Contract manufacturer of complementary pet food: your full-service partner

What is holding back market entry for feed supplements?

Developing, manufacturing, packaging and storing products: anyone attempting this without an experienced manufacturer will waste time, money and patience. On top of that, there are the regulations governing animal feed. Failure to comply with these requirements can delay market entry or result in legal consequences.

An overview of common obstacles

• Production facilities require significant investment
• It takes years to build up a research and development team
• Feed legislation and labelling entail liability risks
• Many manufacturers of feed supplements provide partial services
• Coordinating multiple service providers takes time and money

Full-service contract manufacturing: feed supplements from a single source.

NutraPet Products is not just a manufacturer, but a development partner: the collaboration begins with an idea. We handle every stage of the contract manufacturing process: from formulation and production through to packaging, filling and delivery to the client.

The focus is on the effect on the animal: bioavailability, palatability and tangible functionality are the key factors in the formulations.

Everything under one roof

A single point of contact for formulation, production, bottling, packaging and logistics. No need to coordinate between multiple service providers.

Artisanal character

Fast & flexible. We find creative solutions even for complex recipes and special requests.

Products you can experience

Products you can feel. Our products show a significant positive effect after just a few weeks of use.

IFS certification

One of the most rigorous quality standards in the animal feed industry. The process covers purchasing, production, storage and documentation. Annually, with full traceability.

Packaging options

Tins and pouches in various sizes and designs. Procurement, filling and labelling checks included.

An overview of product formats and packaging options

Whether it’s a snack, a powder or a liquid product, NutraPet Products offers three main formats for feed supplements and care products, all from a single source. A range of packaging solutions is available to suit these products, which are sourced, stored and supplied.

Product forms: snacks, powders and liquid products

• Functional snacks are produced using a gentle process. For the ‘snack with a health benefit’: a treat that also supports your health.
• Powders are particularly suitable for targeted nutritional supplementation and can be easily mixed into your pet’s existing food.
• Liquids such as probiotic sprays or anti-parasite sprays round out the full range. These are produced as part of our comprehensive service through selected partners.

Packaging options: tins, pouches & bottles

We offer a range of tins, bottles and pouches in various diameters and heights, made from different materials and in various designs. Special packaging requirements are tested on our own production lines. The printing and die-cutting machine is provided; compliance checks for feed legislation and filling are included in the scope of services.

White label and private label: two ways to create your own feed supplement

2 models, 1 full-service promise.

NutraPet Products offers two service models: White Label and Private Label. Both include the same comprehensive service, from production and packaging to order fulfilment. Those who wish to use tried-and-tested recipes should choose White Label. Those who wish to have their own exclusive recipe developed using specific raw materials should choose Private Label.

White label and private label are two distinct approaches. The difference lies in the origin of the formula and the exclusive rights.

Beyond the formula: NutraIQ Intelligent Formula as a trusted brand in the market

Customers who opt for the private-label option can feature the NutraIQ Intelligent Formula seal on the final product. NutraIQ is NutraPet’s trust mark and stands for scientifically sound pet nutrition. The seal on the packaging indicates a standard of quality that goes beyond the individual recipe: research-based, produced in Germany, proven acceptance and a long track record in the market.

This gives your brand a distinctive feature that stands out on the shelf and carries weight in veterinary recommendations.

• Scientifically proven: formulations backed by research (including studies from LMU Munich), with a focus on gut health and the targeted use of probiotics.
• Made in Germany to IFS Higher Level standards: Production in southern Germany meets IFS Higher Level standards (over 95%), including our own gentle snack production processes.
• Proven acceptance: acceptance testing prior to market launch — around 80% for cats, up to 90% for dogs, significantly above the market standard of around 60%.
• Tried and tested on a large scale: used in over a billion end products in 2023, with a repurchase rate of around 80%, and recommended by vets.

Scope of services: What does NutraPet Products offer?

Raw material procurement & analysis

All ingredients are checked for compliance with feed regulations and availability before the mixture is finalised. The body’s ability to utilise the ingredients (bioavailability) is taken into account from the very start of the development process.

Production & Quality Control

Our snacks are produced using our own specially developed, nutrient-preserving manufacturing processes. Powders are also manufactured in-house at our IFS-certified facility. Liquid products are produced in collaboration with qualified partner companies.

Packaging, bottling & kitting

NutraPet Products sources, stores and supplies all packaging materials, ranging from foil-lined tins and pouches to screw-top tins in various sizes. Filling takes place at our own IFS-certified facility. We have liquids filled by external partners.

Logistics & Delivery

Once production is complete, NutraPet Products handles order picking and storage. The finished goods are delivered directly to the client or made available for collection. Delivery charges are invoiced transparently or, by agreement, included in the product price.

Contract manufacturers of feed supplements: What’s changing for start-ups and brand owners

Two scenarios illustrate how working with NutraPet Products can transform your business situation.

Scenario: Start-up & New Business (White Label)

Before: The product concept is in place, but the path to implementation is not. There is a lack of equipment and a research team. The budget is also limited. Every step has to be organised separately, and every coordination process takes time. The market launch is delayed, and the financial risk grows with every passing month.

Afterwards: With white-label blends that are available immediately, your first products will be ready for market in 3–4 months. There are no development costs and no production costs. As a contract manufacturer for feed supplements, NutraPet Products handles the entire process: production, filling, packaging and storage. The result is the certainty that the path to your own private label is shorter than expected and that the start-up phase is supported by an experienced partner.

Scenario: Established brand (private label)

Before: The product range is in place, but there is a lack of differentiation. The current contract manufacturer supplies standard formulations. There is no comprehensive service or customised ingredients. Product claims and labelling remain a challenge. Under these circumstances, positioning in the premium segment is virtually impossible.

The end result: bespoke blends featuring signature ingredients. These are underpinned by nutritional expertise, proven bioavailability and IFS-certified production. The outcome is a range that clearly stands out from the competition in the premium segment. But that’s not all. Established brands are gaining the confidence not only to occupy this segment, but also to actively shape it.

From the initial idea to the finished product. Step by step.

1. Arrange a no-obligation initial consultation: simply send us a brief enquiry via the contact form. No documents or preparation are required.
2. Needs assessment & expert advice: During the initial consultation, we will work with you to clarify the product, animal species, model (white label or private label), timeframe and feasibility.
3. Formulation & product development: For private label products, this involves paper formulation, laboratory samples and production line testing. For white label products, production begins immediately after the packaging has been approved.
4. Production & Delivery: Once approved, mass production begins, including filling, packaging and order picking. Logistics plan to be agreed with the customer.

The right formula for every animal species and purpose

Three animal species, different requirements, one source. NutraPet Products develops and manufactures feed supplements for dogs, cats and horses in accordance with IFS-certified standards.

Contract manufacturer of dog food supplements: snacks, powders and more

The market for dog food supplements is growing. The reason: more and more pet owners are turning to functional supplements that go beyond mere treats. For brand owners and start-ups, this presents an opportunity to enter a growing segment with a targeted product range. As a specialist contract manufacturer of dog food supplements, NutraPet Products offers the right infrastructure for this.

Semi-moist snacks, in particular, are very popular with pet owners, as they combine the traditional treat with health benefits. The dog range can be complemented with powdered and liquid products.

• Semi-moist snacks with ingredients that have been verified
• Areas of application such as: joints, digestion, coat and skin, immune system
• A range of sizes for puppies, adult dogs and older dogs
• A full range of dog products can be developed for the own brand

Contract manufacturer of cat feed supplements: Targeted and efficient

Cats are carnivores through and through and have a metabolism that requires a different nutritional balance to that of dogs. Formulas for cat supplements must take this fact into account from the outset. This applies to the choice of ingredients, the dosage and the species-specific palatability.

As a contract manufacturer, NutraPet Products develops cat food supplements tailored to cats’ physiological needs: for coat care, urinary tract health, joint health and immune system support.

• Taste appeal and texture tailored to a cat’s physiology
• Nutritionally balanced recipes for strict carnivores
• Areas of application such as: coat care, urinary tract health or joints
• Small snack portions and bite-sized textures

Contract manufacturer of equine feed supplements: Meeting the highest standards

Dietary supplements for horses are subject to specific requirements. There are many reasons for this.

Body weight alone requires precise dosing. Errors in the concentration of active ingredients have a significantly greater impact than they do in small animals. Added to this is the complex and sensitive digestive system. Incorrect ingredients, poor-quality raw materials or unsuitable substances can lead to serious problems.

Horses used in competitive sport are also subject to strict anti-doping regulations: traceability, ingredient purity and comprehensive documentation are not optional, but mandatory. As a contract manufacturer of equine feed supplements, NutraPet Products understands these specific requirements and provides the necessary nutritional expertise.

• Precise dosing for different body weights
• Gentle ingredients for sensitive digestive systems
• Areas of application such as: muscles, joints, hooves, respiratory tract
• Full traceability for anti-doping compliance

FAQ section

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about contract manufacturing, white label and private label. If you still have any questions, simply get in touch via the contact form.