I got a response from  Old Mother Hubbard/Wellness about testing of foods done on live animals.  They said that the only trials they conduct themselves on their products are feeding trials, where dogs/cats are fed their product for a couple of days to see how the animals like the food.  The majority of their taste trials are done in employee homes with employee pets and through a pool of consumer volunteers.

Other trials are conducted in kennels, which they said are approved by the 'Humane Society.' They said they perform only the required trials, 'in a safe environment that is cruelty-free'.  And they said  they 'use human-grade ingredients; therefore, the ingredients are already approved by the Food and drug Administration. Animals are not subjected to surgery or any other procedures.'

It was very good to know that they do not do any surgical alteration type testing.  The way I read their email is that they do NOT contract out such tests, either.  I did write back for more details on the kennel testing that does seem to be contracted out, but didn't hear back on that.  I was wondering which humane society approved the kennels and wanted more detail about that environment and also wanted to know if OMH conducted regular inspections of the kennels.

But overall, the prompt response I got was encouraging.  I know a lot of people like this brand because they offer good grain-free options, and that is particulary appreciated by cat owners. I like that they mentioned using human grade foods, too.

I'd like to see them have more information on the kennel testing and hope Wellness/OMH users will encourage them to consider having their own facility or full control of a contract facility.  Then they could give customers more reassurance about policies and perhaps photos like Natura does.