FEDIAF, the European Pet Food Industry Federation, welcomes the publication of the new dietetic pet food regulation (PARNUTs) in the Official Journal of the EU. This concludes a review process that has mobilized the pet food industry scientific experts for more than seven years in constructive cooperation with EU and national authorities.
PARNUT products (feed intended for PARticular NUTritional purposes) are specially formulated pet foods designed to assist pets with metabolic issues.
Studies have shown that with the right nutrition, pets with metabolic disorders can live longer, healthier lives, and in certain cases, symptoms can be strongly alleviated. Dietetic pet foods are available to assist with conditions including heart disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions, weight management, kidney failure or liver disease plus nutrient intolerances.
Robin Balas, Chairman of the FEDIAF PARNUTs Task Force stated: “A considerable number of cats and dogs suffering from acute and chronic metabolic issues have a vital need for tailor-made nutrition. The adoption of this modern and science-based regulatory framework is the guarantee that pets with particular nutritional needs will continue to have access to the right nutrition.”
Dietetic food plays a major role in modern veterinary practice. In the EU, these products come with a strong recommendation on the pet food label to feed under veterinary supervision. In other regions of the world, this category of petfood is only available upon written recommendation from a veterinarian (e.g. in the US). This ensures the appropriate advice can be given and the pet’s progress carefully monitored.
Julien Taïeb, Deputy Secretary general of FEDIAF concluded: “Looking to the future, it would be interesting to discuss how this new regulation could become part of a global standard for the pet food industry.”
The published regulation on intended uses for feed for intended particular nutritional purposes can be found at the following link.
