Did you know there is a organization that looks at and validates the nutritional value of dog food? Though there are groups that say their standards aren't high enough it gives you a basic level to judge your dog food against. If a food does not at least come up to AAFCO standards you might want to doubt its ' nutritive value.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) creates standards on which states base their feed rules 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 recommendations in 2006; AAFCO is currently in the act of updating the nutrient profiles.
Canine foods labeled as "complete and balanced" must meet specifications established by the AAFCO either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. There are currently two separate nutrient profiles - one for puppies and pregnant bitches called "growth and reproduction" and one for "adult maintenance". The nutritional compliance statement would include information on which life stage (s) the product is suitable for. A product labeled as "for all life stages" must meet the tougher nutrient profile for "growth and reproduction". Products labeled as "intended for irregular or supplemental feeding" do not 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 involve actually feeding a small set of dogs for 6 months to make sure they show no clinical or pathological signs of nutritional deficiency or excess.
Products that are formulated with ingredients to meet the established nutrient profile would include the following statement. " (Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles." Foods created to meet the specifications haven't been evaluated by feeding trials so many consider this a lesser rating than foods that have established 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.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) creates standards on which states base their feed rules 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 recommendations in 2006; AAFCO is currently in the act of updating the nutrient profiles.
Canine foods labeled as "complete and balanced" must meet specifications established by the AAFCO either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. There are currently two separate nutrient profiles - one for puppies and pregnant bitches called "growth and reproduction" and one for "adult maintenance". The nutritional compliance statement would include information on which life stage (s) the product is suitable for. A product labeled as "for all life stages" must meet the tougher nutrient profile for "growth and reproduction". Products labeled as "intended for irregular or supplemental feeding" do not 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 involve actually feeding a small set of dogs for 6 months to make sure they show no clinical or pathological signs of nutritional deficiency or excess.
Products that are formulated with ingredients to meet the established nutrient profile would include the following statement. " (Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles." Foods created to meet the specifications haven't been evaluated by feeding trials so many consider this a lesser rating than foods that have established 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.
About the Author:
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 opportunity to answer questions and to provide information to families looking for King Charles Cavalier puppies for sale
she welcomes the opportunity to answer questions and to provide information to families looking for King Charles Cavalier puppies for sale
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