✌️ Get 1ST $10 OFF >$99
One-time use per household for orders above $99. Use code: 10FORGOOD during checkout. View T&C
🎉 REDEEM FREE GIFT >$120
One-time use per month for orders above $120. Redeem during checkout. View T&C
💵 REDEEM UP TO $25
Earn points to redeem $1, $5, $10 & $25 vouchers. Redeem Now
✨ EXPERIENCE OUR BRANDS
You may have noticed the word “AAFCO” mentioned somewhere on your dog’s bag of dog food. Who is “AAFCO” and what does AAFCO do, exactly? Let’s find out!
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a non-profit organization that sets standards for animal feed and pet food in the United States. Although AAFCO itself does not regulate or approve pet foods, its guidelines are widely recognised and followed by pet food manufacturers to ensure nutritional adequacy. AAFCO's standards help ensure that pet foods provide the necessary nutrients for pets to maintain health and vitality.
The term "AAFCO approved" can be a bit misleading. AAFCO does not approve, test, or certify pet foods. Instead, dog food that claims to meet AAFCO standards has been formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles or has passed a feeding trial using AAFCO procedures. This indicates that the food is nutritionally balanced and complete for a specific life stage, such as growth, maintenance, or all life stages.
AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles are guidelines that detail the essential nutrients that must be present in dog food for different life stages, including growth and reproduction, adult maintenance, and all life stages. These profiles include minimum and maximum levels of nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. By adhering to these profiles, manufacturers ensure that their products meet the basic nutritional needs of dogs. These profiles are updated by AFFCO when new findings from research in pet nutrition become available. They provide practical guidance for pet food manufacturers.
A dog food can qualify to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles in two ways: formulation and feeding trials. Formulation involves the pet food manufacturer ensuring the product contains the necessary nutrients in the correct amounts based on the AAFCO nutrient profiles. Feeding trials involve testing the food on live animals under controlled conditions to demonstrate that it provides proper nutrition over time.
Yes, AAFCO nutrient profiles are different for puppies (growth and reproduction) and adult dogs (maintenance). Puppies require higher levels of certain nutrients like protein, fat and certain minerals to support their growth and development. Adult dogs have different nutritional needs focused on maintaining health. Essentially, there are only two AAFCO nutrient profiles. However, dog food manufacturers can develop and market products that meet both nutrient profiles and label the food as suitable for all life stages. While convenient, these all-life-stages formulas must be carefully balanced to avoid providing excess nutrients to adult dogs or insufficient nutrients to growing puppies.
Pet owners can identify if a dog food meets AAFCO standards by checking the label. Look for a statement that indicates the food is formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles or that it has undergone feeding trials using AAFCO procedures. This statement is usually found in the nutritional adequacy section of the packaging and ensures the product meets AAFCO guidelines.
Most commercial dog foods (fresh, wet or dry) are formulated to meet AAFCO’s standards and we’ve selected a few for you to review.
No, AAFCO standards do not guarantee the quality of ingredients in dog food. AAFCO's role is to ensure that pet foods are nutritionally complete and balanced. While meeting AAFCO standards ensures that the food contains the necessary nutrients, it does not address the source, quality, or digestibility of the ingredients used. Pet owners should also consider other factors like ingredient quality, sourcing practices, and food processing methods when selecting a dog food.
AAFCO nutrient profiles provide essential guidelines for pet nutrition, but they have limitations. They do not account for the bioavailability of nutrients, meaning how well the nutrients can be absorbed and utilized by the dog. Additionally, they do not differentiate between high-quality and low-quality ingredients. Finally, AAFCO profiles are minimum standards, so exceeding these requirements with higher-quality ingredients and formulations can offer additional health benefits.
Understanding AAFCO nutrient profiles is important for pet owners because it helps them make informed decisions about their pets' nutrition. Knowing that a dog food meets AAFCO standards ensures that the food provides a complete and balanced diet necessary for the pet's health. It also allows pet owners to discern between marketing claims and actual nutritional value, ensuring they choose products that truly support their pet's well-being.
Yes, dog foods that do not meet the AAFCO’s nutrient profile standards are allowed on shelves. This usually applies to treats and supplements, which are formulated to make up a small portion of your dog’s total caloric intake (10% or less, daily). It can also apply to some veterinary diets, as these are formulated to address specific nutritional needs. In most cases, the manufacturer may indicate it on the product packaging. You may see a statement that says “This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.” In any case, if pet owners cannot determine whether a dog food meets AAFCO standards, it is still wise to contact the manufacturer for clarification.
AAFCO plays a crucial role in the pet food industry by setting nutritional standards that ensure dog foods are complete and balanced for different life stages. While AAFCO itself does not regulate or approve pet foods, adherence to its nutrient profiles and feeding trial protocols helps manufacturers produce nutritionally adequate products. For pet owners, understanding these standards can guide them in selecting high-quality dog food that meets their pets' dietary needs.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
