Premixes are complex mixtures of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and other feed additives that are incorporated at levels between 0.2 and 0.5% in the compound feed.

Adequate nutrition requires feed compositions consisting of macro ingredients and micro ingredients, sometimes incorporated at ppm levels (e.g. vitamins). To secure that these micro-ingredients are mixed with macro-ingredients in an homogeneous way, an intermediate dilution step is required via a so-called premixture. Premixtures are legally defined as mixtures of feed additives or mixtures of one or more feed additives with feed materials or water used as carriers, not intended for direct feeding to animals (Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003). This premixture is incorporated at levels typically between 0.2 to 0.5% in the compound feed. The manufacturing of premixtures requires a specific technology and is often performed by specialized companies.