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The pet food industry is moving toward more natural and clean-label products. At the same time, European regulations are becoming stricter. Some feed additives (E-numbers) used in pet food are currently delisted, and others are under re-assessment procedure before being placed on the market (1). If companies don’t provide the studies before the deadline, those additives can no longer listed in the Feed Additives Portal Database.

With fewer ingredients allowed, it is increasingly difficult to use gums or additives, even though they are important for pet food texture. To meet both regulations and customer demand, pet food manufacturers need safe and natural alternatives.

As more additives are removed from the approved list, seaweed powder like phytaFIBER is a safe, natural, effective option, and approved for use in pet food by European law is seaweed (2).

phytaFIBER is a pulverized red seaweed from the species Gracilariopsis longissima. It works as a natural texturizer and gelling agent, able to withstand sterilization condition and helping pet food get the right texture. It holds water well, gives a smooth feel, and is great for gravy or gel-style pet food.

In addition to its approval for pet food use, the raw material of phytaFIBER, Gracilariopsis longissima (formerly Gracilaria verrucosa), is also recognized under the European Novel Food Regulation as a traditional food ingredient rather than a food additive. As a food, it aligns well with the growing demand for clean-label and natural ingredients, giving manufacturers more flexibility in formulation while maintaining compliance with EU standards.

(1) Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition

(2) Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1104 of 1 July 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 68/2013 on the Catalogue of feed materials

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