Category 3 animal fats
Category 3 animal fats are essential raw materials for our pets’ diets. They provide a source of energy and palatability but above all essential fatty acids. Unfortunately, there is increasing pressure due to Category 3 animal fats being used in other sectors such as biofuels.
Category 3 animal fats are by-products of the human food chain and they are a key pet food ingredient. The use of by-products from the human chain prevents the need for final disposal and supports farmers. Manufacturers are skilled at adding value to these ingredients by converting them into nutritious pet food, which supports the Industry’s contribution to the circular economy.
The pet food industry believes that food, such as Category 3 animal fats, which is not intended for human consumption, should be repurposed according to the food waste hierarchy ie re used in food before any other use. Unfortunately, Category 3 animal fats are becoming a rare commodity partially due to the trend towards a lower consumption of the meat in the EU - and they are not easy to replace.
There is also a challenge from the energy and transport sector. In its efforts to decarbonize, this sector is looking for suitable ingredients to be converted into biofuels. Category 3 animal fats are one of their options and consequently the share of Category 3 animal fats used for biofuels has consistently increased over recent years. Importantly, there is an alternative for biofuels; Category 1&2 animal fats, which are forbidden for animal feeding, are available and more suitable for use as biofuels. Category 3 animal by-products are not a necessary element for decarbonisation of biofuels.
The UK is keen to safeguard these Category 3 animal fats to help the Industry continue to sustainably feed its 38 million pets with safe and nutritious pet food. If you would like to read more background, you can visit the European Pet Food Industry's website.
Animal fats are essential to our pets’ diets. These important pet food ingredients should not be diverted to biofuel.