals.com or call directly at 800-233-4483. For questions about our supplement and botanical manufacturing services please visit our website at beehivebotanicals.net or call directly at 800-233-4483.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.