Tailored Pet Nutrition for Every Life and Health Stage

The pet food market across Europe is evolving, influenced by key trends like premiumisation, humanisation, and the growing focus on functional and natural ingredients. Just as in human nutrition, pet owners increasingly prioritise health, quality, and sustainability in their choices for their furry companions.

At C&D Foods, we’re proud to support brands and retailers in meeting these demands through tailored pet nutrition. By developing recipes for pets at different life stages and addressing specific health needs, we ensure that every dog and cat gets the right balance of nutrients to thrive.

Age-Specific Nutrition: Supporting Pets at Every Life Stage

Just like humans, dogs and cats have unique nutritional needs at different stages of life. From playful puppies and kittens to active adults and senior companions, each stage requires a carefully balanced diet to support growth, health, and wellbeing.

  • Puppies and Kittens: Growing pets require higher levels of protein and fat to fuel their rapid development. Key ingredients like DHA from fish oil or algae support brain and vision development, while calcium and phosphorus contribute to strong bones and teeth. Digestive health is also critical at this stage, with prebiotics, probiotics, and more recently postbiotics added to promote a healthy gut.
  • Adult Dogs and Cats: The focus for adult pets shifts to maintenance and prevention. Balanced energy sources from high-quality proteins and fats support daily activity, while functional ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Dental hygiene is often a priority, with added ingredients like sodium hexametaphosphate) and seaweed, or specialised kibble shapes to reduce plaque and tartar.
  • Senior Pets: For older pets, diets are tailored to manage age-related concerns. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added to support joint health, while reduced calorie formulas help prevent weight gain in less active pets. Added taurine supports heart health in senior cats, and increased fibre aids digestion, ensuring overall comfort and vitality in their golden years.

Functional Nutrition: Supporting Pets’ Health at Every Stage

While age-specific diets provide the foundation for a pet’s nutrition, many dogs and cats require additional support for specific health concerns. These can arise at any life stage, from digestive sensitivities in puppies and kittens to joint mobility challenges in senior pets.

  • Digestive Health: Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, as well as fibre-rich ingredients like chicory root or beet pulp help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, supporting nutrient absorption and overall wellbeing.
  • Joint Support: Ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and more recently collagen, are added to support joint mobility, particularly for senior pets or larger breeds prone to joint issues.
  • Skin and Coat Health: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, often sourced from fish oil or linseed, contribute to a shiny coat and soothe dry or itchy skin. Vitamin E and biotin are also added for improved skin health.
  • Immune System Support: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, along with beta-glucans, are used to boost immunity and help pets fight off illnesses.

By formulating recipes for every stage of life, we empower pet owners to meet their companions’ changing needs.

Tailored Nutrition for Every Need

Beyond age- or health-specific diets, many pet owners have preferences for their companions’ nutrition that reflect broader trends like grain-free, natural, or organic recipes. Grain-free diets cater to pets with sensitivities or allergies, while limited-ingredient and natural formulations focus on simplicity and quality. These tailored options allow pet owners to make informed choices that align with their pets’ needs and their own values.

At C&D Foods, we’re proud to partner with brands and retailers to create innovative products that meet these diverse demands. Whether it’s addressing life stage needs, supporting health concerns with functional ingredients, or developing recipes that cater to dietary preferences, our commitment is to deliver trusted solutions that help pets thrive.

As the pet food market continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to shaping the future of pet nutrition, offering products that promote health, happiness, and sustainability for pets and their families across Europe.