What are supplementary feeds?

Supplementary feeds are nutritional supplements for animals that are intended to help supplement the animals' diet and meet targeted needs. They are usually presented in the form of tablets, capsules, powders or liquids and can be added to a regular feeding to provide specific nutrients or active ingredients.

Supplementary feed can fulfill various functions. For example, some can support metabolism, improve joint health, aid digestion, or strengthen the immune system. Others can help meet specific needs of certain species, such as the needs of puppies, pregnant or nursing animals, or older animals.

Supplementary feed can be made from various ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, herbs, probiotics or prebiotics. It is important to note that supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and should not be used to compensate for an unbalanced or inadequate diet. Rather, they should be used as a supplement to a balanced and healthy diet to meet the specific needs of animals.

In many countries, animal feed supplements are subject to legal regulations and must meet certain regulations and requirements in order to be allowed on the market. It is advisable to seek advice from a veterinarian or nutritionist before using complementary foods to ensure that the animals' needs are met and that there are no undesirable effects.

What are complete feeds?

Complete feeds are special feeds for animals that contain all the necessary nutrients in a balanced amount to meet the animals' needs. They are formulated to contain all the necessary nutrients in the right amounts and proportions to ensure a balanced diet and prevent nutritional deficiencies.

In contrast to supplementary feeds, complete feeds do not require the addition of additional nutritional supplements to ensure a balanced diet. Complete feed can be offered in different forms, such as dry food, wet food, semi-wet food or ready-made food.

Complete feeds are specially developed for different animal species and life phases, such as puppies, adult animals, seniors, pregnant or nursing animals. Some complete feeds are also tailored to specific breeds or special needs of animals such as allergies or digestive problems.

Using complete feeds can help ensure animals receive a balanced and healthy diet without the need for additional supplements. However, it is important to choose carefully and ensure that the complete feed is suitable for the animal's specific needs. Pet owners should also ensure that their animals have access to fresh water and that their eating habits are monitored to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

Need for supplementary feed

The need for supplementary feed depends on various factors such as the type of animal, age, health, lifestyle and diet.

In some cases, dietary changes alone may not be sufficient to meet the need for certain nutrients or substances. For example, animals with certain health problems or illnesses, such as kidney disease or joint problems, may benefit from supplements designed specifically for their needs. Older animals can also benefit from supplements that support joints, bones and memory.

Supplements can also be useful for animals that need to follow certain diets, such as a vegetarian or vegan diet. In these cases, complementary foods can help meet the needs of certain nutrients such as proteins, vitamins or minerals that usually come from animal products.

However, it is important to note that supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet. Pet owners should ensure that their animals' diet is as balanced as possible and meets the needs of all necessary nutrients. Before using complementary foods, it is also advisable to consult a veterinarian to ensure that they are suitable for the animal and do not have negative effects on health.

What is the FEDIAF Guideline?

The FEDIAF Guideline is a guideline created by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) to regulate the production of pet food in Europe. FEDIAF is an umbrella organization of national pet food industry associations in Europe and represents approximately 90% of the European pet food industry.

The FEDIAF guideline provides a standard for the nutritional composition of dog and cat food, including the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It also provides specific guidelines for different ages, breeds, and lifestyles of dogs and cats.

The FEDIAF Guideline is not legally binding, but is considered binding by many European regulatory authorities and the feed industry. Compliance with the FEDIAF guideline is seen by many animal feed manufacturers as a voluntary commitment to ensure the quality of their products and to increase consumer trust in their products.

The FEDIAF guideline is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it reflects current scientific evidence and meets the needs of pets. It is an important resource for pet owners, veterinarians and feed manufacturers to ensure pet foods provide a balanced and healthy diet.