How to Read a Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Pet parents want the best for their furry friends. They carefully select their food, toys, and even their beds. With so many pet products in the market, especially those that concern animal health and safety, there’s a secret weapon in the quest for pet wellness. It’s called a Certificate of Analysis (COA). It holds valuable information about the products given to beloved companions.

Think of a COA as a pet product’s report card. It tells about the ingredients, quality, and safety of the product. It’s like peeking behind the curtain to ensure what’s inside the bottle matches the label.

COAs empower pet owners to make informed decisions and choose products that truly support their pet’s health. Dive in and learn how to decipher these important documents!

Why Certificate of Analysis Matter

COAs are more than just pieces of paper, they’re powerful tools for pet owners. They offer important information about the caliber and security of the goods given to cherished pets. Think of them as a window into the soul of a pet product, revealing its true identity and ensuring it aligns with what’s advertised. A closer look at the significance of COAs is shown below.

Consumer Protection

COAs help steer clear of products that are mislabeled or contaminated. Imagine this: a pet parent purchased a CBD treat to soothe his anxious dog, only to discover it contains potentially harmful levels of THC. Examining the COA helps confirm that the product is devoid of undesired ingredients that endanger a furry buddy and contains what it says. This empowers pet parents to make informed decisions and safeguard their pet’s health.

Regulatory Compliance

COAs ensure that products meet stringent industry standards and regulations. This means pet parents are assured that the product has undergone rigorous testing and adheres to safety guidelines. It’s like having a stamp of approval from the pet product authorities, giving confidence that pet parents are choosing a reliable and trustworthy option for their companion.

Brand Transparency

A company’s dedication to transparency and quality is evident in its willingness to provide COAs. It’s a sign that they have nothing to hide and are proud of the products they offer. They’re essentially saying, “We’re open and honest about what’s in our products, and we want users to feel confident in their choice.” This transparency builds trust and fosters a strong relationship between the brand and pet owners.

COAs give pet parents the information they need to make smart choices, keep their pets safe, and support brands that put quality and honesty first. They contribute to pet welfare and ensure pets receive the greatest care.

Where to Find a COA

Consider it a quest for knowledge, with useful information on the things a pet uses as the prize. So, how to locate these concealed treasures? 

Product Packaging

Many companies now print QR codes directly on their product packaging. A multitude of information is unlocked with the help of these little tiles. Simply grab a smartphone, open the camera or QR code scanner app, and point it at the code. Voilà! The COA magically appears on the screen.

Company Website

If a QR code is not visible, attempt to access the company’s website. Most reputable brands have a dedicated section for COAs. Find it on the product page itself or in a separate “COA” section. Like a badge of honor, it is typically openly displayed, demonstrating their dedication to openness.

Requesting from the Company

If the treasure hunt comes up empty, don’t fret! Reach out to the company directly and request a COA. A reputable company gladly provides one, often with a smile. It’s an excellent approach to evaluate their dedication to transparency and client pleasure. Think of it as a little test to see if they’re truly invested in a pet’s well-being.

Deconstructing the COA

Now for the fun part: analyzing the COA itself. Don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it seems. 

The Header

Like its introduction, a COA’s header gives vital details on the goods and the testing process. It’s important to pay close attention to this section to ensure customers have the right information about the product they’re using. Always check the report date to ensure that the data is current; not out-of-date information! Next, verify the credentials of the testing laboratory to ensure they are reputable and reliable. This ensures the results are accurate and trustworthy. Lastly, confirm that the product at hand matches the product name, batch number, and description in the header. This confirms that the COA corresponds to the exact product one is interested in.

Results Summary

The results summary section of a COA provides a snapshot of the key findings, like a quick preview of what’s inside the product. This part is very important for CBD products. It shows the levels of different cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. Remember that THC is harmful to pets, so always look for products with low or non-detectable levels of this compound. Additionally shown in the summary of the findings are whether the product passed tests for toxins like heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms. Seeing a clear “PASS” in this section gives confidence that the product is safe for a furry friend. A research project on the analysis of thirty CBD products purchased from a range of online sellers from England and Wales showed that “Most CBD products tested showed low levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins, but some had higher levels of THC+, potentially indicating non-compliance with compositional and standards requirements,” (MacDonald, S., et al., 2022)

Potency Section

The potency section of a COA tells just how strong the product is, like getting a glimpse into its muscle power. This part provides the concentration of the active components, which is critical for determining how much beneficial substances are present. There are units like mg/g (milligrams per gram) or mg/ml (milligrams per milliliter). These units indicate how much of the active ingredient is packed into each unit of the product. 

To understand the results clearly, look for the percentage (%) of each compound. This provides a clear understanding of the product’s potency and assists in determining whether it is the appropriate strength for a pet’s requirements.

Safety Test Results

The safety test results section of a COA provides a detailed breakdown of the tests conducted to ensure the product is safe for a pet. It guarantees that a pet product satisfies the highest safety criteria, like receiving a thorough inspection report. This section includes “action levels,” which are the safety limits for different contaminants. Consumers want to see that the product’s levels are well below these limits, indicating it’s safe for a furry friend. When interpreting the results, look for terms like “<LOQ” (less than the limit of quantification) or “ND” (not detected). These imply that the pollutant is at low or no levels. A comprehensive COA tests for a wide range of potential contaminants, giving peace of mind about a pet’s safety.

The Footer

Like a concluding statement verifying the accuracy of the report, the footer of a COA offers vital information about the testing laboratory. It’s always a good idea to review this section to ensure the lab is reputable and trustworthy. Look for signatures and credentials, as these verify the authenticity of the results and demonstrate the lab’s commitment to accuracy. The lab’s contact information is included in the footer, as it is beneficial if there are any concerns or require additional clarification.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Even while the majority of COAs are trustworthy and educational, there are a few warning signs that should make one suspicious. Think of these as warning signs that indicate a problem with the COA or the product itself. By being aware of these warning signs, pet parents avoid purchasing products that are not suitable for their pets in terms of either safety or effectiveness.

Missing Information

Be wary of COAs that are missing key information. This indicates that the company is attempting to conceal anything or that the testing was not thorough enough.  Some crucial information that should always be present includes:

• Safety Test Results: A COA should always include detailed results of safety tests for contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes.
• Lab Certifications: Ensure that the testing laboratory is accredited and certified to guarantee the accuracy and dependability of the results.
• Potency Information: The COA should clearly state the potency of the product, including the concentration of active ingredients.

COA vs. Product Label

Confirm twice that the product label and the details on the COA match. Any discrepancies are a red flag, suggesting that the product is mislabeled or that the COA is not authentic. Pay close attention to the product name, batch number, ingredients, and potency information to ensure consistency between the COA and the label.

Unrealistic Claims

Be skeptical if a product makes a miraculous claim that looks too good to be true. Be wary of exaggerated claims or promises that are not supported by scientific evidence. Always check the COA to see if the claims are backed by the data. If the COA doesn’t support the claims, it’s best to be cautious and consider alternative products.

Knowing these red flags helps pet parents to be smart consumers of pet items and guarantees that they are selecting safe and efficient solutions for their animal friends. Remember, reasonable skepticism helps a pet’s health.

Conclusion

COAs are essential tools for pet owners who want to make informed decisions about the products they choose.  By learning how to read a COA, pet owners ensure that their furry friends are getting safe, high-quality products that support their health and well-being. Make sure a pet is receiving safe, high-quality items that promote their health and well-being by learning how to read a COA.