Strain identity, live counts, rapid pathogen screening and targeted microbiome markers — using real-time PCR, MALDI-TOF and our genetic analyser.
Probiotic labels promise specific strains at specific counts, and raw and fresh products must be shown to be free of key pathogens. Both depend on knowing exactly which microbes are present and how many.
Our bioscience lab confirms microbial identity with MALDI-TOF and our genetic analyser, counts live cultures through shelf life, screens for pathogens by real-time PCR and supports feeding studies with targeted gut-microbiome markers. Full microbiome sequencing runs through partner laboratories.
Start your project with Guires PNLRun in our in-house bioscience lab, with partner laboratories for work outside our scope.
Confirmation of probiotic strains and isolates by MALDI-TOF and sequencing.
Viable counts in finished products at release and through shelf life.
Real-time PCR for Salmonella, Listeria and STEC E. coli.
Faecal DNA extraction and targeted PCR for specific gut bacteria.
Immune and blood markers from partner feeding studies, by plate reader and flow cytometry.
Pathogen screening of production environments.
“Contains live cultures” claims need counts at the end of shelf life, not just at production.
Raw and fresh products need fast pathogen answers before release.
PCR screens must be confirmed by culture for positives.
We identify microbes; we do not run DNA species testing of meat ingredients.
Organisms, matrices and limits.
Sampling plan and cold chain.
DNA extraction and culture.
PCR, MALDI-TOF or sequencing.
Culture confirmation where needed.
Results with interpretation.
Peer-reviewed findings that shape how we design and interpret this work.
One study found Salmonella in 26.2% and Listeria monocytogenes in 19% of raw diets, and in none of the extruded diets tested.
Pathogen testing of every raw and minimally processed batch, plus kill-step validation where a step exists.
13 of 84 dried-meat dog treats bought in the UK carried Salmonella; air- and freeze-dried treats had no cooking step.
Dried and freeze-dried treats get a separate, validated pathogen control.
Yeast β-glucan kept blood monocytes stable after vaccination in Labradors, but every group reached protective antibody levels.
Claims say “supports” immune function, matching what the data show.
Each application has its own page with the evidence, the actives and the claim boundaries we work within.
Firm stools, comfortable digestion and a balanced gut microbiome.
Nutrition that helps the immune system work as it should.
Helping pets stay healthy for longer.
A healthy skin barrier and a glossy coat, driven by the right balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, protein quality and key micronutrients.
Probiotic cultures, raw proteins and fermented ingredients are verified for identity, counts and pathogens before they reach your formula.
Regulation updates, the latest research, recalls and market trends that shape microbiology and food safety — written by our formulation, testing and regulatory teams.
No. Our molecular work identifies microorganisms; we do not run DNA species testing of meat ingredients.
Full sequencing runs through partners; we extract DNA and run targeted PCR in-house.
PCR screening gives results faster than culture alone; positives are confirmed by culture.
Tell us your product, your question and your market — our scientists will come back with a study design and next steps.
Every Guires PNL product is formulated to comply with the FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines and the AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. Neither body issues certificates to manufacturers, so compliance is verified independently against their published standards — and every product comes with a complete documentation package for regulatory submissions in the EU, US, Australia and Asian markets.
How we verify compliance →