Balanced nutrition for pets

Over the decades, pet food manufacturers have developed the nutritional expertise to ensure they incorporate the latest advances in pet nutrition.

A commercially prepared pet food that has been carefully formulated to provide all the nutrients a healthy pet needs, regardless of format, is known as 'Complete'.

Characteristics of a satisfactory pet food

• Complete – provides adequate amounts of all the required nutrients
• Balanced – the nutrients are present in the correct proportions
• Digestible –  your pet is able to digest the food and absorb the nutrients
• Palatable – appealing enough to be eaten
• Safe – free of toxins or anything which could harm a pet

Nutrition legislation & guidelines

The broadening knowledge of pet nutrition and food technology has transformed the pet food industry remarkably over the years. It is now widely recognised by the veterinary profession that pets are living longer, healthier lives as a result of improved nutrition.

Pet food manufacturers produce products in line with the FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines, which detail the nutritional needs of cats and dogs at varying life stages. These guidelines are peer-reviewed by independent veterinary nutrition experts throughout Europe, and they are updated to include the latest nutritional science.

There is strict legislation governing what ingredients can be used in the manufacture of pet food. This legislation is laid down by Europe and also applies to imported commercially prepared pet foods.
 

UK Pet Food members' commitment

Members of UK Pet Food commit to:

• formulating their pet diets in line with the FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines,

• only using ingredients that are legally permitted and sourced from registered suppliers. The Feed Hygiene Regulation (183/2005) requires feed business operators to be registered with the enforcement authorities. Individual companies may also require their suppliers comply with their own Supplier Approval Schemes.