EDEKA: Pet food from husbandry level 3

More animal welfare in the bowl:
EDEKA extends commitment to higher animal welfare standards to pet food.

Hamburg. EDEKA is setting new standards in pet nutrition and is the first provider in the German food retail sector to introduce wet food for dogs and cats with meat and animal by-products from husbandry level 3. EDEKA is pursuing the goal of establishing higher animal welfare standards not only in the meat range, but also in pet food. From July, four items from the EDEKA Herzstück own brand will initially be listed regionally.

With the introduction, EDEKA is transferring the husbandry system known from the food sector to selected pet food products for the first time. Husbandry level 3 stands for significantly higher animal welfare standards than the legal minimum requirement: among other things, the animals have more space and permanent access to the outside climate.

EDEKA - pet food from husbandry level 3

Another aspect is whole animal marketing: the use of meat by-products allows for more comprehensive use in pet nutrition. This helps to increase added value along the entire production chain and use resources more efficiently without compromising on quality or animal welfare. The meat by-products used also come from EDEKA's own branded meat programs from German agriculture.

The items will initially be offered in individual federal states at participating EDEKA stores in the south and west of Germany, including North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg and Saarland. Further listings depend on product availability and customer demand.

With this step, EDEKA underlines its claim to further develop animal welfare, transparency and responsible procurement of goods in pet nutrition – and thus sends a signal to both agriculture and the market.

The following items with meat and animal by-products from husbandry level 3 are listed:

Dog food 400g can

EDEKA heart pieces rich in beef.
EDEKA heart pieces pure pork.

Cat food, 400g can

EDEKA heart pieces rich in beef.
EDEKA heart pieces pure pork.

What does posture form 3 mean?

Level 3 husbandry means “outside climate”. The animals are given significantly more space than legally required and have access to fresh air or outdoor areas. The most important rules at a glance:

More space: The animals have at least 30 to 40 percent more stable space than the legal minimum requirement.
Fresh air: For example, the stable is open on one side (open front stable) or has covered outdoor areas such as a winter garden.
No genetic engineering: The feed for the animals is guaranteed to be GMO-free.
More employment: The animals have access to additional materials such as straw or toys.

This stage is a big step for animal welfare as the animals are exposed to natural weather stimuli and can move more freely. The label was developed by the German food retail sector to make shopping easier. It complements the state animal husbandry license and ranges from level 1 (legal standard) up to level 5 (Organic).

Overview of the stages

Stable keeping (legal standard): The animals live in the stable. You only have the space that the law requires. There are no extras for the animal.
Stable + space (Stable Keeping Plus): The animals have more space than legally required (at least 10% more). They are given more activity materials, such as straw or toys.
Fresh air stable (outdoor climate): The stables are open or have a covered outdoor area. The animals have contact with fresh air. The food is GMO-free.
Run/pasture: The animals have plenty of space and constant access to the outdoors. Cows graze in the pasture, chickens have free range in the countryside. The stable is particularly spacious.
Bio: This is the highest level. It is strictly regulated by laws or organic associations. The animals have a lot of space, exercise and are fed organic food.

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