AAFCO guidelines categorize pet food labeling as growth, gestation/lactation, maintenance, or all life stages (ie, food meeting the nutrient needs of any pet). Although AAFCO does not test or regulate pet foods (pet foods are regulated at the state level), they must meet AAFCO guidelines to be labeled as complete and balanced. This credentialing involves conducting feeding trials or analyzing foods and comparing nutrient profiles.
Accordingly, a version of one of the following statements will appear on the label:
- Pet Food Name is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog/Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growth/gestation/lactation/maintenance/all life stages.
- Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Pet Food Name provides complete and balanced nutrition for growth/gestation/lactation/maintenance/all life stages.
- Pet Food Name is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.
Starting in 2016, AAFCO guidelines require specific pet food label provisions for large- and giant-breed puppies (ie, those expected to mature to >70 lbs), which reduces the current maximum level of calcium in these diets.4 Manufacturers will have up to 2 years to comply with these new guidelines, which require foods formulated for growth or all life stages to specify whether they include or exclude growth of large-breed dogs with one of the following statements:
Pet Food Name is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth/all life stages growth of large-size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).
Pet Food Name is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth/all life stages except for growth of large-size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).
Counseling owners to carefully read these statements can help ensure the critical difference between “except for” and “including” is not overlooked.