Pet Food Formula Development Process: 6 Steps from Concept to Sampling

# Pet Food Formula Development Process

China's Ministry of Agriculture updated the Feed Ingredient Catalog with over 600 approved ingredients. But more options do not make formula development easier. A market-ready recipe goes through 6 steps.

Step 1: Define the product

• Target pet: all life stages / puppy / senior / kitten
• Direction: high protein / weight management / gut health
• Price band: premium / mid / value
• Process: extrusion / baking / fresh / freeze-dried

Step 2: Select ingredients

Choose protein sources, carbohydrates, and functional additions. Every ingredient must be on the approved catalog. The 2026 revision added some pet-friendly ingredients and removed others.

Step 3: Nutrient calculation

Balance to AAFCO or GB/T 31216:

• Crude protein and fat minimums
• Calcium to phosphorus ratio 1:1 to 2:1
• Taurine for cats
• Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio
• Calorie density

Step 4: Lab sampling and testing

• Palatability testing
• Process adaptability
• Lab nutrient analysis vs calculations
• Shelf-life accelerated testing

Step 5: Label compliance

Ingredients listed by weight descending, guaranteed analysis, life stage. No therapeutic claims. From June 2027, labels must match the new catalog.

Step 6: Pilot production

Lab recipes behave differently on the line. Run a 200-500 kg trial, observe, sample, and fine-tune.

What the brand provides

1. Product positioning

2. Competitor reference

3. Palatability feedback

4. Label copy approval

5. Avoid constant formula changes

If you are unsure which direction to start, Mixiaoqi pet food OEM/ODM has a formulation team that can help define positioning and sample across fresh, freeze-dried, and extrusion lines.

FAQ

How long does formula development take?

4-8 weeks depending on complexity and testing rounds.

Who owns the formula?

This can be negotiated in the contract; custom formulas typically belong to the brand.

What is new in the catalog?

Check Ministry of Agriculture announcement 1028 for the full list.