4 Essential Raw Materials for Animal Feed & Supplements

In the animal nutrition industry, supplementing feed with high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients supports the health, growth, and productivity of livestock. In this blog, we explore four essential raw materials commonly used in animal feed supplements — and explore how to ensure they meet the highest quality standards.

The right combination of ingredients can make all the difference in providing the energy, digestive support, and immune resilience that animals need. By selecting high-quality raw materials from a trusted distributor, feed manufacturers can deliver products that promote better health, performance, and longevity in livestock.

Here are four main ingredients used for high-quality animal feed:

1. Canola Oil: A Nutrient-Dense Energy Source

Canola oil is a go-to ingredient in animal feed, valued for its energy-dense profile and the nutritional benefits it provides to livestock. This vegetable oil is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for immune function and skin health. Adding canola oil to feed not only helps maintain animals’ energy levels but also ensures they’re receiving essential fatty acids for optimal growth and wellness.

Benefits of Canola Oil in Feed:

High-calorie density: Canola oil offers a concentrated energy source, which is especially beneficial for high-performance animals.
Rich in omega fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support immune health, improve skin and coat quality, and aid in overall development.
Easily digestible: Canola oil is also more digestible than some other oils, making it a preferred choice in animal nutrition.

2. Sorbitol: Supporting Digestive Health and Palatability

Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol derived from carbohydrates, serves two main purposes in animal feed: it enhances taste and aids digestion. By making supplements more palatable, sorbitol encourages animals to consume feed regularly, which can be especially beneficial when incorporating supplements into an animal’s diet. Beyond its palatability, sorbitol’s mild digestive benefits contribute to nutrient absorption and overall gut health.

Benefits of Sorbitol in Feed:

Improves palatability: With its naturally sweet taste, sorbitol makes feed more appealing to animals, encouraging consistent consumption.
Aids in digestion: Known for its role in digestive health, sorbitol supports nutrient absorption, promoting overall well-being.
Versatile for different species: Sorbitol is safely used in the diets of multiple species, highlighting its adaptability across animal feeds.

3. Sodium Benzoate: A Reliable Preservative

Preservation is essential in animal feed production, where ensuring freshness and safety is key. Sodium benzoate, a widely used preservative, helps prevent mold and bacterial growth in feed supplements. This antimicrobial agent allows feed producers to deliver a product that stays fresh, safe, and effective over time.

Benefits of Sodium Benzoate in Feed:

Anti-microbial properties: Sodium benzoate prevents the growth of bacteria and mold, ensuring feed remains fresh and safe.
Longer shelf life: Extending the shelf life of supplements reduces waste and helps manufacturers meet quality standards.
Reliable preservation: When used in recommended quantities, sodium benzoate offers a reliable and safe solution for preserving feed quality, helping manufacturers maintain product consistency.

4. White Mineral Oil: A Versatile Carrier and Binder

White mineral oil is another versatile component of animal feed supplements. Used as a carrier for vitamins, a binder, and a dust suppressant, this oil is clear, odorless, and highly stable. White mineral oil binds ingredients effectively, ensuring that each dose is consistent in nutrient delivery. Additionally, it helps reduce the dustiness of feed, making it easier to handle for both animals and farmers.

Benefits of White Mineral Oil in Feed:

Enhanced supplement stability: White mineral oil binds ingredients to ensure an even mix and stable nutrient profile.
Dust reduction: Reduces dust, making feed easier and safer to handle for farm personnel.
Carrier for fat-soluble vitamins: As an effective carrier for fat-soluble vitamins, white mineral oil supports even nutrient distribution in animal feed.

How to Get Quality Raw Materials for Animal Feed Supplements

Canola oil, sorbitol, sodium benzoate and white mineral oil are important raw materials commonly used in animal feed supplements. But to achieve the mentioned benefits, you need a high-quality source of these raw materials.

This starts with partnering with a trusted ingredient distributor who understands the unique challenges of animal nutrition. A knowledgeable distributor offers more than just raw materials—they provide a reliable supply chain and an assurance of quality that helps manufacturers produce safe, effective feed supplements.

Here are some key benefits of partnering with a trusted ingredient distributor:

Formulation & technical support: Expert guidance to help develop or reformulate animal feed supplements that meet your specific needs, enhancing nutritional value and performance.
Custom manufacturing: Tailored ingredients and blends to meet the unique requirements of your products, ensuring consistency and optimal results.
Regulatory compliance: Support with navigating complex regulatory requirements to ensure your products are safe, compliant, and ready for market.
Global sourcing & supply chain management: Access to a global network of high-quality suppliers, giving you flexibility and consistency in sourcing ingredients from around the world.
Warehousing & just-in-time fulfillment: Efficient storage and delivery systems that ensure you have the right ingredients when you need them, helping to streamline your operations.
Chemical spend analysis: Analyzing procurement patterns and volume to uncover potential cost-saving opportunities, improving efficiency and reducing waste.

Conclusion

Creating effective animal feed supplements starts with selecting essential, high-quality ingredients like canola oil, sorbitol, sodium benzoate, and white mineral oil. By ensuring the purity, safety, and consistency of these raw materials, feed manufacturers can produce supplements that support animal health and productivity. Partnering with a reliable distributor is key to sourcing the best ingredients and navigating the complexities of the animal nutrition industry.

Ready to work with a trusted expert in animal nutrition? Partner with ChemQuest to secure premium ingredients and reliable support.