Behind our Natural choice

THE IMPORTANCE OF USING ONLY NATURAL PRESERVATIVES​

All Farmina Vet Life and Natural & Delicious products are preserved using only natural antioxidants (tocopherol rich extracts). Preservatives and antioxidants, in particular, are compounds that have the ability to delay, prevent, reduce or eliminate oxidative damage in food.

We understand that some of the nutrients found in our food can quickly become oxidized especially lipids. In general, lipids have a greater tendency to lose electrons and self-oxidize which results in an alteration of color, flavor, texture, quality, genuineness, and safety of the food. For example, oxidation alters Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) or fat-soluble vitamins causing significant changes in the food through the formation of volatile odoriferous compounds and hydroxy acids that affect aroma and flavor.​

To accomplish our goal of creating natural products, we only use natural antioxidants. ​

Some synthetic antioxidants such as TBHQ, BHA, and BHT that are used mainly in food have controversial health effects. Several studies show a correlation between the intake of such compounds and changes to the animals organs, especially when consumed in high dosages. 

Natural antioxidants are also much safer to consume in large quantities compared to artificial ones so we can safely add more antioxidants to our food to deliver the healthiest product possible.

As a final preservation step, all Farmina Vet Life and Natural & Delicious products are packaged in a protective atmosphere to prevent fat oxidation while maintaining flavor and freshness. We achieve this by introducing nitrogen into our food bags to displace any oxygen that might be present. This technology is widely used in human food packaging as nitrogen is a safe, natural gas. 

WHY GO GMO-FREE?

A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques including the addition, deletion, or modification of gene elements. The European Union uses a precautionary principle approach in regards to GMOs stating that it's difficult at the current time to determine if they cause any dangerous effects on humans, animals, or the environment. All GMO products in the European Union undergo specific regulations and restrictions.  

Although the European Union allows the use of GMOs, Farmina goes beyond their precautionary principle by using only 100% Certified GMO-Free raw materials in our Vet Life and Natural & Delicious foods. We avoid using corn which is a commonly used ingredient in pet food and instead use ancestral cereals typical of traditional Italian foods such as spelt and oats. We also use tubers such as potatoes to help bind the ingredients together. 

We chose not to use GMO ingredients to safeguard the health of every pet.

The spread of GMOs may also lead to alterations in the environment by causing a reduction in biodiversity, the transmission of plant pesticide resistance, and the promotion of evolution of more resistant parasites. Changes in our environment pose a risk to the delicate balance of our ecosystem. 

The actions we take are due to our respect for nature as the ecosystem we live in and our passion for the health and happiness of our four-legged family members.​

Farmina: Happy Pet, Happy You.