Croatian entrepreneurs Mladen and Mario Falamić have launched production of hemp-based dry dog food under the Canibis brand, made at their factory in Rakitovica in the eastern part of Croatia.
Mladen Falamić, co-owner and chief managing officer of Green Life Ltd., which owns the Canibis brand, told Petfoodindustry.com that the brothers spent five years on research and development before introducing their hemp-based dry dog food to the market. The company’s other products include Canibis cannabidiol (CBD) oil for dogs, with further hemp-based pet food products to be launched shortly.
Omega fatty acids in hemp offer benefits for canine health
“Hemp seed oil contains omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids and is the only edible oil containing the immediate metabolites of linoleic and alphalinolic acids, namely gamalinolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA),” Falamić said. “Owing to this, it prevents the metabolism of essential fatty acids from weakening and helps achieve a balance in the body that results from genetic factors, intake of other fats, aging and habits. The high content of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and the relatively high content of phytosterols are beneficial to the cardiovascular system.”
Canibis dog food contains hemp seed oil, which offers health benefits, according to the manufacturer. l Courtesy of Green Life Ltd.
The company’s hemp-based pet food products were first made in Croatia, but the company has already established ties with a number of foreign markets, according to Green Life’s co-owner.
“We first started distribution in Croatia, but … in very short period of time, we launched Canibis in new markets, such as Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. We just contracted export to Australia, Hungary and Slovenia,” Falamić said. “We also have an office in the UK, and we are working to start sales in new markets such as Austria, Germany, France and Poland.”
Legal status of hemp pet products in EU
Asked about the legal aspects of selling hemp-based products for pets in a highly regulated environment, the company representative says Green Life strives to ensure compliance with European Union (EU) rules.
“For now, we comply with all the EU regulations, and we have no issues in those markets, but of course we have a lot of questions to answer and prove because we are making something that nobody has made before,” Falamić said. “We do have an absolutely different approach to developing pet food, as for us all ingredients are important, and every single ingredient that we use is there because it has a purpose.”
Regarding the CBD content in pet food, Green Life’s co-owner said, “It is also important to mention that we don't use concentrates in our food; we get cannabinoids from the hemp plant itself.”
