This article has not yet been professionally approved. The information is based on the sources listed below.
What is complementary feed?
For horses, the term is complementary feed – not food supplements. Complementary feed adds to the ration but does not replace basic feeding. Feed law clearly distinguishes between product classes.
In the horse and feed sector, the correct term is complementary feed (in German: Ergänzungsfuttermittel or Ergänzungsfutter). “Food supplement” comes from human nutrition and is imprecise in the context of animal feed.
Feed law draws a sharp distinction: feed materials serve to cover basic requirements, while compound feeds combine at least two feed materials and are divided into complete and complementary feeds 1. Complementary feed has a high content of certain nutrients or additives, but only covers the daily requirement together with other components such as forage 1.
The product classes at a glance
Additives (e.g. vitamins, trace elements, preservatives) may only be used if they are authorised in the EU 2.
| Product class | Function | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Feed material | Unprocessed raw materials, basic requirements | Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 1 |
| Complementary feed | High nutrient/additive content, supplements the ration | Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 1 |
| Mineral feed | Special complementary feed, crude ash ≥ 40% | Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 1 |
| Veterinary medicinal product | Demonstrable pharmacological effect | German Medicines Act (AMG), requires authorisation |
Simplified classification under EU feed law.
Sources & studies
The content is based on the references listed below. It does not replace individual veterinary or feeding advice.
Show list of sources (4)
- Verordnung (EG) Nr. 767/2009Placing on the market and use of feed, labelling and claims; definitions of complete feed (Art. 3(2)(i)) and complementary feed (point (j)), content of feed additives (Art. 8), feeding instructions (Annex II No. 4). Link to the current EUR-Lex consolidated version (as of 26 December 2018).
- Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1831/2003Feed additives – authorisation and use; “daily ration” based on 12% moisture (Art. 2(2)(f)), renewal of authorisation and automatic continuation (Art. 14(4)), general conditions of use (Annex IV: natural plus added amount; complementary feed, diluted as specified, at most at the level for complete feed). Link to the current EUR-Lex consolidated version (as of 27 March 2021).
- Deutscher Verband Tiernahrung e.V.Guidance on feed law and industry practice
- Coenen M, Vervuert I (2020): Pferdefütterung. Begründet von H. Meyer. 6., aktualisierte Aufl., Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart. ISBN 978-3-13-241778-6Standard reference work on equine nutrition in German-speaking countries; Table 4.17 mineral recommendations (recommended supply and minimum requirement), Table 4.18 derived sweat volumes per work level and weight class, Table 4.19 electrolyte performance requirement per sweat volume (in addition to maintenance requirement)