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Pet food is one of the most highly regulated of all food products. Pet food is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the states through their feed laws and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). This multi-layered regulation and the industry's commitment to research and education help ensure that pet food products continue to be safe and nutritious for pet dogs and cats. The pet food industry in Canada is self-regulated; for more information on Canadian pet food, click here.
Pet food is required by law to provide on labels more information than most human foods. State departments of agriculture provide standards and enforcement policies for the regulation of the manufacture of pet food, resulting in safe products. Ingredients in pet food must be acceptable to state authorities.
Pet food manufacturers are responsible for producing safe products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state governments provide the rules, guidance and oversight under which safe pet food is produced. FDA requires pet food to be wholesome, contain no harmful or deleterious substances, and to be truthfully labeled.
Question
What is AAFCO and why is it listed on pet food labels?
Answer
"AAFCO" stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. AAFCO is a group of made up of state and federal officials who regulate pet food. For example, AAFCO defines the ingredients that can be used in pet food, establishes nutrition profiles for dogs and cats and sets the approved practices for conducting feeding trials.
Question
How are ingredients and finished pet foods tested?
Answer
Pet food ingredients undergo significant testing for safety and quality assurance including nutrient content analysis and screening to avoid potentially harmful substances. Furthermore the finished product is analyzed to ensure appropriate nutrient levels, evaluating protein (including 11 amino acids), fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
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Other Consumer FAQs
Proper Nutrition
Product Names and Labels
Regulation and Testing
Feeding Guidelines
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