What Certifications Are Needed for Pet Supplements?

The pet supplement industry is growing rapidly, with the global pet care market expected to exceed $32 billion by 2028. 

Understanding what certifications you need for pet supplements is the first step for entrepreneurs entering this booming market.

With multiple agencies overseeing pet supplements, proper certifications ensure product quality, build consumer trust, and safeguard against legal issues, making compliance critical for success.

Essential Certifications Needed for Pet Supplement Brands

While no single mandatory certification exists specifically for pet supplements, several voluntary certifications have become industry standards that signal quality and compliance to consumers and retailers.

National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)

The NASC Quality Seal is perhaps the most recognized and respected certification in the pet supplement industry. To earn this certification, companies must:

• Submit to regular facility audits
• Implement adverse event reporting systems
• Follow strict quality control protocols
• Adhere to specific labeling guidelines
• Comply with NASC warning statements for product categories

The NASC seal signals to consumers that a supplement manufacturer follows best practices and maintains high-quality standards.

This certification has become particularly valuable for private labels looking to establish credibility in a crowded marketplace.

Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)

While not pet-specific, cGMP certification demonstrates that a supplement is manufactured according to quality standards. Pet supplement manufacturers should adhere to:

• FDA's cGMP for animal food (21 CFR Part 507)
• Quality control testing protocols
• Proper facility maintenance standards
• Documentation and record-keeping practices

Many pet supplement manufacturers choose to follow human supplement cGMP standards, which are often more rigorous and can provide additional quality assurance to consumers.

Third-Party Testing Certifications

Independent laboratory testing provides additional verification of product quality and safety. Valuable third-party certifications include:

NSF International Certification

NSF certification verifies that products:

• Contain ingredients listed on the label
• Don't contain harmful levels of contaminants
• They are manufactured at a facility that meets quality standards

ISO Certifications

Various ISO certifications demonstrate adherence to international standards for:

• Quality management systems (ISO 9001)
• Environmental management (ISO 14001)
• Food safety management systems (ISO 22000)

Pro Tip: When developing private label food supplements for pets, prioritize manufacturers who maintain both NASC and cGMP certifications. 

This dual certification significantly reduces compliance risks and provides stronger marketing advantages, as studies show over 70% of pet owners research supplement quality before purchasing.

Quality Assurance Certifications That Build Consumer Trust

Beyond regulatory compliance, certain quality assurance certifications can differentiate your pet supplement brand in the marketplace.

Organic Certifications

For pet supplements containing organic ingredients, USDA Organic certification or equivalent international standards verify that ingredients are produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. Requirements include:

• At least 95% certified organic ingredients for the "Organic" label
• Documentation of organic sourcing
• Segregation from non-organic materials
• Regular inspections and audits

Non-GMO Verification

The Non-GMO Project Verified seal assures consumers that supplements don't contain genetically modified organisms. This certification requires:

• Ingredient testing
• Supply chain traceability
• Ongoing compliance monitoring

Clean Label Project

This nonprofit organization tests products for industrial and environmental contaminants not typically found on ingredient labels. Their certification evaluates:

• Heavy metals
• Pesticide residues
• Plasticizers and other chemicals
• Overall product purity

Labeling Requirements and Claims Compliance

Proper labeling is crucial for pet supplement compliance and directly ties to certification requirements.

Required Label Elements

Pet supplement labels must typically include:

• Product name
• Net weight/quantity
• Guaranteed analysis of active ingredients
• Ingredient list
• Manufacturer/distributor information
• Directions for use
• Appropriate warning statements

Claims Limitations

Understanding what claims can be made on pet supplements is essential. Generally:

• Structure/function claims (e.g., "supports healthy joints") are permitted with proper substantiation
• Disease claims (e.g., "treats arthritis") require FDA approval as animal drugs
• “Natural" claims should comply with AAFCO's definition

Ensuring claims compliance is an integral part of certification for pet supplements. Making unsubstantiated or inappropriate claims can result in regulatory action regardless of other certifications held.

Manufacturing Partner Selection and Certification Verification

Choosing the right manufacturing partner is critical for ensuring your pet supplements meet all necessary certification requirements.

Evaluating Manufacturing Partners

When selecting a manufacturing partner for your private label pet products, verify their:

• Current certifications and compliance history
• Quality control protocols
• Testing capabilities and procedures
• Recall preparedness
• Ingredient sourcing standards

Ask for documentation of all relevant certifications and inquire about their renewal dates to ensure ongoing compliance.

Conducting Supplier Audits

Even with certified manufacturers, conducting your due diligence is important:

• Request facility tours when possible
• Review quality control documentation
• Verify testing protocols
• Check ingredient specifications
• Ensure label compliance with your target markets

International Considerations for Pet Supplement Certification

For brands planning international distribution, additional certification requirements apply.

European Union Requirements

The EU regulates pet supplements primarily as feed additives under Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, which requires:

• Registration in the EU Register of Feed Additives
• Compliance with specific labeling requirements
• Safety assessments for novel ingredients
• Quality control documentation

Canadian Regulations

In Canada, pet supplements are regulated as veterinary health products or livestock feeds, requiring:

• Registration with the Veterinary Drugs Directorate or the Animal Feed Division
• Compliance with the Health of Animals Regulations
• Bilingual labeling in English and French

Asian Market Certifications

Major Asian markets like Japan and South Korea have their certification requirements for pet supplements:

• Japan: Compliance with the Pet Food Safety Act
• South Korea: Registration with the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency

Building a Certification Strategy for Your Pet Supplement Brand

Creating a comprehensive certification strategy helps ensure compliance while maximizing market opportunities.

Prioritizing Certifications Based on Business Goals

Consider these factors when determining which certifications to pursue:

• Target market expectations and requirements
• Distribution channels (retail vs. direct-to-consumer)
• Price positioning and brand identity
• Core product claims and ingredients
• Budget constraints for certification processes

Different paths may make sense depending on whether you're focusing on specialty pet supplements or mass-market products.

Documentation and Compliance Systems

Maintaining certification requires robust documentation systems:

• Ingredient specifications and certificates of analysis
• Manufacturing batch records
• Stability testing data
• Adverse event reporting systems
• Label approval records

Implementing a quality management system that tracks these elements is essential for certification maintenance.

Leveraging Certifications in Marketing and Branding

Once obtained, certifications should be strategically incorporated into your marketing approach.

Effectively Communicating Certifications to Consumers

Showcase your certifications through:

• Prominent seal placement on packaging
• Dedicated website sections explaining certification significance
• Educational content about what certifications mean for pet health
• Retailer education materials

The most successful pet supplement brands don't just display certification logos—they educate consumers about why these certifications matter for their pets' wellbeing.

Certification as a Competitive Advantage

In the growing pet supplements market, proper certification can provide significant competitive advantages:

• Higher consumer trust leads to better conversion rates
• Preferred positioning with specialty retailers
• Premium pricing opportunities
• Reduced regulatory risk
• Enhanced brand reputation

Launching Your Certified Pet Supplement Brand

With proper certifications in place, you're positioned to successfully launch your pet supplement line with confidence and compliance.

Working with a Specialized Manufacturing Partner

Partnering with an experienced private label manufacturer can streamline the certification process. A good manufacturing partner will:

• Guide you through certification requirements
• Provide compliant base formulations
• Handle testing and documentation
• Ensure proper labeling
• Support quality control measures

This partnership approach can significantly reduce the complexity of bringing certified pet supplements to market.

Maintaining Certification Compliance

Remember that certification is an ongoing process, not a one-time achievement. Plan for:

• Regular renewal fees and processes
• Updated testing requirements
• Continuing education on regulatory changes
• Periodic facility inspections
• Formula reviews when ingredients change

Wisdom from the Expert’s World: Certification Strategy with Ingredient Sourcing

Don’t just rely on certifications—verify the source and traceability of each ingredient. Experienced brands often overlook this, but sourcing transparency is also key. 

Ensure your raw materials are certified organic, non-GMO, or even fair trade, as this adds credibility to your products.

Aligning certifications like USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified with ingredient sourcing strengthens your product’s authenticity. 

This not only boosts your brand’s reputation but also creates a compelling story that resonates with ethical pet owners.

Turning Pet Supplement Certification into Business Success

Navigating pet supplement certifications may seem complex, but it's a vital step toward building consumer trust. Certifications like NASC and cGMP ensure compliance while signaling quality and transparency to pet parents who demand the best for their companions.

Partnering with trusted manufacturers and setting up strong compliance systems helps your brand stand out and avoid regulatory pitfalls. 

It's more than a requirement—it's a chance to show your commitment to pet health and safety in a highly competitive market.