Choosing a premix supplier is a long-term decision. The premix sits in every tonne of feed you produce, so problems with consistency, documentation or delivery show up across your whole operation. This checklist covers the points most buyers review before approving a supplier.
1. Documentation
Start with what the supplier can put on paper.
- Product specifications with full composition and declared values.
- Certificates and quality system documents, if the supplier states it works to specific standards. Ask for copies and check the scope and validity dates.
- Labelling that meets the regulations of your country.
- Safety data sheets where relevant.
If a supplier mentions a certification, ask which site and which activities it covers. A certificate for one site or product group does not automatically apply to another.
2. Formulation support
A premix should fit your diet, not the other way around.
- Will the supplier discuss your species, production phase and raw materials before quoting?
- Can they produce to your own formulation if you have one?
- How are formulation changes handled and documented?
3. Production and consistency
Ask how the supplier manages the steps that decide premix quality:
- raw material intake and approval,
- weighing and dosing of micro-ingredients,
- mixing and the checks used to confirm uniformity,
- packaging and labelling,
- batch records and retained samples.
You do not need to audit every detail on the first call, but the supplier should be able to explain each step clearly. A site visit or a video call from the production floor is a reasonable request.
4. Packaging and storage
- What packaging sizes are available?
- Is the packaging suitable for your climate and storage time?
- What are the stated shelf life and storage conditions?
5. Logistics and export
For importers and distributors, logistics often decides whether a supplier works in practice.
- Which countries does the supplier already ship to?
- Can they prepare the export documents your country requires?
- How are pallets prepared and protected for transport?
- What are typical lead times and minimum order quantities?
6. Communication
Clear, timely answers during the evaluation are a good sign of how the relationship will run later. Note how quickly questions are answered and whether technical questions reach someone who can answer them.
Putting it together
| Area | What to request |
|---|---|
| Documentation | Specifications, certificates, labels, SDS |
| Formulation | Proposal based on your species and diet |
| Production | Description of process and batch control |
| Packaging | Sizes, materials, shelf life, storage |
| Logistics | Export experience, documents, lead times |
Use the same checklist for every candidate so you can compare answers side by side.
If you are evaluating Vetrimix, send us your requirements and we will respond to each point. You can also read about our production and quality approach.
Evaluating suppliers? Send us your checklist and we will answer it point by point.
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