ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2022 21 The industry now provides a range of pet foods adapted to the needs of all different kinds of pets. Whether they represent a daily ration (complete food) or are used in conjunction with other foods (complementary food), industrially prepared pet foods contain all the right components in carefully prescribed proportions for a pet to lead a healthy life. Pet parents are interested in convenience as well, therefore it would be in the best interest of pet food companies to make sure that their products are available via online shopping platforms, as far as possible. NOVEL FORMATS Pets are viewed as part of the family and based on that fact, consumers may seek diets containing feed additives that may benefit the pet in more ways than simply fulfilling the daily caloric requirements. There are multiple reasons for owners to supplement their pet´s normal diet. One of them might be to aid joint and mobility issues as pets become older or due to breed phenotype. Another might be to help with anxiety experienced by pets. Supplements can be added to the pet´s diet, as recommended by a veterinarian. Very often with pets, much like with ourselves, we start out with the best intentions of diligently taking the prescribed supplement, but we fall short of being 100% compliant. An innovative way to overcome this issue, is for the supplements to be incorporated into the pet food. One such example would be “calming” dog food. Formulated by veterinary nutritionists, this type of dog food already contains supplements. The owner simply needs to feed the meal as required, without the added worry of remembering to additionally include the supplement themselves. This would be very convenient if many oral medications as well as supplements could be incorporated into pet food. It is, however, not as straight forward in practice, as many of the supplements and medications are not stable during the manufacturing process. Efficacy of the supplement or medication in the finished feed is of the utmost importance. Technology is ever advancing, and the prediction is certain that there are some very exciting and innovative products in the pipeline which will be of great benefit to pets. REGULATIONS WITH RESPECT TO PET FOOD IN THE EU In the EU, pet foods are regulated the same as all animal feed which must be compliant with all relevant EU Regulations in prior to marketing including: • Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 (laying down requirements for feed hygiene)1 • Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 (feed additive regulation)2 • Regulation (EC) No 429/2008 (detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003)3
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