Scientific Opinion on Lantharenol® (lanthanum carbonate octahydrate) as a feed additive for dogs

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety an efficacy of Lantharenol® (lanthanum carbonate octahydrate) as a feed additive for dogs. The product is currently authorised for use in cats. Lantharenol® is intended to be used in the feed of adult dogs (1500 – 7500 mg/kg complete feed) to restrict the intestinal absorption of phosphorus. Restricting phosphorus uptake may act to prevent/reduce chronic renal malfunction in ageing animals. The proposed duration of administration is continuous throughout the adult life of the dog. No adverse effects were seen after supplementing the diet with at least a ten-fold overdose of the additive suggesting that Lantharenol® is safe for adult dogs at the highest dose proposed (7500 mg/kg complete feed) with a margin of safety of at least ten. In line with the current guidance on additives intended to be used in pets, only one efficacy trial in the species under application is needed for demonstrating efficacy if the lowest recommended dose is the same as authorised for another pet species. Based on the data presented, it can be concluded that Lantharenol® has the potential to reduce the phosphorus bioavailability in adult dogs at the lowest recommended dose (1500 mg/kg complete feed). The FEEDAP Panel is not in a position to comment on whether the changes to phosphorus absorption following the addition of Lantharenol® to the diet of dogs will have any long-term effects on renal function.