Were you aware there is a group that checks and validates the nutritional value of dog food? Though there are those that say their standards aren’t high enough it gives you a baseline to evaluate your dog food against. If a food does not at least come up to AAFCO standards you might want to ask its ‘ nutritive value.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets 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 standards set by the National Research Council (NRC). The NRC published new recommendations in 2006; AAFCO is presently in the process of updating the nutrient profiles.

Canine 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 mothers 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 higher nutrient profile for “growth and reproduction”. Products labeled as “intended for intermittent 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 conducted by actually feeding 8 dogs for 26 weeks to verify 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 statement. ” (Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.” Foods formulated to meet the standards have not been graded by feeding trials so many consider this a lower 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 regulations 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 supply information to families searching for King Charles Cavalier puppies for sale

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