Pet Food Ingredient Supplier | Wet & Dry Nutrition Solutions

Table of contents

1 What Are the Functional Ingredients in Pet Food?

2 Why Are Functional Ingredients So Important in Pet Nutrition?

3 Special Plant Extracts with Potential for Clinical Use in Pets

4 Essential Amino Acids in Pet Nutrition

6 Europe Pet Food Ingredients Market Share Analysis | 2025

In the evolving pet food landscape, especially within the European market, pet owners are increasingly seeking products that offer more than basic nutrition. This demand has driven the growth of functional ingredients —components added to pet food to provide health benefits beyond fundamental nutritional requirements. These ingredients aim to support immunity, digestion, mobility, skin and coat health, and overall well-being in pets.

Pet food product form (dry kibble, wet food, soft chews, powder supplements, functional treats, etc.)

Target health functions (e.g. digestive health, skin and coat, joint support, calmness, weight control, urinary)

As a leading global pet food ingredient supplier, We manufacture a full range of wet and dry pet food ingredients in a variety of formats.

What Are the Functional Ingredients in Pet Food?

Pet food has several important functions that help maintain the overall health, well-being and longevity of your pet. These functions can be broadly divided into the following categories:

Nutritional Support

Pet food provides the essential nutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, that your pet needs to maintain normal body functions such as growth, energy production, immune response and organ health.

1. Plant Protein

Soybean meal powder
Pea protein powder
Lentil flour
Chickpea flour

2. Carbohydrates and fiber

Carbohydrates provide energy and support digestive health

3. Grain-free alternatives

Sweet potato flour, pea flour, tapioca flour

4. Fiber

Pumpkin powder, psyllium husk powder

5. Fats and oils

Fats provide energy, enhance flavor, and support skin, hair, and brain health.

Chicken fat
Fish oil (rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA)
Flaxseed oil
Sunflower oil
Coconut oil

6. Vitamins

A, D, E, K, B vitamins, C

7. Minerals

Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, copper

8. Functional additives

These ingredients provide specific health benefits in addition to basic nutrition.

Probiotics and prebiotics: for gut health
Glucosamine and chondroitin: for joint support
Taurine: essential for heart and eye health in cats
L-Carnitine: supports fat metabolism

9. Flavor enhancers and natural preservatives: improve taste and shelf life

Seasonings: natural broth or fish stock, yeast extract
Preservatives: mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary extract, citric acid

Growth and Development

Pet foods are especially suitable for young animals and promote healthy growth, bone development and muscle formation. Puppy and kitten formulas are often enriched with specific nutrients, such as DHA for brain development and calcium for strong bones.

1. High-quality animal protein

Chicken meal, fish meal, egg meal, lamb meal

2. Fish oil

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) – Omega-3 fatty acid

3. Calcium and phosphorus

Calcium phosphate, bone meal

4. Antioxidants

Vitamin D3, Vitamin E

5. Prebiotics and probiotics

Prebiotics: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), chicory root extract

Probiotics: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis

6. Essential amino acids

Taurine, lysine, methionine

Why Are Functional Ingredients So Important in Pet Nutrition?

For adult pets, a balanced pet food can help maintain their weight, muscle tone, and skin and coat condition. It also promotes a healthy digestive system and a strong immune system.

L-Carnitine, Flaxseed Oil, Vitamin B7, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A), Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Hydrolyzed Collagen, Green Tea Extract.

Disease Prevention & Management

Specialized pet foods help prevent or manage chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, and food allergies. Prescription foods are tailored to your pet’s specific health issues.

Dental Health

The texture of some dry pet foods helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup and aids in oral hygiene.

Digestive Health

High-quality pet foods contain fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics to support gut health and ensure efficient nutrient absorption.

Palatability & Satisfaction

Pet foods must be tasty to ensure your pet is full and meets their nutritional needs. Good palatability also promotes bonding between pet and owner during feeding.

Plant-based ingredients are increasingly being used in pet foods to provide functional health benefits, promote digestive health, and support formulation sustainability goals. These ingredients provide key bioactive compounds, fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients that contribute to your pet’s overall health.

The following is a curated list of commonly used functional plant-based ingredients in pet nutrition:

Ingredient	Botanical Source	Functional Benefit	Recommended Inclusion	Typical Format	EU Compliance
Inulin	Chicorium intybus	Prebiotic – gut flora balance	0.5–1.5%	Powder	FEDIAF-approved
Psyllium Husk	Plantago ovata	Fiber – stool quality, weight control	1–2%	Powder, flakes	Clean label, GRAS
Green Tea Extract	Camellia sinensis	Antioxidant – immune support	0.1–0.5%	Standardized extract	Polyphenols regulated
Turmeric (Curcumin)	Curcuma longa	Joint & inflammatory support	0.2–1%	Powder, extract	Novel food limits apply
Chamomile Extract	Matricaria chamomilla	Anti-anxiety, calming	0.1–0.3%	Powder, liquid	EFSA GRAS equivalent
Yucca Schidigera	Yucca schidigera	Stool & odor control, anti-inflammatory	0.01–0.1%	Extract, Powder, liquid	Permitted additive
Rosemary Extract	Rosmarinus officinalis	Natural preservative, oxidative stability	0.02–0.2%	Liquid, powder	Permitted antioxidant
Milk Thistle Extract	Silybum marianum	Liver detox & antioxidant	0.05–0.2%	Standardized silymarin	Use with care, non-medical
Alfalfa	Medicago sativa	Protein & micronutrient source	1–5%	Powder, meal	Widely accepted
Beet Pulp	Beta vulgaris	Fermentable fiber – digestive health	2–5%	Dried pulp	Commonly used fiber
Fenugreek	Trigonella foenum-graecum	Appetite stimulant, blood sugar regulation	0.1–0.5%	Powder, extract	Functional use growing
Cranberry Extract	Vaccinium macrocarpon	Urinary tract health, antioxidant	0.1–0.3%	Powder, juice powder	Allowed in moderation
Licorice Root	Glycyrrhiza glabra	Anti-inflammatory, respiratory support	0.05–0.2%	Powder, extract	Use in moderation
Seaweed (Kelp)	Ascophyllum nodosum	Thyroid & dental support, trace minerals	0.1–1%	Powder	EU-approved for feed use
Flaxseed	Linum usitatissimum	Omega-3 ALA – skin, coat, anti-inflammatory	1–5%	Whole, ground, oil	Common and accepted
Carrot Powder	Daucus carota	Beta-carotene, vision & antioxidant support	1–3%	Powder, flakes	Clean label
Pumpkin Powder	Cucurbita	Soluble fiber – gut motility, stool regulation	2–5%	Puree, powder, flakes	Functional fiber
Blueberry Extract	Vaccinium corymbosum	Antioxidant – brain, heart, and immune health	0.1–0.3%	Powder, dried fruit	Permitted as flavorant
Spinach	Spinacia oleracea	Iron & lutein – eye and cellular health	1–3%	Powder	Generally accepted
Nettle Leaf Powder	Urtica dioica	Anti-inflammatory, supports urinary health	0.1–0.3%	Powder, dried herb	Functional in holistic diets

Dry and wet foods: fiber, flavor, natural colors, superfoods
Functional treats: targeted botanicals like turmeric, ginger, parsley
Nutritional powders: greens, adaptogens, and liver support blends
Vegan/vegetarian pet diets: beans, seeds, and whole plant proteins

Special Plant Extracts with Potential for Clinical Use in Pets

Plant Extract	Botanical Name	Primary Clinical Indication	Mechanism of Action	Typical Form	Clinical Notes / Status
Curcumin	Curcuma longa	Anti-inflammatory, osteoarthritis	Inhibits NF-κB pathway, COX-2 modulation	Standardized extract (≥95%)	Promising results in canine OA trials
Boswellia Serrata	Boswellia serrata	Joint inflammation, mobility support	Reduces 5-LOX enzyme activity	AKBA-standardized extract	Clinical trials in dogs show efficacy
Milk Thistle	Silybum marianum	Liver support, detox	Antioxidant, stimulates hepatocyte regeneration	Silymarin extract	Used in veterinary hepatoprotectants
Ashwagandha	Withania somnifera	Stress, anxiety, adrenal balance	Adaptogenic, reduces cortisol levels	Root extract (≥5% withanolides)	Early-stage pet supplement use
Valerian Root	Valeriana officinalis	Sedative, calming agent	GABA modulation	Root powder or extract	Often used in calming chews
Green Tea Catechins	Camellia sinensis	Cancer prevention, antioxidant	EGCG antioxidant and anti-proliferative action	EGCG extract (decaf)	Under study for cancer support in pets
Cannabidiol (CBD)	Cannabis sativa (hemp)	Pain, seizures, anxiety	ECS modulation (CB1/CB2 receptors)	THC-free oil or isolate	Under strict regulation in EU
Resveratrol	Polygonum cuspidatum	Anti-aging, metabolic support	Activates sirtuins, antioxidant	Pure extract (>50%)	Experimental in canine longevity
Quercetin	Found in Sophora japonica	Allergy, inflammation, immune modulation	Mast cell stabilization, antihistamine effects	Pure flavonoid extract	Shown to reduce itching in dogs
Berberine	Berberis aristata	Blood sugar regulation, gut health	AMPK activation, antimicrobial	Isolated alkaloid	Experimental in diabetic pets
Cranberry Extract	Vaccinium macrocarpon	Urinary tract health	Inhibits bacterial adhesion to bladder wall	PAC-standardized extract	Common in urinary health diets
Ginger Extract	Zingiber officinale	Nausea, digestive support	5-HT3 receptor antagonist, prokinetic	Root extract or oil	Veterinary GI use emerging
Artichoke Leaf	Cynara scolymus	Liver & bile flow support	Stimulates bile production (choleretic)	Leaf extract	Used in hepatic supplements
Rhodiola Rosea	Rhodiola rosea	Stress resistance, cognitive support	Adaptogenic, modulates cortisol and serotonin	Root extract	Limited use in senior pet supplements
Maritime Pine Bark	Pinus pinaster (Pycnogenol®)	Joint health, antioxidant	Reduces oxidative stress, improves mobility	Standardized OPC extract	Studied in canine osteoarthritis

Notes:

Formulation Use: Many of these require encapsulation, chewable integration, or use in liquid supplements for palatability and compliance.

Regulatory Considerations: Clinical claims must follow EFSA/FEDIAF guidelines; some may require novel food authorization or veterinary oversight.
Trends: Increasing interest in polyphenols, adaptogens, and plant-based anti-inflammatories for senior, allergic, or anxious pets.

Essential Amino Acids in Pet Nutrition

Amino Acid	Abbreviation	Key Functions in Pets (Dogs & Cats)		*Dietary Requirement (g/100g protein)**		Special Notes (Cats vs Dogs)
Arginine	Arg	Detoxifies ammonia, supports immune & cardiovascular function	5.1 (dogs), 4.2 (cats)		Cats have higher sensitivity to deficiency
Histidine	His	Hemoglobin synthesis, nervous system function	1.0 (dogs), 1.5 (cats)		Important for auditory function
Isoleucine	Ile	Muscle metabolism, energy production	0.9 (dogs), 1.2 (cats)		Supports lean muscle mass
Leucine	Leu	Protein synthesis, tissue regeneration	1.7 (dogs), 1.6 (cats)		One of the most abundant BCAAs
Lysine	Lys	Collagen formation, calcium absorption, immune support	1.5 (dogs), 1.2 (cats)		Often limiting in plant-based proteins
Methionine	Met	Precursor to taurine, antioxidant activity	0.9 (dogs), 0.6 (cats)		Cats need more sulfur amino acids (see below)
Phenylalanine	Phe	Precursor to tyrosine, neurotransmitter function	1.3 (dogs), 1.6 (cats)		Cats require Phe + Tyr higher than dogs
Threonine	Thr	Gut health, protein balance, immune function	0.9 (dogs), 1.2 (cats)		Essential for mucin synthesis in intestines
Tryptophan	Trp	Precursor to serotonin and melatonin	0.2 (dogs), 0.25 (cats)		Sensitive to heat processing
Valine	Val	Muscle growth, energy regulation	1.1 (dogs), 1.2 (cats)		Part of the BCAA group
Taurine	Tau	Heart and eye function, bile salt conjugation	Not essential for dogs; 0.1% for cats		Essential for cats but not dogs

Notes:

Values are approximate minimums based on AAFCO and NRC recommendations.
Cats have higher methionine, phenylalanine, and taurine needs due to obligate carnivore metabolism.
Taurine is not a true amino acid by structure but is essential in feline diets and often supplemented in dog food under stress or illness.

Application in Pet Food

Growth formula: Emphasis on lysine, methionine, leucine

Weight management: Focus on branched chain amino acids (BCAA), such as leucine, isoleucine, valine

Senior pet food: Add taurine, glutamine, glycine to support heart and tissue

Hair and skin formula: cysteine, methionine, tyrosine, beneficial to hair health

Europe Pet Food Ingredients Market Share Analysis | 2025

Market share: ~15% of the European pet nutrition market in 2024.

High pet ownership rates, high expenditure on high-end pet care, and a strong pet-humanization culture. UK pet owners are increasingly adopting preventive healthcare approaches, which has increased the adoption of pet nutrition products.

Germany

Market share: ~18.7% of the European pet care market in 2023.

Germany has the highest pet ownership rate in Europe, with huge demand for professional pet food, supplements, and health products. The market benefits from a strong network of specialty stores and veterinary clinics, which are the main distribution channels for pet nutrition and health products.

France

Market share: ~13.3% of the European pet care market in 2023.

France has a mature and well-established pet nutrition and health market, characterized by high consumer awareness and well-established distribution channels. French consumers show a strong preference for products with natural ingredients, which influences its product development and marketing strategies.

Italy

Market share: ~29% of EU pet food supplement sales in 2020.

Italy focuses on sustainability, with consumers valuing recycled materials and willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. Pet owners rely on veterinarians for dietary advice, which drives demand for functional pet ingredients.

Netherlands

Expected growth: The pet nutraceuticals industry will grow at an annual rate of approximately 12% between 2024 and 2029.

The Netherlands shows great potential, thanks to a significant shift in pet ownership patterns and changing consumer preferences. Dutch pet owners are increasingly favoring high-end and specialized pet nutrition products, especially in urban areas where the trend toward pet humanization is most pronounced.

Poland

Expected growth: The pet food market will grow at an annual rate of approximately 14% between 2024 and 2029.

The pet food industry in Poland is undergoing a period of transformation, thanks to shifting consumer preferences and the growing trend toward pet humanization. Polish pet owners are increasingly switching from traditional homemade pet food to commercial pet food, reflecting their growing awareness of their pets’ nutritional and health needs.

Spain

According to recent market reports, the Spanish pet food market has a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4-6%, with the functional and premium segments growing faster than the overall market. This trend is driven by the increase in the number of pet owners and the trend of consumers moving away from traditional nutritional products to more specialized, higher-value nutritional products.

At Greenagribio, We supply high-quality, functional ingredients for pet food and supplements—helping European brands deliver real health benefits to dogs and cats.

From amino acids and plant ingredients custom nutritional blends, our solutions support:

EFSA compliance
Functional claims (mobility, immunity, digestion)
Brand differentiation
Fast, reliable delivery.
Full traceability.
Formulation support you can count on.

Contact Us for Wholesale Orders

Whether you are sourcing ingredients for a new product line or scaling production, pet food ingredients supplier is your reliable factory partner for secure your stock of 25kg / 100kg / 500kg / 1000kg / 2000kg / 3000kg. Contact us today for technical specifications, samples, and bulk pricing.

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