Providing a quality product for your pups is our number one priority. Below outlines the steps we take during our testing procedures to ensure you receive a quality product.
* Incoming inspection/testing at receiving mycotoxins (aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin, zearalenone, and ochratoxin testing for grain raw materials, Frozen meat is probed, the temperature must be under 20 degrees Fahrenheit to be received. Visual inspection by receiver and quality assurance prior to unloading.
* Samples of raw ingredients being received will be placed in a density bucket. If toted product all products in bulk must be sampled, tested for proximate and density.
* PV testing, this procedure determines the level of oxidation in a sample of raw ingredients, depending on the value the nutritional value is compromised, the lipids will then take on a rancid taste odor if PV is elevated.
* From every finished product bin, a QA technician will collect a sample during process checks and place in muffin tin cups for visual inspection of the entire run, the shift supervisor will sign off after a visual inspection.
* Milling of ingredients and batching area, the operator will sift and test the sample for proteins, fats, and densities.
* During the start up at the extrusion process the QA technician will sample and check the density, moisture, water activity, protein, fat, cook, expansion, length, and product temperature. At this point adjustments are made if any parameter is not within specification.
* While running the QA technician will perform in process inspection after fats and oils have been applied and prior to the cooling process, they will also perform inspections of the product in the bin prior to the packaging process. They will again sample and test all parameters density, moisture, water activity, protein, fat, cook, expansion, length, and product temperature.
* After packaging an unopened bag/sample is sent to the lab where it under goes aseptic sampling, all products are sent for salmonella testing, while there are additional tests that are conducted on an as needed / as product basis.