FEDIAF - The European Pet Food Industry

🐾 Nutritional Needs of Cats and Dogs 🐾 The nutritional needs of cats and dogs differ, and it’s important to provide diets that meet their specific requirements: 🐱 Cats require a diet rich in high-quality protein and certain nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A, which are essential for their health. 🐶 Dogs need a balanced diet that includes protein, fat, and carbohydrates. They also require a variety of vitamins and minerals to support their well-being. Proper nutrition is essential for pets at all stages of life. Diets should be tailored to their age, activity level, and overall health. 👇 Check out our Factsheet below for more details and head to our website for more information! 🔗 www.fediaf.org #PetNutrition #FEDIAF #Cats #Dogs #PetHealth

🐾🎉 Celebrating National Pet Month 🎉🐾 April is National Pet Month in the UK, a time to reflect on the incredible bond we share with our pets and the responsibility that comes with it. Whether it's a wagging tail or a purring kitty, pets bring so much joy, but they also deserve our dedication and care, particularly when it comes to their health and nutrition. This month, let's go beyond just the basics. Think about the little things that make a big difference—like paying attention to the quality of the food you’re feeding, making time for daily walks or play, and keeping up with regular vet check-ups. 🐕🍴 It’s also a great time to dive into pet nutrition, not just for the sake of keeping our pets healthy, but to improve their energy, coat quality, and overall vitality. Because let’s face it, a well-fed pet is a happy pet, and a happy pet makes for a happy home. 🐾💙 FEDIAF is here to guide you with trusted resources on the best ways to care for your pet. From nutrition tips to responsible ownership practices, we’re committed to supporting you in providing the best life possible for your furry companion. As we join the celebration of National Pet Month, let’s commit to taking those extra steps that show our pets just how much they mean to us. After all, every pet deserves a long, healthy, and happy life! #NationalPetMonth #ResponsiblePetOwnership #PetCare #PetNutrition #FEDIAF #HappyPets #HealthyPets #PetCelebration #PetWellness

🌍🐾 FEDIAF’s Commitment to Sustainability in the Pet Food Industry 🐾🌍 At FEDIAF, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a core value that drives our work. As we continue to advocate for responsible practices within the pet food industry, we are dedicated to ensuring that our sector plays a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future. One of our key focuses is supporting clarity on green claims. With growing consumer demand for sustainable products, it’s crucial that claims around sustainability are clear, credible, and backed by science. We strongly support initiatives like the EU Green Claims Directive, which aims to create a transparent framework for verifying environmental claims, giving consumers confidence in the sustainability of the products they choose for their pets. In addition, FEDIAF continues its commitment to apply and further develop Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for pet food. These rules help standardize how the environmental impact of pet food is measured, ensuring that the entire lifecycle—from ingredient sourcing to production—is evaluated and improved upon for minimal environmental impact. FEDIAF’s ongoing commitment to sustainability supports our goal of providing high-quality pet food that’s not only nutritious for our pets but also kind to the planet. Together, we can create a greener future for our pets and the world they live in. 🌱💚 #Sustainability #GreenClaims #FEDIAF #PEFCR #PetFoodIndustry #ResponsiblePetOwnership #EcoFriendly #SustainablePetFood #EnvironmentalImpact #PetCare

The Science Behind #PetPower! Did you know that pet ownership is linked to reduced social isolation? 🐶🐱🐰 A recent international review found that people with pets experience greater social interaction and feel less lonely, especially during challenging times like the Covid-19 pandemic. From the US to Japan, Germany to Australia, studies confirm the same: our pets help us connect, engage, and feel a stronger sense of belonging. ❤️ #FEDIAF #PetPower #MentalHealth

PetAlliance Raises Awareness on Parasite Protection 🐾 Parasites may be small, but their impact is huge. They can cause discomfort, transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, and put both pets and humans at risk. 🦠 The Risks: Parasites don’t just affect pets—they can also threaten human health. 🛡️ Prevention is Key: Regular preventive care helps keep your pets safe and your home parasite-free. As part of its commitment to pet well-being, FEDIAF supports awareness initiatives like this to promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the role of proper nutrition in overall pet health. 📖 Stay Informed: Learn more about the hidden dangers of parasites and how to protect your loved ones in PetAlliance’s latest article: https://lnkd.in/eJY_pjg9  #PetHealth #ParasitePrevention #ResponsiblePetOwnership

The History of Pet Food Manufacturing: From Humble Beginnings to Today The pet food industry has evolved dramatically over the years, and its history is as fascinating as it is important! 🐕🍽️ From the early days of basic canned meat for dogs in the 19th century to the introduction of balanced, complete diets in the mid-20th century, pet food manufacturing has seen major advancements. The industry has become increasingly regulated, ensuring that safety and quality standards are always met. Check out FEDIAF’s factsheet on the history of pet food manufacturing to learn more about the milestones that helped shape the pet food industry into what it is today! #PetFoodHistory #PetCare #FEDIAF #PetFoodSafety #PetNutrition #PetIndustry

🌍💧 World Water Day This Week: Let’s Talk About Hydration for Our Pets 💧🌍 With World Water Day coming up this week, it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves of the importance of water in our pets' lives. Hydration is just as vital for our furry friends as it is for us! 🐾 Water supports digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation, and organ function in pets. Without enough water, even the healthiest food can’t reach its full potential. Here are a few key facts about water’s role in your pet’s diet: ▪️ Dehydration Signs: Watch for signs like panting, lethargy, and dry skin—these could indicate dehydration. If you notice any of these, ensure your pet is getting enough water. 💦 ▪️How Much Water? Your pet's water needs depend on factors like activity level and temperature. For instance: 🐶 Dogs eating dry food: 40-50ml of water per kg of body weight. 🐱 Cats: They tend to drink less, so it’s important to offer multiple water sources to keep them hydrated. ▪️Encourage Hydration: Cats may need some encouragement to drink, so try placing water bowls away from food or offering running water. 🐱💧 This week, as we celebrate World Water Day, let’s ensure our pets are staying hydrated and healthy. After all, a hydrated pet is a happy pet! 🐕🐈💙 Learn more about your Pet’s water needs in our factsheet: 👇 #WorldWaterDay #PetHealth #Hydration #HealthyPets #WaterMatters #PetCare #SustainablePetOwnership

👉 FEDIAF Visits IVH: A Deep Dive into the Pet Food Industry Two incredible days of learning, exchange, and hands-on experience! The FEDIAF team—Aleksandra Prandota PhD, Delara K. Franco Garbelotto—had the privilege of visiting one of our national member association, Industrieverband Heimtierbedarf (IVH) e.V., in Düsseldorf. The highlight? Touring two of their members’ factories to witness firsthand how complete pet food and treats are made. From meeting the passionate people behind the process to discussing industry challenges and opportunities, it was an enriching experience that deepened our understanding of the sector. A heartfelt thank you to the entire IVH team (Katrin Langner, Henning Beckmann, Sandra Meisel and Sonja Bardelang) for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. Special appreciation to RONDO FOOD GmbH & Co. KG and BEWITAL petfood GmbH & Co. KG for opening their doors to us and to everyone who made this visit possible! 🙏 Dirk Wellen 🙏 Boris Terlinden 🙏 Britta Paeßens 🙏 Juergen Wigger 🙏 Hendrik Stenkamp #PetFoodIndustry #FEDIAF #Collaboration #IndustryInsights

🐱💚 Happy St. Gertrude of Nivelles Day! 💚🐱 Today, we celebrate St. Gertrude of Nivelles, the patron saint of cats, on her feast day, March 17th! 🎉 St. Gertrude, a 7th-century abbess, is often depicted with cats and is considered their protector. Whether you're a cat lover or simply appreciate their charm, it’s the perfect day to reflect on our feline friends and the special bond we share with them. Here are a few ways to honor St. Gertrude of Nivelles Day: 1️⃣Show Your Cat Some Love: Give your kitty extra attention, treats, or playtime today! 😻 2️⃣Support Feline Welfare: Consider donating to a cat rescue or shelter, helping cats in need. 🐾 3️⃣Learn More About Cats: Did you know cats are known for their exceptional independence and intelligence? Share a fun fact or two with fellow cat lovers! 🐈 For more resources on pet nutrition and care, including specific insights on how to keep your cat happy and healthy, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eDuhHB8f #Cats #CatLovers #PetCare #FelineFriends #FEDIAF #HealthyPets #CatWelfare 

🐾🔬 How Pet Food is Made – Behind the Scenes of Pet Nutrition 🔬🐾 Ever wondered how pet food is made? It’s a highly regulated process that ensures your pets get the nutrition they need, packed with quality and safety at every step. Key steps include: 1️⃣ Ingredient Selection: Only high-quality ingredients are chosen to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. 2️⃣ Production Process: The ingredients are mixed, cooked and packaged according to the type of pet food. Wet pet food is packed in cans, trays or pouches, while dry food is shaped into kibbles using cooking-extrusion, ensuring digestibility and safety. 3️⃣ Quality Control: Stringent quality checks are in place to make sure the final product meets high safety standards. By following strict procedures, the pet food industry ensures the production of safe, balanced, and nutritious food for our pets. 🐕🍽️ For more information on the science and care behind pet food production, check out our video below 👇 Additional resources: https://lnkd.in/efD4w4MY https://lnkd.in/epipYz63 #PetFood #PetNutrition #FEDIAF #PetCare #PetFoodSafety #PetIndustry