NSG / Principles — Document 02

Our commitment to animals.

Every animal that interacts with our work — in trial, on farm, in the home or in the wild — deserves to be better off for it. This is the promise our science is held to.

— The pledge

Natural Science Group exists to make animals' lives healthier, longer and more comfortable. That mission only means anything if the way we work matches the outcomes we promise on the label.

We are formulators and scientists, not marketers. Many of us live with animals: dogs, cats, horses, livestock and exotics. The decisions we make in the lab and on the production floor are the same decisions we'd make for the animals in our own homes and yards.

This page sets out the principles every product, partnership and trial at NSG is held to.

— Our principles

Six commitments that govern every product we put on a shelf.

01

No animal testing for cosmetic or efficacy claims

We do not, and will not, conduct laboratory testing on animals to validate marketing claims. Where regulators require safety data, we use ethically-sourced existing data, in-vitro models, and peer-reviewed published research.

02

Welfare-led clinical trials

Our clinical studies are run with companion, equine and production animals already under veterinary care, in their normal homes and environments. Trials are designed by veterinary principal investigators, follow accepted welfare frameworks, and are stopped immediately if any participant shows distress.

03

Evidence before claims

If we can't substantiate a benefit with peer-reviewed science or our own placebo-controlled data, it doesn't go on the label. We'd rather say less than overstate what a supplement can do.

04

Responsible sourcing

Our actives are sourced from suppliers who can demonstrate responsible practice — sustainable harvesting for marine ingredients, certified-traceable supply chains for animal-derived inputs, and audited welfare standards where relevant. We prefer plant- and fermentation-derived alternatives wherever they perform.

05

Species-appropriate formulation

A dog is not a small horse. A reptile is not a furry mammal. We formulate for the species, not by analogy — every product is designed around the actual physiology, palatability and intake pattern of the animal that will eat it.

06

Giving back

A portion of NSG's annual profit is directed to animal-welfare organisations — including rescue, sanctuary and conservation partners working across the four sectors we serve. We publish where the money goes.

"If we wouldn't give it to our own dog, horse or hen — it doesn't leave the building."

A working principle, posted in the formulation lab
— Foundation

We hold our trials to the Five Freedoms.

The Five Freedoms, established by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council, are the global baseline for animal welfare. We design every clinical study around them.

01

From hunger & thirst

Ready access to fresh water and an appropriate diet for full health and vigour.

02

From discomfort

An appropriate environment with shelter and a comfortable resting area.

03

From pain & disease

Prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury.

04

To express normal behaviour

Sufficient space, proper facilities, and the company of the animal's own kind.

05

From fear & distress

Conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

Hold us to it. Talk to the team.

If you're a vet, welfare organisation or partner who wants to scrutinise our process — or contribute to it — get in touch. Transparency is part of the commitment.

Send the team an enquiry