EFSA Weighs Mixing Lanthanum Additive Into Pet Feed
A scientific opinion assesses whether pet owners may add the phosphate binder to food just before feeding.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Pet Health
The European Food Safety Authority assessed a request to modify the authorisation of a lanthanum carbonate octahydrate feed additive for cats and dogs. The applicant, a German feed additive company, asked that pet holders be allowed to mix the additive directly into feed immediately before consumption.
Why it matters
The request would change how a phosphate binder is administered to pets, affecting how owners prepare feed. Authorisation decisions under EU feed rules determine which products can be marketed and how they must be used.
The additive is currently authorised for adult cats and dogs at 1500 to 7500 mg/kg of complete feed. EFSA's opinion, published 11 November 2026, projects efficacy only if the minimum level is achieved and the additive is adequately mixed.
The players
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
The EU agency that provides independent scientific advice on food and feed safety, including assessments of feed additive authorisations.
The details
The application was received on 24 April 2026 and considered valid on 22 July 2026, then forwarded to EFSA under Article 13(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. EFSA had previously issued opinions on the additive's safety and efficacy for cats and dogs in 2022 and 2024.
Timeline
2022: EFSA issues first opinion on the additive's safety and efficacy.
2024: EFSA issues second opinion on the additive's safety and efficacy.
24 April 2026: Dossier for the modification request is received.
22 July 2026: EFSA considers the application documents valid.
11 November 2026: Scientific opinion is published.
Season Trajectory
Under Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, feed additive authorisations can be modified after review, and this request follows the earlier 2022 and 2024 EFSA opinions on the same additive. It extends the regulatory track for lanthanum-based phosphate binders used in pet nutrition.
If authorised, pet owners could mix this phosphate binder directly into their animal's food just before feeding rather than relying only on pre-mixed products. The change affects how the additive is administered, not whether pets currently taking it need different doses.
The takeaway
Feed additive decisions in the EU are made through a documented scientific review, so changes to how a product is used depend on that evidence. Pet owners should follow the directions on any authorised product and consult a veterinarian before changing a pet's diet.
Further reading
Explore more on Pet Health to see how feed additives and nutrition affect animal wellbeing.
More information
Review the EFSA dossier and supporting documentation for the application.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EFSA.
