Artificial Nutritional Additives: What Are They and What Are They For?
Regarding, including pet food, there are two major yet complementary categories: technological additives (preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, acidity regulators) and nutritional additives (vitamins, amino acids, trace elements).
These elements serve two distinct purposes that allow dog and cat food to maintain its quality and provide essential nutrients.
Preservatives and antioxidants: how they work
Technological additives protect food from spoilage and oxidation. Preservatives (E200–E299) combat mold and bacteria, while antioxidants (E300–E322) prevent the rancidity of fats.
Maintaining freshness over time is one of the main goals, and certain natural antioxidants, such as tocopherol extracts derived from vegetable oils, are widely used in human nutrition as well.
Their use is regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which sets usage limits and safety standards.
Emulsifiers and acidity regulators: role and application
Emulsifiers improve the consistency of pet food by preventing the separation of water and fats, while acidity regulators keep the pH stable.
Among the most studied emulsifiers, some “E numbers” (identification codes assigned to food additives approved in the European Union, such as E407, E412, E472e, etc.) have been linked to possible metabolic effects in ultra-processed human foods.
The main purpose is to enhance the physical stability of the product, and once again, European approval ensures safety for both animals and the environment.
Vitamins, amino acids, and trace rlements: nutritional supplementation
Nutritional additives provide vitamins (e.g., vitamin B2, vitamin E), essential amino acids (such as taurine in cats), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium).
Their inclusion is useful because the production process often destroys or reduces some nutrients. In general, the addition of essential nutrients helps prevent dietary deficiencies in pet food.
Taurine, for example, is essential for heart function and eye health in cats.
Difference between technological and nutritional additives
Technological additives primarily serve to preserve the quality, stability, and palatability of pet food over time.
Nutritional additives, on the other hand, enrich the nutritional profile, compensating for losses during processing and providing essential nutrients.
These are therefore different functions with complementary purposes: preservation on one side, supplementation on the other. Both categories fall under EU regulations for pet food.
Naxos kibble is formulated without added preservatives or colorants, meaning no artificial technological additives. The only natural preservative used is rosemary, which is rich in tocopherols and helps maintain the integrity of all Naxos recipes.
Regulation and safety in additive use
Additives permitted in pet food for dogs and cats are authorized by EFSA following scientific evaluation, and then listed in the Community Register of Feed Additives.
Authorizations are valid for a period of 10 years and require proof of safe practices for animals and the environment.
Some emulsifiers are also the subject of independent studies regarding possible long-term effects, which is a positive development as such thorough reviews ensure products are safe and well-regulated.
In brief
Technological additives and nutritional additives represent two distinct yet equally important concepts in industrial food, including pet food. The first group ensures preservation and product integrity, while the second guarantees the supply of vital nutrients.
A proper understanding of these substances allows dog and cat owners to read labels more consciously, understand production choices, and assess the quality of the food they choose for their pets.
