There are hundreds of supplements available on the shelves that claim to provide miracles for our pets. Unfortunately, this is an unregulated industry that can mislead pet owners into spending money and feeding something that isn’t what it claims to be.
Knowing what parts of the label can provide some quality assurance can give pet owners peace of mind and pets the help they need. At Copper’s Integrative Veterinary Care, we recommend finding supplements with a yellow starburst-shaped label with the letters “NASC”.
NASC stands for National Animal Supplement Council. It is a non-profit organization that was established in 2001 to ensure the quality of animal health supplements. The organization provides a set of standards that supplement manufacturers must meet in order to receive their NASC Quality Seal. The NASC Quality Seal is a way for consumers to identify supplements that have been manufactured with the highest level of quality and care. Products that bear the seal have undergone a rigorous inspection process and are regularly tested for potency and purity.
To receive the NASC Quality Seal, supplement manufacturers must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines cover everything from ingredient sourcing to manufacturing processes to labeling requirements. The organization also requires manufacturers to have a quality control program in place and to maintain strict record-keeping practices.
One of the most important aspects of the NASC Quality Seal is the labeling requirements. The label must include the name of the product, the name and address of the manufacturer, a list of all ingredients and their amounts, and any necessary warnings or precautions.
The NASC also requires that manufacturers provide a lot number on the label. This lot number is used to track the product throughout its life cycle, from manufacturing to distribution and finally, to sale. This allows the NASC to quickly identify any issues with a particular batch of product and take appropriate action.
Another important aspect of the NASC Quality Seal is the organization’s commitment to transparency. The NASC requires manufacturers to provide detailed information about their products, including test results and other data. This information is then made available to consumers on the NASC website.
Overall, the NASC Quality Seal is an important way for pet owners to identify high-quality animal health supplements. By choosing products that bear the seal, consumers can be confident that they are purchasing supplements that have been manufactured with care and meet strict quality standards.
-Dr. Sharon Cubelo