Frequently Asked Questions

The backend checks the nutrient requirements that apply to the case and flags deficiencies or excesses. Ration Lab's internal Vet stage reviews the completed, backend-verified formulation; the practitioner then reviews it for the patient before use or client delivery. The exact requirements follow species and life stage, and the tool supports rather than replaces clinical judgment.

The backend checks the nutrient requirements that apply to the case, using NRC (National Research Council) guidelines as a reference. The exact set follows species and life stage and includes macronutrients, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids. The compliance dashboard shows you exactly how each nutrient measures up for review.

Our ingredient database is sourced primarily from USDA FoodData Central, supplemented with manufacturer-provided data for supplements and premixes. Each ingredient profile includes energy, macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. The database is reviewed and updated regularly.

The runtime catalog contains 295 curated foods and supplements. Patient and formulation rules control what can be used for each case. If you need an ingredient that isn't listed, contact support and we'll work to add it.

Yes. You can chat with the AI to refine any recipe — swap ingredients, adjust for allergies, change portion sizes, or ask why something was included. Every change automatically recalculates nutrient compliance in real time so you can see the impact immediately.

The AI can suggest substitutions that maintain nutritional balance. Just tell it which ingredient needs to be replaced and it will recommend alternatives, recalculating compliance automatically so the recipe stays on target.

Yes. When you enter a patient's health conditions — such as kidney disease, obesity, food allergies, or joint issues — the AI adjusts the formulation to account for those needs. The nutrient targets shift based on the condition, and the compliance panel reflects the adjusted requirements.

Yes. Nutrient requirements vary by life stage, so the tool adjusts targets based on the patient's age, weight, and expected adult size. Growing puppies/kittens, adult maintenance, and senior patients each have different formulation parameters.

The compliance dashboard clearly flags any nutrient that falls below or exceeds the target range. You can still view and work with the recipe, but deficiencies and excesses are highlighted so you can address them — either by chatting with the AI to adjust ingredients or by making manual changes. The tool does not silently pass a non-compliant recipe as complete.

Unlike static spreadsheet tools, Ration Lab uses AI to formulate complete recipes from scratch rather than just checking nutrient targets against a manually assembled ingredient list. You can also refine any recipe through natural conversation — swap ingredients, adjust for allergies, or ask why something was included — and the AI recalculates compliance instantly. And unlike per-recipe pricing models, you get unlimited recipes at a flat monthly rate.

No. Ration Lab is a clinical tool that helps veterinarians provide nutrition consultations more efficiently, but it does not replace the expertise of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). For complex or unusual cases, referral to a specialist is always appropriate.

The AI doesn't ask you to trust it blindly. The backend shows how the applicable requirements measure up against established standards, then Ration Lab's internal Vet stage reviews the completed formulation. The practitioner makes the clinical decisions before use or client delivery.

The formulation workflow uses NRC nutrient guidelines as a reference, and the tool was developed with input from practicing veterinary nutritionists. Independent peer-reviewed validation has not yet been published. We welcome review from the veterinary nutrition community and are open to collaboration on formal evaluation.

Yes. NRC (National Research Council) nutrient guidelines are the internationally recognised reference standard for companion animal nutrition and are used by veterinary nutritionists in Australia and globally. They are the same standards referenced in veterinary nutrition training and specialist practice regardless of jurisdiction.

Ration Lab is $300/month per person. There are no per-recipe fees, no tiers, and no upsells.

Not right now. During the invite-only beta there is no billing flow. We'll announce pricing and subscription details before billing is turned on.

Per person. Each team member uses their own account.

If you're managing multiple locations, each person still has their own account. If you need a consolidated plan later, contact us.

Yes. When billing is enabled, you'll be able to cancel from your account settings.

When billing goes live, we'll support major credit cards.

All data is encrypted in transit and at rest. Patient profiles and recipes are isolated per account and never shared across accounts. Your data is not used to train AI models. We do not sell or share your information with third parties.

No. There is no shared access between accounts. Your recipes, patient profiles, and conversation history are visible only to your account.

No. Your patient data, recipes, and conversations are never used to train or fine-tune AI models. Your information stays private to your account.

Yes. Exported nutrition reports include your clinic name, logo, and contact information on every page of the document. Clients see a professional report from your practice, not from a third-party tool.

Each report includes the complete ingredient list with quantities, a feeding guide with daily portions and meal splitting, the full nutrient compliance breakdown, and any preparation instructions. It's designed to be a document your client can follow at home.

Yes. Every recipe you generate is saved to the patient's profile. You can review, re-export, or use a previous recipe as a starting point for a new consultation at any time.