Questions? Call Us Toll-Free 802-752-4738 | Email Us
All of your Animal Product Needs in One Place
Located in Milton Vermont, we specialize in producing & packaging premium quality extruded products for dogs and cats. Our Product Development team is available to help you bring your new product ideas to market with an emphasis on safety & quality. We are pleased to offer low minimum order size requirements to facilitate the launch of new products for our customers.
Green Mountain Animal, LLC is a complete one-stop shop for all your custom formulation needs for companion animal health products and treats. We are experts in innovative formulation and product quality with the ability to manufacture and source a wide variety of delivery options—including extruded chews, extruded sticks, tablets, capsules, powders, gels and liquids—for your unique product.
As a contract manufacturer of animal health products and treats, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and safety throughout the manufacturing process. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create your custom animal health product or treat.
Why Work with Green Mountain Animal, LLC?
- Science-based company led by seasoned industry and technical experts
- Custom formulations with low minimums and competitive prices
- Private label manufacturing of innovative, consumer driven products
- Core leadership in National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)
- USA-based manufacturer
- We keep our promises
Product Development
Our experienced product development team can assist you with formulating your custom products to make a product that dogs and cats will crave while working within your budget.
Samples
To ensure that your products meet your standards for flavor and texture, we will make small sample batches for you to review. We know your time is valuable so we pride ourselves on our ability to make samples quickly using our small laboratory equipment and our full size extruders.
Compliance
Dale Metz, CEO of Green Mountain Animal, is the Vice President and a founding member of the National Animal Supplement Council. With his 14 years of experience working with the FDA and Center for Veterinary Medicine, we can help you navigate the confusing world of regulatory compliance.
Palatability
Green Mountain Animal has relationships with many of the animal rescue groups in our area so we have an ample supply of taste-testers to give us feed back on our flavors. The best formula in the world will not do any good if the animals will not eat it!
Flexibility
We know that you have great ideas for your new products so our facilities allow for a variety of packaging options to suit your needs. Our equipment can handle small or large batch sizes so you do not have to make a major volume commitment when launching a new product.
Full Service
From formulation and ingredient sourcing to packaging and shipping, Green Mountain Animal does it all to provide you with a finished product that is ready to put on the store shelf.
See our main site at GreenMountainAnimal.com/
Blog Posts are Below:
Monthly Archives: July 2025
Formulation of Functional Pet Treats: Balancing Flavor, Nutrition, and Compliance
Successful formulation of functional pet treats requires more than combining active ingredients—it’s about creating a product that is effective, palatable, and fully compliant with industry standards. As the pet industry shifts toward health-forward treats that support mobility, digestion, calmness, and immunity, brands must strike a balance between science, flavor, and safety. At Green Mountain Animal, LLC, we specialize in developing custom functional treats that meet these challenges with precision and innovation.
What Are Functional Pet Treats?
Functional treats are designed to do more than satisfy hunger or serve as rewards—they deliver specific health benefits supported by active ingredients. Common functions include:
- Joint and mobility support (e.g., glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM)
- Digestive health (e.g., probiotics, prebiotics, fiber)
- Stress relief and calming (e.g., L-theanine, chamomile, hemp extract)
- Skin and coat support (e.g., omega fatty acids, biotin, zinc)
- Immune support (e.g., colostrum, antioxidants, mushrooms)
Consumers want treats that provide visible results, making ingredient efficacy and consistency critical.
Balancing Flavor with Functionality
A functional treat won’t help a pet if it’s left uneaten. Palatability is essential for product success—especially when working with strong-tasting nutraceuticals. At Green Mountain Animal, LLC, we use multiple techniques to ensure flavor appeal:
- Natural flavor masking: Covers bitterness or metallic tastes from minerals or botanicals
- Flavor profiles pets love: Popular options include chicken, beef, peanut butter, and salmon
- Texture optimization: Soft chew consistency is critical for acceptance, especially among older pets
Flavoring must be species-appropriate and aligned with dietary sensitivities. Our R&D team customizes both taste and texture based on the intended pet and supplement type.
Nutrition That Delivers Results
Functionality depends on precise dosing, ingredient synergy, and bioavailability. We focus on:
- Clinically supported ingredients: Proven actives with documented pet safety and efficacy
- Standardized dosages: Per-chew or per-serving levels that align with research and regulatory guidance
- Ingredient compatibility: Formulas that avoid ingredient interactions that could reduce potency or absorption
Additionally, we help clients select supportive co-factors—like turmeric with black pepper or prebiotics with probiotics—for enhanced functionality.
Compliance: The Foundation of Trust
Every functional treat must comply with stringent industry guidelines. Regulatory bodies like AAFCO, FDA, and NASC oversee labeling, ingredient usage, and product claims. Key compliance elements include:
- Approved ingredient lists: We ensure all components are AAFCO-defined or otherwise GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)
- Label formatting: Guaranteed analysis, dosage instructions, and usage claims must follow NASC or state-specific requirements
- Manufacturing records: Full traceability of ingredients and production batches
- Quality assurance protocols: In-house and third-party testing to validate potency and safety
Green Mountain Animal, LLC is experienced in guiding both new and established brands through the entire compliance process, from formulation through label review and product registration.
Packaging and Shelf Stability
Functional treats must not only work well—they must remain effective throughout their shelf life. We design formulations with:
- Stabilized actives that maintain potency over time
- Moisture control systems to preserve texture without preservatives
- Packaging solutions that protect against oxygen, light, and humidity
We also help our clients meet growing demand for sustainable packaging options that align with modern consumer values.
Formulating Functional Pet Treats: Conclusion
Creating high-performance, palatable, and compliant functional pet treats requires deep formulation expertise and technical precision. At Green Mountain Animal, LLC, we combine R&D innovation, regulatory fluency, and production excellence to bring your treat vision to life—without sacrificing flavor, safety, or effectiveness.
Contact Green Mountain Animal, LLC
Ready to launch a custom functional pet treat that delivers results pets love and pet owners trust?
Green Mountain Animal, LLC
75 Catamount Drive
Milton, Vermont 05468
Phone: 802-752-4738
Let’s work together to develop functional treats that set your brand apart—nutritionally and commercially.
Pet Soft Chews vs. Powders: Choosing the Right Delivery Format for Your Pet Product Line
Deciding between soft chews and powders for pet products is a critical decision for brands entering the supplement and functional treat market. Both formats offer distinct advantages and appeal to different pet owner preferences. At Green Mountain Animal, LLC, we guide our clients through this choice by evaluating product goals, target demographics, and ingredient requirements to ensure the final product delivers maximum value.
Soft Chews: Functional and Palatable
Soft chews are one of the fastest-growing product types in the pet supplement industry. Their popularity stems from their treat-like appearance and ease of administration.
- Pros:
- High palatability—great for picky eaters
- Convenient for pet owners to dose
- Customizable shapes, sizes, and flavors
- Ideal for multifunctional blends (e.g., calming + joint support)
- Cons:
- Shorter shelf life than powders in some cases
- Requires flavor masking for strong-tasting actives
- Higher manufacturing costs per unit
Soft chews are especially effective for supplements that need to be taken daily or appeal to a broad consumer base, such as calming chews, joint support, or multivitamins for dogs.
Powders: Flexible and Ingredient-Dense
Powdered supplements are commonly used as food toppers or mix-ins. They are ideal for pet owners looking for customizable dosing or specialized blends.
- Pros:
- Lower cost per dose compared to soft chews
- Longer shelf life with proper storage
- Greater flexibility in high-dose ingredient inclusion
- Easy to blend into meals or liquids
- Cons:
- Requires consumer education on dosing
- Less palatable if not flavored properly
- Less “treat-like” appeal
Powders work well for pets on special diets or when multiple pets of different sizes need varied dosages. They’re commonly used for probiotics, joint health, and general wellness blends.
Choosing Based on Your Product Goals
When choosing between soft chews and powders, consider the following:
- Target Audience: Are you serving pet parents who want convenience, or those more focused on customization and ingredient purity?
- Active Ingredients: Some ingredients—like fish oil or probiotics—may have stability or palatability issues that affect format choice.
- Functionality: Chews are ideal for behavioral or chronic support; powders are better for flexible or condition-specific regimens.
- Pricing Strategy: Soft chews have higher perceived value but also higher production costs; powders are more economical for bulk use.
- Retail Environment: If your product will be sold in stores, the visual appeal of soft chews may give you an advantage on shelves.
Our team at Green Mountain Animal helps you analyze these variables to make the right strategic decision for your brand.
Green Mountain Animal, LLC: Dual Format Expertise
Whether you choose soft chews, powders, or both, we offer:
- Custom formulation and flavoring support
- Small-batch and high-volume manufacturing capabilities
- Regulatory compliance with AAFCO, FDA, and NASC guidelines
- Sustainable packaging options for both formats
Many brands we work with eventually expand into dual-format offerings, giving consumers more flexibility and increasing product line value.
Soft Chews vs. Powders: Conclusion
Both soft chews and powders for pet products have their place in a successful supplement strategy. Choosing the right format depends on your audience, formulation, and business goals. At Green Mountain Animal, LLC, we help you assess all factors and execute with excellence—no matter the delivery method. Let’s build a product that pets love and pet owners trust.
Contact Green Mountain Animal, LLC
Need expert guidance on choosing the right format for your pet product line? Let’s talk.
Green Mountain Animal, LLC
75 Catamount Drive
Milton, Vermont 05468
Phone: 802-752-4738
Partner with us to create high-performance pet products in the format that fits your brand.