The “AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose,” also called a “nutrition claim” or “complete and balanced statement,” identifies which life stage and/or lifestyle the product has been approved for . Under AAFCO regulations, this statement must be substantiated by the manufacturer.
What is a nutritional adequacy claim?
Nutritional Adequacy Statement:
This is a statement that indicates the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage , such as growth, reproduction, adult maintenance or a combination of these, or intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.
What is a statement of adequacy?
The “AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose” also called a “nutrition claim” is a statement that indicates the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage , such as growth, reproduction, adult maintenance or a combination of these, or if the food does not meet the complete and balanced ...
What does the nutritional adequacy statement include on all dog foods?
Nutritional adequacy statement, which must be backed up by testing that proves the food provides a certain level of nutrients. It may also include the life stages the food is appropriate for. Feeding directions . Manufacturer’s name and address.
What is the purpose of AAFCO?
AAFCO’s longstanding purpose has been to serve as a venue for feed regulators to explore the problems encountered in administering feed laws ; to develop just and equitable standards, definitions and policies for the enforcement of feed laws; and to promote uniformity in laws, regulations and enforcement policies.
What are the three categories of labeling requirements?
Labels fall into three categories: required labeling , which must be included on the product container; prohibited labeling, which cannot be used for the product; and optional labeling.
Who regulates the pet food industry?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the manufacture of cat food, dog food, and dog treats or snacks you have in your pantry. The FDA’s regulation of pet food is similar to that for other animal foods.
Why is reading the nutritional information on feed labels important?
Knowing how to read food labels is especially important if you have health conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and need to follow a special diet . It also makes it easier to compare similar foods to see which is healthier.
How must ingredients be listed on feed labels?
Ingredients must be listed by their “common or usual” name . Most ingredients on pet food labels have a corresponding definition in the AAFCO Official Publication.
Is Blue Buffalo AAFCO approved?
We also know that most of Blue Buffalo’s dog food is safe and meets AAFCO nutritional guidelines .
Is Grain Free bad for dogs?
Leaving grains out of your dog’s diet, however, might be a far greater health risk than keeping them in. According to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration released last week, grain-free food might be giving dogs a life-threatening heart problem called dilated cardiomyopathy , or DCM.
What should the first 5 ingredient be in dog food?
In high-protein dog food, whole proteins like poultry, beef, or chicken should be listed first. Other proteins are also listed as the following: Whole meats –– proteins that have not been mixed. Meals –– rendered whole meats often listed with the proteins name.
What is the best fat to protein ratio for dogs?
Check the Ingredient List. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that dry food for puppies contain a minimum of 22 percent protein, compared to 18 percent protein for adult dogs. The recommended level of fat also is higher – 8 percent for puppies, 5 percent for adults .
Is all dog food Aafco approved?
There is no AAFCO-approved pet food . Most state feed laws and regulations reference to the AAFCO Official Publication as part of the nutritional adequacy labeling for pet foods.
Is Stella and Chewy approved by AAFCO?
We do know that our food has been safely fed for 16 years, and Stella & Chewy’s meets all nutritional and regulatory standards for pet food ( AAFCO nutrition standards ).
Is Purina dog food Aafco approved?
In other words, is this food approved by the AAFCO? Purina Pro Plan is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages of dogs.
