Nearly 66% of all households in the United States own a pet, with the majority owning a cat or dog. As a result, it’s no surprise that the pet supplement market in the United States was valued at $716.2 million in 2021 and is forecasted to grow exponentially by 2023. These statistics show the massive potential of the pet supplement market.
If you’re looking to capitalize on the growing demand for pet supplements, choosing the right manufacturer is essential. Your chosen manufacturer will be responsible for producing high-quality, safe, and effective supplements that meet the needs of your customers and their pets.
But with so many pet supplement manufacturers on the market, choosing the right one can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are various factors you can look for to ensure you’re selecting a reliable manufacturer.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a pet supplement manufacturer. From certifications to turnaround times, we’ll explore the essentials to consider to help you make an informed decision.
11 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet Supplement Manufacturer
Choosing a pet supplement manufacturer is a critical decision that can make or break your business. If you want to set yourself up for success and stand out from the competition, here are tips on how to select the best pet supplement manufacturer:
1. Research the Manufacturer's Experience and Reputation
Look for manufacturers with a proven track record of producing high-quality supplements. Generally, experienced manufacturers with decades of experience have better technical know-how and knowledge of industry regulations.
However, while a company’s experience can reveal a lot about its reputation, don’t settle for the company that’s been in business the longest. Check out reviews from other businesses and customers to learn more about the company’s reputation.
A reputable manufacturer should have positive feedback regarding the effectiveness of their products, customer service, and turnaround times. If the pet supplement manufacturer you’re considering has many unfavorable reviews, you might want to explore other options.
Check out industry forums, social media sites, and company review sites to gauge a manufacturer’s reputation.
2. Verify Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory agencies ensure that pet supplements conform to stringent standards. They ensure pet supplements are safe, effective, and properly labeled and packaged.
Check if the manufacturer follows guidelines from relevant agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Compliance with regulations by these agencies not only demonstrates a manufacturer’s commitment to industry standards but also its dedication to providing safe and effective pet supplements.
As a rule of thumb, request the manufacturer for documentation proving FDA regulatory compliance during your vetting process.
3. Look for Relevant Certifications
Certifications are another tangible indicator of a pet supplement manufacturer’s commitment to quality and safety. Investigate whether the manufacturer holds recognized certifications within the pet supplement industry.
Some key third-party certifications include:
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification
- National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification
- National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) certification
These certifications demonstrate that the manufacturer follows best production practices, ensuring that your pet supplements meet high standards for quality and safety. Prioritize manufacturers with relevant third-party certifications, as they instill consumer confidence in your products.
4. Review the Manufacturer's Product Offerings
Examine the manufacturer’s supplement range. Ideally, the manufacturer should offer a wide range of pet supplements to meet the needs of your customers and their pets.
Additionally, check whether the manufacturer produces supplements for different types of pets or health conditions your business aims to address. For instance, if you want to provide pet supplements for senior dogs with arthritis, you’ll want to choose a manufacturer capable of producing such supplements.
Generally, a manufacturer with a varied and well-developed product line will likely possess expertise in producing supplements tailored to different needs.
5. Ask About Research and Development Capabilities
Staying ahead of the competition in the pet supplement industry requires continuous innovation. Inquire about the manufacturer’s research and development (R&D) capabilities to assess their commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements.
Ask about their approach to product development, including how they keep up with emerging ingredients and scientific research related to pet nutrition. A manufacturer with a robust R&D department is more likely to introduce advanced formulations and offer pet supplements that align with evolving consumer demands and scientific developments.
6. Inquire About Minimum Order Requirements
Different manufacturers have different policies regarding their minimum order requirements. Inquire about these order requirements to ensure they align with your business scale and goals.
Evaluate your current and projected sales volumes to determine whether the manufacturer’s minimum order quantities are viable for your business. While some manufacturers may offer flexible order quantities or scaling as your business expands, others may be more rigid.
Choose a manufacturer with minimum order requirements ideal for your business to help you plan your inventory and avoid overstocking or understocking issues.
7. Find Out About Turnaround Time
Ask about the manufacturer’s turnaround time, from initiating an order to delivering the finished product. Clarify the expected duration for each stage of the manufacturing process, including formulation, testing, and packaging. Doing so can allow you to plan your inventory and promptly meet your customers’ demands.
However, while fast lead times may make a manufacturer appealing, don’t settle for the fastest option, as swift lead times could indicate that a manufacturer isn’t doing a thorough job. Instead, assess the manufacturer’s turnaround time against quality control measures to choose a manufacturer that offers reasonable turnaround times without compromising on production standards.
8. Ask About Order Fulfillment Options
Efficient order fulfillment is integral to the seamless operation of your business. Inquire about the order fulfillment options offered by the pet supplement manufacturer, including packaging, shipping, and storage options.
Choosing a manufacturer with streamlined and versatile order fulfillment options can help you optimize your supply chain and meet customer expectations.
9. Explore Customization Options
If you want to set yourself apart from other pet supplement providers, you’ll want to make your pet supplements unique. Explore whether the manufacturer offers customization options, such as formulation adjustments, private labeling, or adding certain ingredients.
Customization allows you to differentiate your products and cater to particular consumer preferences. Look for a manufacturer that can create customized products for your brand to set your business apart from other offerings in the market.
10. Evaluate Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration are pivotal to an excellent working relationship. Engage with several manufacturers to assess their interpersonal communication skills and willingness to collaborate on your specific needs.
A manufacturer that provides open communication channels and transparent insights into production processes can contribute to a smoother partnership and the development of pet supplements that align with your business goals and consumer demands.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable pet supplement manufacturer is critical to ensuring your customers receive high-quality, safe, and effective pet supplements. If you are looking for a pet supplement manufacturer that adheres to stringent regulations to provide high-quality pet supplements, look no further than Matsun Nutrition.
We have over two decades in the supplement manufacturing industry and offer a wide range of pet supplements. All our products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility and undergo rigorous quality control tests, so you’re guaranteed safe and high-quality products.
Ready to offer your customers top-grade pet supplements at a reasonable price? Contact us today to learn more about our pet supplements and provide pet owners with supplements they can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To evaluate a manufacturer’s reputation, check out consumer reviews and testimonials about the manufacturer on business review sites, online forums, and social media platforms. Look for consistent positive feedback on product effectiveness, quality, and safety. Additionally, consider the manufacturer’s years of experience and relevant third-party certifications.
Manufacturers provide various pet supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Pet supplements can enhance a pet’s overall health and well-being, address specific health conditions, or support particular life stages, such as infancy or seniorhood.
Transparency allows you to verify the quality and origin of raw materials, ensuring that pet supplements meet dietary requirements and are free from harmful substances. Manufacturers willing to divulge information about their sourcing practices demonstrate a commitment to product integrity.
Look for certifications such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), NSF International or the National Animal Supplement Council certification. These certifications demonstrate that the manufacturer adheres to stringent standards, ensuring the quality, efficacy, and safety of their pet supplements.
Liquid supplements for pets offer faster absorption than solid ones. While liquid supplements have an absorption rate of up to 98%, solid ones have a much lower absorption rate. However, some pets may prefer or find it easier to consume solid supplements.
