We know pet parents have thousands of options when it comes to choosing the right nutrition for their pet. We also know it can be difficult for veterinarians to know how to assess a pet food brand and determine if it’s right for their patients. That’s why we support the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and their published guidelines to help pet parents and their caregivers determine if Artie is right for them.
What to look for in a brand
1. Do they employ a Nutritionist?
At Artie, we have a team of nutrition, quality, and industry experts that form our Advisory Team providing round-the-clock consultation to ensure Artie diets optimize your pet’s health. This includes a lead formulator and animal nutritionist, a regulatory specialist and licensed veterinarian, and a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® with over a decade of clinical and veterinary experience.
To obtain a list of our experts, please email us directly at info@feedartie.com
2. Who formulates the diet?
Our delicious recipes are initially developed by our experienced lead formulator and animal nutritionist. Each formulation then undergoes rigorous examination and analysis by our collective nutrition team. They are thoroughly tested to ensure they are compliant with product guaranteed analyses, product claims, and product safety standards.
Our products are actively undergoing research and product testing to provide our pet parents (and their advising veterinarians) the most up-to-date and accurate information so they can best meet their pet's and patient's needs.
3. What is the quality control process for ingredients and finished products?
Each unique Artie diet is formulated using the most up-to-date formulation software which includes active updates to individual ingredient nutrient profiles. Additionally, our formulas take into consideration manufacturing and feeding practices, as well as shelf stability. Each formula is created under the guidance of our amazing scientific advisory team.
In addition to being formulated to meet (or safely exceed) nutrient levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for the life stage for which they are labelled (and thus intended), each recipe has also undergone nutrient analyses with experienced, third-party laboratories. Furthermore, our recipes will soon be undergoing feeding trials (exceeding AAFCO minimum diagnostics) to demonstrate they provide complete and balanced nutrition.
To ensure we are meeting (and exceeding) industry standards AND to ensure we provide only the safest and most nutritious of products, our quality control protocols are designed to cover all phases of the Artie manufacturing process:
- Each ingredient supplier undergoes stringent screening and quality control testing to ensure that they meet our required specifications.
- Each supplier is audited annually to ensure that they continue to meet our quality specifications.
- Certificates of analysis are provided for all incoming ingredients.
- Incoming shipments of ingredients are held and inspected to ensure product quality and nutrient specifications are met.
- During manufacturing, we document every step to ensure ingredients are traceable and the formulas are visually and analytically verified.
- Post-manufacturing, packages are inspected for seal integrity.
Lastly, finished products must undergo third-party laboratory analysis to ensure they meet our quality and nutrient specifications.
Additional manufacturing protocols to ensure production of a safe and quality product include:
- Microbiological testing
- X-Ray machines at the final step of production
- Calibrations are performed at the start of every production run and verified throughout the shift
- Retention of all lots produced through their documented expiration date
4. What kind of product research or nutrition studies have been conducted? Is it published in peer-reviewed journals?
Our products are undergoing strict and rigorous testing to ensure that your pet will thrive on our diet. These tests include (but are not limited to):
- Microbiologic / pathogen safety studies
- Nutrient and shelf-life analysis
- Palatability and acceptability
Additional tests planned or underway include:
- AAFCO feeding trials
- Exceeds AAFCO testing requirements
- Stool quality
- Digestibility
While we are one of the newer players to the game, and thus have no peer-reviewed journals to-date, once our current research is complete, we will be excited to share it with the world (via peer-reviewed journals, medical conferences, etc.) as we are committed to transparency!
What to look for on a label
1. Nutrition Adequacy Statement?
All Artie product labels clearly identify themselves as complete and balanced, as the product is intended. At this time, we have NO products that are considered for intermittent or complementary use.
All Artie diets that are complete and balanced indicate the intended life stage on the corresponding label, for which that product is appropriate. Potential life stages include:
- Adult maintenance
- Growth
- For dogs, including both OR either small or large breed (over 70lbs anticipated adult body weight)
- All life stages
- Would include nutrients required for growth (both sizes of puppies), gestation/ lactation/ reproduction, and adult maintenance
2. How many calories per gram or serving of food?
All Artie meal shipments provide information on the caloric density and value of each respective recipe.
Additionally, we include detailed nutritional information for each recipe on our website.
3. Does the company provide immediate contact information such as a phone number or email address?
All Artie product shipments include contact information, and we are always here to help.
- Please call us at 1-855-OK-ARTIE or 1-855-652-7843
- Email us at info@feedartie.com
4. Who makes the food?
While it is our goal to eventually own 100% of our own facilities, currently, we use reputable contact manufacturing facilities. This allows us to support our rapid and continuous growth while investing in product safety and innovation.
When facilities are welcomed into our family of contract manufacturers, they are required to follow (and document) strict quality control protocols. Additionally, these facilities are routinely audited as part of the Artie quality plan.
All Artie recipes are currently assembled, packaged and shipped from Lenexa, Kansas.
