In-Home Palatability Testing

Real Pets.

Real Households.

Real Answers.

Before a treat, chew, topper, or supplement goes to market, you need to know whether pets will actually eat it. Nova conducts structured in-home palatability testing with real dog and cat households to give brands fast, practical insight into product acceptance.

Cute puppy eating dog food - isolated over a white background

A great formula only works if pets will eat it.

Reduce Launch Risk

Identify acceptance issues before investing in a full production run or product launch.

Compare Formulas & Flavors

Evaluate two prototypes, flavors, or formulations using the same household panel

Generate Real-World Feedback

See how dogs, cats and owners respond in the environment where the product will actually be used.

Frequently asked questions

How does it work?

1. You choose the panel.
2. We distribute, test and compile results.
3. You get your report. 

How is acceptance measured?
  • Immediately Accepted — dog takes and eats the sample right away with no hesitation or sniffing beyond a normal first bite.
  • Accepted After Hesitation — dog sniffs, walks away and returns, needs encouragement, or takes noticeably longer than a normal treat before eating it.
  • Refused — dog will not eat the sample after a reasonable attempt (roughly 2–3 minutes), even with mild encouragement.
What's else does the report include?
  • Real household data
  • Customer comments on product (smell, ease of use etc)
  • Summary Report

Which test format do I choose?

1-DAY TEST - Soft Chews, flavored-tablets, dental chews.
2-DAY TEST - Toppers, powders, dental mix-ins. 

Who should do palatability testing?
  • Brands

  • CDMOs

  • Product Developers

  • Formulators

How can my pet become a Nova Snack Pack taste tester?

Visit this page to learn more!

Beagle taking treat