FAQ
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
Before every project, every job interview, and every initial enquiry, the same questions tend to come up. Here you’ll find the answers, organised by topic, so you can quickly get to what you want to know.
Contract manufacturing & own-brand products
In contract manufacturing, a manufacturer takes care of the entire process, from formulation to the packaged end product. At NutraPet Products, this includes formulation development, raw material procurement, compliance checks under feed legislation, production, filling, packaging and logistics – all under one roof and with a single point of contact throughout the entire process.
White Label uses a tried-and-tested base formula from the NutraPet Products portfolio. The label is customised, but the blend remains unchanged. Private Label develops a bespoke formula using its own signature ingredients – from paper formulation and laboratory samples through to production line testing and ready for mass production. Both models include a full service from production through to delivery.
For white label products, a timeframe of 3 to 4 months is generally realistic, as the blend is already available. Custom formulations take longer – on average 4 to 8 months. Longer development times are particularly common when new ingredients need to be sourced or tested in production.
Small batch sizes are possible. Depending on the product type, initial production runs typically range from 500 to 1,000 units. This makes it possible to launch smaller product ranges and enter new markets without compromising on cost-effectiveness.
NutraPet Products manufactures dietary supplements for dogs, cats and horses. Formulas are developed for each species, tailored to their physiology, palatability and specific needs – such as joint health, digestion, coat care or respiratory health.
Premixes & formulation development
A premix contains all the functional components required for animal feed – with the exception of meat and liquid. These include structural components for binding and viscosity, vitamin and mineral mixes, palatability and flavouring systems, as well as prebiotic and probiotic additives on request. Each component is specifically tailored to the target product and the animal species.
NutraPet Systems works with manufacturers of wet, dry and snack products – ranging from traditional tinned food to stand-up pouches and Tetra Paks, right through to semi-moist snacks. A prerequisite is that you have your own production facilities and production line. If you wish to have products manufactured without your own facilities, NutraPet Products is the right choice for you.
Application engineers and developers visit the production line in person to oversee trial runs and, if requested, the mass production process. They provide advice on individual system components, such as steam nozzles or dissolution stations, until the premix is running consistently. For international customers, this support can also be provided remotely by arrangement.
NutraPet Systems uses high-precision batch mixers capable of achieving a mixing accuracy of 1:100,000. The accuracy of the equipment is verified twice a year by external institutes. Every incoming batch of raw materials and every outgoing mixture is also tested in the company’s own laboratory.
No. NutraPet Systems develops and manufactures only premixes, which are processed further on the customer’s production line to become the finished end product. Feed supplements as finished end products are produced by NutraPet Products.
Quality, Certification & Traceability
The IFS (International Featured Standards) is one of the most rigorous quality standards in the food and feed industry. Once a year, independent auditors inspect the entire operation – from purchasing, production and storage right through to documentation. ‘Higher Level’ is the highest rating and requires that at least 95 per cent of the assessed requirements are met. This is precisely the level at which NutraPet is certified.
Yes. NutraPet is certified organic in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation. Organic and conventional production are clearly separated, all raw materials used are approved, and every stage of processing is fully documented. This means that organic product lines can be produced without compromising on traceability or quality.
The entire production process is barcode-controlled. Every batch delivered can be traced back to the raw material batches used. If necessary, it is possible to identify which batches are affected within a short space of time. All relevant documents are available on request for audits, trading partners and regulatory authorities.
NutraIQ is our own trust mark for scientifically based pet nutrition. The seal on the packaging signifies a standard of quality that goes beyond the individual recipe: research-based (including LMU Munich), produced in Germany to IFS Higher Level standards, tested for palatability and proven on the market over many years. On the shelf and in veterinary recommendations, it acts as a visible distinguishing feature.
The scope of services includes checking packaging and labelling for compliance with feed legislation. Ingredients and components are also checked for compliance before the formulation is approved. Marketing claims are discussed during the initial consultation – however, this does not replace independent legal advice.
Collaboration, Business & Careers
The company is based in Schlaitdorf near Stuttgart, at Nürtinger Straße 62. Both companies – NutraPet Products and NutraPet Systems – manufacture their products at the same site. They supply customers in many European countries, and their export markets extend worldwide.
NutraPet Products is aimed at brands, retailers and veterinary shops that wish to offer feed supplements under their own brand (white label or private label) – without having to manufacture them themselves. NutraPet Systems is aimed at manufacturers with their own production facilities who require premixes for wet, dry or snack foods. Both companies are owner-managed and manufacture their products at the Schlaitdorf site.
To get started, simply send us a brief enquiry via the contact form. During a no-obligation initial consultation, we will discuss the product, animal species, model, timeframe and feasibility. No documentation or preparation is required – if you already have machine data or product ideas, you are welcome to send them along with your enquiry.
We regularly advertise vacancies in production, development, administration and the commercial departments. You can find our current vacancies on the careers page. Unsolicited applications are also welcome – please contact Dorothee von Bothmer, Head of People & Culture.
For contract manufacturing and private labels: the NutraPet Products contact form. For premixes and formulation development: the NutraPet Systems contact form. For career enquiries, please contact Dorothee von Bothmer directly. If you’re unsure, simply write to the company that best suits your needs – your enquiry will be forwarded internally.