Is Your Dog Food Certified?
Friday, February 3rd, 2012Are you aware there’s a group that looks at and certifies the nutritional value of dog food? Although there are critics that say their standards aren’t high enough it gives you a benchmark to judge your dog food against. If a food doesn’t at least come up to AAFCO standards you might want to doubt its ‘ nutritional value.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes standards on which states base their feed laws and regulations. Dog Food Nutrient Profiles were last updated by the Canine Nutrition Expert Subcommittee in 1991. The updated profiles replaced the previous suggestions set by the National Research Council (NRC). The NRC printed new suggestions in 2006; AAFCO is presently in the midst of updating the nutrient profiles.
Dog foods labeled as “complete and balanced” must meet specs established by the AAFCO either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. There are presently two separate nutrient profiles - one for puppies and nursing bitches called “growth and reproduction” and one for “adult maintenance”. The nutritional compliance statement would include data on which life stage (s) the product is OK for. A product labeled as “for all life stages” must meet the more stringent nutrient profile for “growth and reproduction”. Products labeled as “intended for part time or supplemental feeding” are not able to meet either profile.
Products that are substantiated to be “complete and balanced” by feeding trials bear the label statement”animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of product) provides complete and balanced nutrition.” Feeding trials are done by actually feeding 6-8 dogs for 6 months to determine they show no clinical or pathological signs of nutritional deficiency or excess.
Products that are designed with ingredients to meet the established nutrient profile would include this announcement. ” (Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.” Foods blended to meet the standards have not been tested by feeding trials so many consider this a lesser rating than foods that have proven themselves by feeding trials.
Some manufacturers label their products with terms like premium, ultra premium, and holistic. These terms presently have no official definitions. The AAFCO is considering defining some of the terms. The terms “natural” and “organic” do have definitions; e.g, organic ingedients must meet the same USDA laws as for organic human food.
Lyn Jones has been breeding and showing dogs for over 10 years. As a breeder of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in Oregon she welcomes the chance to answer questions and to provide information to families attempting to find King Charles Cavalier puppies for sale
Mail this post