Complementary feeds, ‘food supplements’ for pets

Complementary feeds, or as we may commonly know them, ‘food supplements’ for pets are products designed to improve the health and well-being of animals by providing them with additional nutrients and micronutrients that may not be fully covered in their regular diet. These feeds may be in the form of tablets, powders, liquids or treats. As with humans, pets may need supplementation at certain stages of life, although they may also help to mitigate or prevent specific health problems. Of course, it is very important to always seek the advice of our veterinarian before offering supplementary feeds to our pets. Although they may have a number of benefits, not all animals need them, and in some cases, too much of certain nutrients can be harmful. In this case, a veterinarian can recommend complementary feeds based on the age, health status and specific needs of the animal. In this article we will explore what complementary pet foods are, their importance, the most common types, current legislation and industry trends.

Importance of complementary pet foods

A pet’s regular diet may not be sufficient to cover all its nutritional needs, especially at specific stages of life or in case of illness. Therefore, some reasons why complementary feeds are essential for our pets are as follows:

• Improved overall health: Complementary feeds can help strengthen the immune system, improve digestion and provide essential nutrients that ordinary pet food does not always offer in ideal amounts.
• Prevention and treatment of diseases: As we will see in the following section, some feeds are formulated to treat specific pathologies such as digestive problems, kidney or urinary tract diseases or dental health, among others.
• Performance enhancement: For active pets, such as dogs involved in competition or intense physical activity, complementary feeds can improve physical performance and recovery after strenuous exertion.

Types of complementary pet food

Following the rise of pet supplementation, complementary feeds have undergone a great segmentation according to the type of condition or need to be treated and the type of animal. The different types of food supplements are:

• Urinary tract supplements: These products are commonly used in cats and dogs prone to urinary tract infections. They help prevent the formation of kidney crystals and stones, improving urinary health.
• Diabetes supplemental feeds: Pets, especially older dogs and cats, can develop diabetes. Diabetes supplemental feeds help regulate blood sugar levels and alleviate the symptoms associated with diabetes.
• Complementary feeds for kidney health: For animals with kidney problems, there are feeds that can help improve kidney function and reduce the progression of the disease.
• Digestive sensitivity: Many animals experience digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Complementary feeds for digestive health often include probiotics and prebiotics, which help regulate intestinal flora and improve digestion.
• Dental care: Dental health is a growing concern among pet owners. Complementary feeds that help reduce plaque and tartar are quite popular, as they allow for effective oral maintenance, especially in animals that do not tolerate frequent brushing.
• Skin and Coat Health: Supplemental feeds with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are used to improve the health of the skin and coat of pets, preventing problems such as dermatitis and promoting a shiny and healthy coat.

Market trends

Mordor Intelligence’s pet food supplements market report projects significant growth through 2028. This growth is primarily driven by these factors:

• Humanization of pets: The trend towards treating pets as family members has increased the demand for products that resemble those consumed by humans, including complementary feed. Pet owners are in this case willing to spend more on products that improve the health and well-being of their animals. In Spain, Law 7/2023, also known as the Animal Welfare Law, was recently published. It seeks to improve the treatment of animals and pets, expressly prohibiting mistreatment and abandonment while regulating their sale. This law represents a significant advance in the protection of animal rights in Spain.
• Increased health problems in pets: As the pet population ages, problems such as obesity, diabetes and kidney disease have become more common. This has led to an increased demand for specific pet foods to treat these conditions.
• Preventive health awareness: The trend towards a more scientific approach to animal nutrition has encouraged the use of preventative feeds that help pets stay healthy and avoid costly veterinary treatments in the future.
• Online commerce and ease of access: The growth of e-commerce has made it easier for pet owners to purchase complementary foods, which has increased global sales. Platforms such as Amazon, Chewy and other online stores have increased the sale of this type of products.

Challenges and main regulations

The pet food supplement market is not without its challenges, especially in terms of regulations and standards. In several countries, such as Japan or China, the regulations for the labelling and marketing of pet food supplements are quite strict. Products in these cases must meet high standards of safety and transparency, which in turn can slow down expansion in certain countries. In the European Union and Spain in particular, the regulations governing pet food supplements are included within a broader regulatory framework, which includes animal feed, with an emphasis on the safety, quality and transparency of these products. The main regulations are: Regulation (EU) 68/2012 on the Catalogue of raw materials for animal feed

This regulation establishes a catalogue of raw materials for animal feed, in line with Regulation (EC) 767/2009. This catalogue provides a detailed list of ingredients used in animal feed, together with their descriptions and labelling requirements.

The aim is to improve transparency and ensure food safety within the Union. This Regulation also replaces previous legislation to incorporate technological and scientific advances, allowing operators to better adapt to the new provisions.

Regulation (EC) 767/2009 on the marketing and use of feed

This regulation lays down the rules for the placing on the market and use of animal feed, including both complete and complementary feeding substances, intended for pets or production animals. It is a framework that regulates all aspects of safety, labeling and control of feed on the market.

Key points include:

• • Labeling: Complementary feeds must be clearly labeled with information on their use, ingredients, nutritional content and recommended doses.
  • Transparency: Manufacturers must ensure that products are safe and effective, based on scientific information.
  • Authorization: Some ingredients or additives require prior authorization before being used as feed.

Regulation (EU) 1831/200 on additives in foodstuffs

This regulation governs the use of additives in animal feed, including those that may be present in complementary pet food. Additives, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics and enzymes, must be approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) before being used.

This regulation also states that manufacturers must demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the additive through scientific studies.

Regulation (EU) 2019/4 on veterinary medicinal products

Although complementary feed is not considered to be a medicinal product, in some cases certain products marketed as feed may have therapeutic properties. In this context, this Regulation sets out the limits on which products can be considered as complementary feed and which should be clarified as veterinary medicinal products.

Products that claim to have curative or preventive effects for diseases in animals may be subject to stricter regulation and be classified as medicinal products, which implies compliance with additional rules, such as the need for marketing authorisation.

Regulation (EC) 1069/2009 and Regulation (EU) 142/2011 on animal by-products not intended for human consumption

These Regulations govern the use of animal by-products in feed and complementary feed for animals. They establish hygiene and control standards to prevent the risk of disease, ensuring the safety of products containing ingredients of animal origin.

Directive 2002/32/EC on undesirable substances in animal feed

This framework regulates undesirable substances that may be present in animal feed, including complementary feed. Maximum levels of substances such as heavy metals, mycotoxins and other contaminants are strictly controlled to avoid health risks for animals and, consequently, for humans who may be in contact with these animals.

Spanish legislation

In Spain, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) is responsible for the supervision and application of regulations related to food safety, including animal feed. In addition, the Autonomous Communities may have additional powers in regulating the marketing of complementary pet food.

Royal Decree 821/2008, which regulates feed hygiene conditions, is also applicable to certain food supplements containing active ingredients with preventive properties.

With the confidence of LegaleGo

At LegaleGo we are specialists in navigating through the complex food regulations regarding complementary pet food. We offer a comprehensive and specialized solution in animal food legislation, ensuring that products comply with the strict standards mentioned above both at national and European level. From the safety of ingredients and additives to labeling, manual self-control and marketing, avoiding sanctions and protecting business reputation. Enter the food supplement market in the safest and most efficient way. Do you have any questions?We will be happy to help you.Fill in the contact form below or call us. Our team of experts will be in touch quickly to begin developing your business projects.