Compound animal feeds and pre-mixes are made for aquaculture as well as beef, dairy, pig, poultry, horse and sheep producers. The sector also provides high-quality and reliable feeds to zoos, owners of pocket pets (such as rabbits, guinea pigs and mice), hobby farmers, and backyard and leisure livestock owners.

Antimicrobials are needed by animal industries to control diseases. Practice varies according to the industry and type of animal production, but in some cases treatments are administered via feed. Feed manufacturers may produce and supply medicated feeds only under the direction of a veterinarian. The sector thus has a role in ensuring that antimicrobials are delivered in a way that does not promote the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The Australian feed manufacturing sector aims to develop sustainable systems for producing safe feed for food. Its quality assurance program, FeedSafe®, includes a Code of Good Manufacturing Practice that was developed in conjunction with the chief veterinary officers in each state and territory. The sector is also developing a stewardship program to reduce AMR while protecting the health and welfare of livestock and humans.