Peer-reviewed evidence
Heat reduces usable protein
In moist canned cat foods, on average 48.6% of lysine had undergone early Maillard reaction.
What we do
Processing losses are allowed for in the formula and checked on pilot product.
Pet Bioscience Lab · Protein & Active Analysis
Protein and active analysis, for ingredients that make claims.
Peptide and hydrolysate profiling, protein pattern comparisons and active-ingredient stability — using electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF/TOF, FPLC and UPLC.
Guires Pet Nutrition Lab
Protein & Active Ingredient Analysis from Guires PNL
Hydrolysed diets, collagen peptides, novel proteins and functional actives all make promises that depend on molecular detail: how far a protein is broken down, which peptides are present and whether an active survives processing and storage.
Our bioscience lab profiles proteins and peptides by 1D and 2D electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF/TOF and FPLC, and tracks actives such as vitamins, taurine, NAD+ precursors and botanical markers by UPLC through accelerated and real-time storage.
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Protein & Active Analysis in this area.
Run in our in-house bioscience lab, with partner laboratories for work outside our scope.
Hydrolysate profiling
Molecular-weight distribution for hydrolysed and sensitive-pet diets.
Peptide profiling
Collagen and bioactive peptides characterised by MALDI-TOF/TOF.
Protein pattern comparison
Novel and alternative proteins compared with conventional sources.
Active assays
UPLC methods for vitamins, taurine, NAD+ precursors and botanical markers.
Active stability
Actives tracked through processing and shelf life.
Fractionation
FPLC and chromatography for hydrolysates and actives.
Scientific Challenges
What we solve for.
01
Degree of hydrolysis
Hydrolysed-diet claims depend on how completely proteins are broken down.
02
Heat damage
Processing reduces usable amino acids such as lysine.
03
Active losses
Actives degrade with heat, oxygen and moisture, so overages must be set from data.
04
Early-evidence actives
Longevity actives need careful dosing and claims.
How We Work
From question to evidence.
Define
Protein or active and the question.
Method
Electrophoresis, MS or UPLC method chosen.
Analyse
Profiles and assays run.
Store
Stability conditions where needed.
Interpret
Results against specification.
Report
Data for development and claims.
Evidence
The science behind our approach.
Peer-reviewed findings that shape how we design and interpret this work.
Peer-reviewed evidence
Longevity: NAD+ & senescent cells
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 70 senior dogs, an NAD+ precursor plus a senolytic improved owner-rated cognition at 3 months — but objective tests showed no difference, and NAD+ and senescence markers were not measured. In the US, NMN was confirmed as a lawful human dietary supplement in 2025; its status in pet food and feed still needs checking market by market.
What we do
We treat longevity actives as early-evidence ingredients: regulatory status checked per market and species, doses justified, and claims kept to “supports healthy ageing”.
- StudySimon 2024, Sci Rep
Peer-reviewed evidence
Novel & sustainable proteins
Eight farmed insect species are authorised in the EU for processed insect protein, and the UK cleared the first cultivated-meat pet food in July 2024.
What we do
We assess digestibility, palatability, safety and regulatory fit for insect, cultivated, plant-based and upcycled ingredients.
Deliverables
What you take away.
- Molecular-weight and peptide profiles
- Protein pattern comparisons
- Active-ingredient assay results
- Stability data with overage advice
- Specification inputs for suppliers
Applications
Functional nutrition we build into protein & active analysis.
Each application has its own page with the evidence, the actives and the claim boundaries we work within.
Joint & Mobility
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Keeping active and ageing pets moving comfortably.
Skin & Coat
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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.
Longevity & Healthy Ageing
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Helping pets stay healthy for longer.
Digestive Health
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Firm stools, comfortable digestion and a balanced gut microbiome.
Proteins and actives we characterise
Novel proteins, hydrolysates, collagen peptides and longevity actives are characterised before they are formulated and claimed.
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Market insights from Guires PNL scientists
Regulation updates, the latest research, recalls and market trends that shape proteins and functional actives — written by our formulation, testing and regulatory teams.
FAQs
Common questions.
Can you confirm a hydrolysed protein?
Yes. We profile molecular-weight distribution to show the degree of hydrolysis.
Do you test NAD+ precursors?
Yes, by UPLC, including stability through processing and storage.
Do you run routine proximate analysis here?
Routine nutritional analysis runs through Guires Analytical Lab and partner labs; this lab focuses on proteins and actives.
Planning protein & active analysis?
Tell us your product, your question and your market — our scientists will come back with a study design and next steps.
FEDIAFAAFCO
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 →