How Quality Assurance Protects the Food You Feed Your Pet

When you fill your dog or cat’s bowl, you are doing more than providing a meal – you are placing your trust in the people and processes behind that food. At Pet Food Institute (PFI), that trust is built on quality, transparency, and rigorous safety at every stage of production.

That is why quality assurance (QA) is at the heart of every step in the pet food industry. From ingredient sourcing to the final product on store shelves, QA systems ensure that pet food is safe, balanced, and made with the care and responsibility that pet owners expect.

Building Quality from the Ground Up

Quality assurance begins long before food is produced – it starts with ingredients. Pet food makers set detailed standards for every ingredient used in their products. Whether it’s a protein source, grain, vitamin, or mineral, suppliers must meet strict criteria for purity and nutritional content.

To confirm compliance, manufacturers often require their suppliers to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and pass supplier audits. Ingredients are tested upon arrival to verify identity, composition, and the absence of harmful contaminants. Every ingredient can be traced back to its source, providing traceability and accountability throughout the supply chain.

This commitment to traceability means that if a concern ever arises, pet food makers can quickly identify where an ingredient came from and where it was used – ensuring swift action and maintaining consumer confidence.

Ensuring Quality in Every Step of Production

Once ingredients are accepted, manufacturing takes place in highly controlled environments designed specifically for pet food safety. Pet food facilities operate under Current Good Manufacturing Processes in compliance with FSMA requirements. These globally recognized regulations ensure facilities are up-to-date and maintained in a manner to produce nutritious and high-quality pet food.

At each step – mixing, cooking, drying, and packaging – technicians monitor key factors such as temperature, pressure, and moisture to ensure consistency and safety. Automated systems, sanitation protocols, and employee training all work together to maintain a clean and controlled process.

Before products are released to retail, they undergo multiple layers of testing. Manufacturers analyze samples to confirm they meet nutrient guarantees, product standards, and quality parameters which ensure lot-to-lot consistency. Many also rely on independent third-party laboratories for verification, adding another layer of confidence.

Continuous Improvement: A Culture of Quality and Safety

Quality assurance is not a one-time activity – it’s a continuous commitment. Pet food makers invest heavily in research, innovation, and employee training to stay ahead of evolving safety and nutrition science.

Modern technologies, such as real-time monitoring and digital traceability systems, help QA teams identify and address issues faster than ever before. Facilities are routinely inspected, and staff receive training in sanitation, food handling, and process control. Manufacturers employ veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and food scientists who continually evaluate new innovations and formulations to optimize health benefits for pets.

This focus on constant improvement reflects a shared industry value: protecting pet well-being through every step of production.

Transparency Builds Trust

Pet parents today want to know more about where their pets’ food comes from, and that’s a good thing. Transparency is a cornerstone of quality assurance.

Manufacturers provide detailed information on the packaging labels about ingredients, nutritional facts, and feeding guidelines. Many also share insights online about their manufacturing practices, sustainability commitments, or quality programs. Batch codes and “best by” dates on packaging link each product to specific production data, offering traceability right in your hands.

In the rare event of a recall, these same systems allow companies to respond quickly and communicate clearly with retailers, veterinarians, and consumers. Swift, transparent action is key to maintaining confidence and ensuring pets remain safe.

Shared Responsibility: From the Factory to Your Home

While pet food makers uphold stringent standards, pet owners also play a role in maintaining food quality once it’s purchased. Proper storage according to the label’s instructions, such as keeping the product tightly sealed in the proper environment, helps protect freshness and prevent spoilage. Following feeding guidelines and checking expiration dates ensures your pet receives the right nutrition at its best quality.

The partnership between manufacturers, regulators, veterinarians, and pet owners is what keeps pets healthy and active. Quality assurance is the foundation of that partnership – an ongoing promise that the food in your pet’s bowl has been made with care, precision, and scientific integrity.

A Promise You Can Trust

For PFI and its member companies, pet food quality and safety are not just part of doing business – they are a shared responsibility and a heartfelt commitment. Every employee, from plant operators to nutrition scientists, understands the importance of the work they do – feeding pets safely and nourishing the bond they share with their families.

So, when your dog or cat eagerly greets mealtime, you can take comfort in knowing that behind every bowl is a network of dedicated professionals, rigorous standards, and constant vigilance all working to protect the health and happiness of the pets we love.

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Why Proteins Matter 

Protein is an important part of the human diet, but what about for pets? Protein plays an essential role in the overall health of dogs and cats. Made up of amino acids, proteins build and maintain structures in the body and help support muscles, bones, blood, organs and skin and coat health. Because dogs and cats can’t synthesize all the essential amino acids they need, these nutrients must come from complete and balanced pet food.  

Sources of Protein 

Proteins are commonly classified into two large categories based on their source: animal-based and plant-based.  

• Animal-based protein includes chicken, beef, turkey, lamb and fish. 

• Plant-based protein includes ingredients like soybeans, corn and lentils. 

While animal protein sources have higher amounts of essential amino acids, dogs can still thrive on a well-formulated plant-based diet. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores and rely on animal-based protein for specific amino acids, like taurine, methionine and cystine. 

How Much Protein Does My Pet Need? 

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has set the following minimum protein requirements for pet food: 

• Dogs  

• Adult: ≥ 18% crude protein 

• Puppy: ≥ 22% crude protein 

• Cats  

• Adult: ≥ 26% crude protein  

• Kitten: ≥ 30% crude protein 

Puppies and kittens require a higher amount of protein in their diet to support growth and development. Additionally, cats need more protein than dogs and have more specific amino acid requirements. 

Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs and cats, and diets containing more than the minimum required amount of protein are often beneficial. In fact, in obese dogs, high-protein, low-carb diets can promote both proper body condition and steadier blood glucose levels. Additionally, studies suggest that aging pets likely have a higher dietary protein requirement than younger pets.   

That said, extremely high levels of protein, especially when not balanced with other nutrients, may pose health risks, such as disrupting a pet’s calcium to phosphorus ratio or contributing to weight gain. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s protein intake matches their unique needs, including life stage, size and activity level. 

Looking Ahead: Emerging Protein Alternatives 

Did you know over 93% of pet food products worldwide contain animal protein? Although these are most often responsibly sourced as by-products, as the global population grows, so will the demand for animal protein—raising concerns about demand outpacing supply. 

To ensure the long-term sustainability of pet food, industry research has turned toward alternative sources of protein, including insect-based ingredients, invasive species (such as Asian carp and blue catfish) and single-cell ingredients (like algae, fungi and yeast).  

Another alternative protein source includes meat products not commonly consumed by humans, like alligator, kangaroo and rabbit. While these alternative ingredients are still being evaluated, they could play a key role in supporting a pet’s complete and balanced diet in a more sustainable way. 

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What are Omegas? 

Omega fatty acids are an important component of dietary fats, or oils, that can have a number of benefits for dogs and cats. Certain fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (an Omega-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, an Omega-3), are considered essential because dogs and cats cannot synthesize them in sufficient quantities to meet their physiological needs. Therefore, these fatty acids must be obtained through the diet. Other Omegas, like Omega-9s, are not essential because pets can synthesize them internally. While Omega fatty acids play a role in maintaining overall health, their primary benefits include managing inflammation, supporting heart function, and promoting skin and coat health.

What are the sources of Omegas?
Omega fatty acids are found in various oils and fats. Some of the most well-known sources of Omega-3s are marine oils, like fish oils or microalgae oil, which provide direct sources of EPA and DHA. Plant-based oils like flaxseed oil contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor to EPA and DHA, though dogs and cats convert ALA inefficiently. Omega-6s are abundant in chicken fat and plant-based oils such as safflower and sunflower oil. There are also a number of pet supplements on the market that combine several oils to provide all of the Omega fatty acids in a convenient format, like a liquid or a chew.

What are the benefits of Omegas? 

Each of the Omega fatty acids has unique benefits, and they all work together in delicate balance to support whole body health. Omega-3s promote healing and tissue repair, support nerve and brain protection and joint health, and help mitigate excessive immune response. Omega-6s like linoleic acid are vital for production of ceramide, which reduces dander, and formation of cell membranes. In the right ratio, Omega-3s and certain Omega-6s work in tandem to incite a proper immune response that identifies damage, heals it, and recedes when its job is done – this is how the Omegas work together to promote skin and coat health.

Does my pet need more Omegas in their diet? 

It’s important to note that true deficiencies in fat and fatty acids are rare, since commercial pet foods must meet nutritional guidelines in order to be labeled as “complete and balanced”. However, once the minimum amount is met, dog and cat foods can vary widely in their fatty acid content based on a number of factors including total fat content and fat sources. Omega fatty acids may help with a number of issues your pet might face, like dry and itchy skin or joint stiffness. It’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian to determine if changing your pet’s food or adding a supplement like an oil is a good plan for your pet as an individual. Choosing a high-quality source of Omega-3s and ensuring a balanced ratio of Omega-6s can optimize the health benefits without causing unintended imbalances in the diet.

Scarlett Burron, Taylor Richards, Giovane Krebs, Luciano Trevizan, Alexandra Rankovic, Samantha Hartwig, Wendy Pearson, David W L Ma, Anna K Shoveller, The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline, and equine nutrition: exploring sources and the significance of alpha-linolenic acid, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 102, 2024, skae143, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae143

Sakai C, Ishida M, Ohba H, Yamashita H, Uchida H, et al. (2017) Fish oil omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids attenuate oxidative stress-induced DNA damage in vascular endothelial cells. PLOS ONE 12(11): e0187934. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187934

Mostofsky, D. I., Yehuda, S., & Salem, N. (2001). Fatty acids : physiological and behavioral functions. Humana Press.

Lascelles, B.D.X., DePuy, V., Thomson, A., Hansen, B., Marcellin-Little, D.J., Biourge, V. and Bauer, J.E. (2010), Evaluation of a Therapeutic Diet for Feline Degenerative Joint Disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 24: 487-495. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0495.x

VAUGHN, D.M., REINHART, G.A., SWAIM, S.F., LAUTEN, S.D., GARNER, C.A., BOUDREAUX, M.K., SPANO, J.S., HOFFMAN, C.E. and CONNER, B. (1994), Evaluation of Effects of Dietary n-6 to n-3 Fatty Acid Ratios on Leukotriene B Synthesis in Dog Skin and Neutrophils. Veterinary Dermatology, 5: 163-173. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3164.1994.tb00028.x

Rosemary C. Wander, Jean A. Hall, Joseph L. Gradin, Shi-Hua Du, Dennis E. Jewell, The Ratio of Dietary (n-6) to (n-3) Fatty Acids Influences Immune System Function, Eicosanoid Metabolism, Lipid Peroxidation and Vitamin E Status in Aged Dogs, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 127, Issue 6, 1997, Pages 1198-1205, ISSN 0022-3166, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/127.6.1198.

Medeiros-de-Moraes IM, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque CF, Kurz ARM, Oliveira FMJ, de Abreu VHP, Torres RC, Carvalho VF, Estato V, Bozza PT, Sperandio M, de Castro-Faria-Neto HC, Silva AR. Omega-9 Oleic Acid, the Main Compound of Olive Oil, Mitigates Inflammation during Experimental Sepsis. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Nov 13;2018:6053492. doi: 10.1155/2018/6053492. PMID: 30538802; PMCID: PMC6260523.

Omer M, Ali H, Orlovskaya N, Ballesteros A, Cheong VS, Martyniak K, Wei F, Collins BE, Yarmolenko SN, Asiatico J, Kinzel M, Ngo C, Sankar J, Calder A, Gilbertson T, Meckmongkol T, Ghosh R, Coathup M. Omega-9 Modifies Viscoelasticity and Augments Bone Strength and Architecture in a High-Fat Diet-Fed Murine Model. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 31;14(15):3165. doi: 10.3390/nu14153165. PMID: 35956341; PMCID: PMC9370223.

Lenox, C. E. (2015). Timely Topics in Nutrition: An overview of fatty acids in companion animal medicine. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 246(11), 1198-1202. Retrieved Mar 7, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.246.11.1198

K. R. Kerr, B. M. Vester Boler, C. L. Morris, K. J. Liu, K. S. Swanson, Apparent total tract energy and macronutrient digestibility and fecal fermentative end-product concentrations of domestic cats fed extruded, beef-based, and cooked beef-based diets, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 90, Issue 2, February 2012, Pages 515–522, https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2010-3266

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What is the Nutritional Adequacy Statement?

The National Adequacy Statement can be found on the back or bottom of pet food packaging and includes language that reaffirms the pet food is formulated to provide complete nutrition for a pet’s specific life stage and how that nutrition is assessed.

Dogs and cats require more than 40 essential nutrients in their diets. A pet food with a nutritional adequacy statement labeling it as “Complete and Balanced” will contain all the nutrients necessary for good health at the appropriate levels for dogs and cats, as these nutrients are different for each.

Understanding the information included within the Nutritional Adequacy Statement

The Nutritional Adequacy Statement is full of helpful information that can inform and assure pet owners that the product they are buying provides complete nutrition for their pets.

First, the mention of “Complete and Balanced” indicates that the food is suitable as the sole nourishment for your pet. “Complete” means the product contains all the nutrients required, and “Balanced” means the nutrients are present in the correct ratios.

The Nutritional Adequacy Statement must state which life stage or stages the pet food product is developed and suitable for. The life stages for cats and dogs include gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance, and all life stages. It’s important pet owners select the appropriate life stage for their pet. For example, the nutritional needs of a growing puppy or kitten are different than the needs of a pregnant, or adult dog or cat.

Some pet food products are not meant to be served as a meal, such as treats or a topper, and do not provide complete and balanced nutrition. This will be clearly stated on the Nutritional Adequacy Statement. If the food does not meet the complete and balanced requirements, it is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, and pet owners should follow the feeding directions indicating proper use.

Pet Food Regulation

The Nutritional Adequacy Statement is reviewed as part of the full label review conducted by state regulators when they approve product labels for sale in their state. The nutritional adequacy statement is required to conform to a standard format and there are a limited number of versions that can be included on a label. Manufacturers can be asked to substantiate the Nutritional Adequacy Statement by providing a comparison with nutrient profiles.

All pet food products, regardless if they provide complete and balanced nutrition, must meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s requirements for safety, according to the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Wondering what else you can find on the pet food label? Learn more about the information provided, which can be helpful in making an informed decision about dog or cat food.

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Pet food makers work to develop food recipes for dogs and cats that provide essential nutrients in the proper amounts. These nutrients, including vitamins, essential fatty acids, proteins and amino acids, and minerals, help support a pet’s well-being and keep them healthy. Below, we explain more about the essential minerals required in a dog or cat’s diet and the role these nutrients play in helping pets thrive.

What are essential minerals?

Essential minerals are minerals that pets can’t make in their body and must be provided in their food in order to stay healthy. The essential minerals for dogs and cats can be divided into two separate categories: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are required in larger quantities than trace minerals in a pet’s diet and are found in greater amounts in a pet’s body. The macrominerals recognized as essential to a pet’s diet at certain amounts are calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, potassium and chloride.

Trace minerals in a pet’s diet are required in very small amounts. Iron, zinc, manganese, iodine, selenium and copper are trace minerals that must be included in a pet’s food[1].

What purpose do minerals play in pet nutrition?

Both macro and trace minerals serve different roles in pet health and support a range of body functions that help pets remain healthy, active and strong. For dogs and cats, some of the main functions that minerals perform include bone development, nerve and muscle function, balancing of fluid in cells, thyroid function, skin and coat maintenance and red blood cell production. Visit our interactive infographic on Dog Nutrition from Nose to Tail and Cat Nutrition from Whisker to Paw to see even more details.

Some minerals work together to support numerous body processes in dogs and cats and help maintain a pet’s overall health. An example of this is calcium and phosphorus working together in the body to support bone development.

An intake of too few minerals, as well as an excess of minerals, can cause health issues for pets. For example, an excessive amount of calcium can negatively impact the skeletal development of large breed puppies[2].

How do pets get minerals?

While minerals are found in many pet food ingredients, it is critical that pets receive the appropriate amounts and in the proper ratios in their diet. Therefore, they may also be added to dog or cat food through what is called a “premix,” or a blend of carefully measured minerals that is complementary to the minerals provided through ingredients. They are added in very small amounts to the overall pet food recipe but can account for close to half of the ingredients listed on the pet food label. The mineral content of a dog or cat food recipe will also be shown through the term “ash” or “crude ash.” This term does not mean that ash is added to pet food, but rather indicates the inorganic materials that would be left if the food would be burned away.

As pet owners consider a homemade diet for their dog or cat, it’s important to note that many homemade recipes available on the internet do not provide complete and balanced nutrition. An analysis of 100 different homemade recipes for dogs or cats found that every diet failed to meet the nutrient requirements recommended by veterinary and animal nutrition experts[3]. Importantly, this analysis showed that it is often minerals that our dogs and cats need for their health and well-being that were in short supply.

Commercially-available pet food that is labeled as “complete and balanced” will include the essential macro- and trace minerals in the proper amounts. These recipes are formulated on the nutrient profiles published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which includes not only essential minerals but also essential vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids for dogs and cats[4].

Learn more about the nutrients your cat or dog needs and the roles they play within your pet’s body.

[1] National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. The National Academies Press, 2006.

[2] Voorhout, G. & Hazewinkel, H. 1987. A radiographic study on the development of antebrachium in Great Dane pups on different calcium intakes. Veterinary Radiology 28:152-157.

[3] Pedrinelli, V., Zafalon, R., Rodrigues, R., Perini, M. P., Conti, R., Vendramini, T., de Carvalho Balieiro, J. C., & Brunetto, M. A. (2019). Concentrations of macronutrients, minerals and heavy metals in home-prepared diets for adult dogs and cats. Scientific reports, 9(1), 13058.

[4] Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 2017 Official Publication.

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One of the key components of supporting a pet’s nutrition is to provide them with a complete and balanced diet, which means each serving of pet food provides the more than 40 nutrients that are essential for cats and dogs in the proper amounts. Along with certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, amino acids —such as leucine and lysine — comprise the important protein in a pet food recipe.

What Are Amino Acids?

Leucine and lysine are among a series of essential amino acids needed in cats’ and dogs’ diets. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and, without the proper levels of each of the essential amino acids, the synthesis of proteins is impaired.

Cats and dogs produce some of these amino acids on their own but require others, such as leucine and lysine, to be added through diet. Both animal- and plant-based protein sources can deliver essential amino acids to pets

Amino Acids in a Pet’s Diet

Leucine and lysine, in addition to the other essential amino acids found in a complete and balanced pet food, help pets build and maintain muscles, bones, blood, organs, and skin and coat. Adult dogs and cats need essential amino acids to support healthy body systems, including the immune system. Kittens and adult cats require higher amounts of dietary protein than dogs and, therefore, certain specific amino acids are required in cat food recipes at higher amounts.

Proper levels of amino acids are also critical in puppy and kitten growth. It is estimated that puppies and kittens can have double the energy needs than those of an adult animal of the same breed. With these increased energy needs and steadily growing bodies comes increased minimum requirements of protein. In addition to being a source of energy for younger pets, protein and amino acids support weight gain and help develop and maintain muscles.

Is My Pet Getting the Proper Amounts of Amino Acids in His or Her Diet?

Pet food makers formulate recipes to meet the nutritional requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). While not a regulating body itself, AAFCO publishes nutritional standards that are adopted by state regulatory bodies. This includes establishing a minimum amount of essential amino acids, such as leucine and lysine, for both growing puppies and kittens, as well as adult pets.

While some pet owners are interested in making homemade pet food for their cat or dog, these recipes often lack the recommended amount of essential nutrients needed to keep pets healthy and should be avoided.

Pet food makers apply nutritional science to develop safe food that provides the nourishment dogs and cats need. When selecting a pet food product at the store, there are key pieces of information on the label with important details about the food’s nutrition, including the claim of “complete and balanced” on the package. Amino acids may not appear on a pet food label, since nutrients are delivered through the ingredients themselves, or will be listed if the pet food maker supplements the recipe to ensure proper levels for your pet’s health.

Learn more about the nutrients your cat or dog needs, and the roles amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and carbohydrates play in your pet’s body.

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Bringing home a new kitten to the household can be a rewarding experience for families, especially as the benefits of pet ownership are well-documented and can positively impact family members of all ages. To help your pet grow into a healthy adult cat, it’s important for pet lovers to understand the importance of their kitten’s nutritional needs and what it means for their health.

Some Basics of Feeding Kittens

The nutritional needs of a kitten are different than those of an adult cat, and food labeled for only adult cats will not be formulated for a kitten’s specific requirements. Pet food labeled as appropriate for kittens will include different levels of important nutrients than found in food developed for adult cats and will have additional sources of energy, such as protein and calories, to support rapid growth and development in the first few months of life.

Because a young kitten’s stomach is smaller than an adult cat’s, they typically require smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. However, this won’t last long! Kittens grow quickly, maturing to adulthood by the time they are 10-12 months. Your kitten should receive kitten food until he or she is about 80 percent full-grown, at which time you can start to mix kitten food and adult cat food together for a gradual transition to adult food. Your veterinarian will be the best partner in determining the appropriate time to switch to adult-appropriate food.

Nutritional Needs for Growth and Development

A commercial cat food recipe will have more than 30 essential nutrients, including essential fatty acids, protein and amino acids, vitamins and minerals. These required nutrients serve important roles in a cat’s body functions, helping your pet grow, have strong bones, support their immune system, and more. Protein and amino acids, for example, are required in higher amounts in the nutrient profiles published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Pet food makers use these profiles as baselines for formulating recipes for dog and cat food to ensure these nutrients are at the proper level. In addition to being a source of energy for a kitten, protein and amino acids support weight gain and help them develop and maintain muscles, blood, organs, enzymes, antibodies, hormones, skin and coat.

While humans may try to avoid fat in their diet, it’s important to remember that essential fatty acids are vital to a kitten’s health. Fats serve as a primary energy source for pets, including active kittens, and support growth and a healthy skin and coat.

Both kittens and puppies require higher levels of calcium and phosphorus in their diets. These two minerals work together to support the development of strong bones and teeth, and pet food makers formulate recipes to ensure they are together in the proper ratio and amounts for growing bodies.

Selecting the Right Kitten Food

The pet food label is full of information, but some key pieces of information can serve as an excellent starting point for shoppers, including:

• The intended life stage for the pet eating the food;
• A claim of complete and balanced nutrition, which confirms that each serving meets a kitten’s total nutritional needs;
• The Guaranteed Analysis, which identifies the levels of at least four nutrients: protein, fat, fiber and moisture.

To get a deeper look into how to read the information included on a pet food label, check out this short video.

If considering homemade cat food, it’s important for cat owners to understand whether the recipe provides all of the important nutritional nuances listed above. Studies show that homemade food often significantly lacks essential nutrients that cats need.

Kittens need the right nutrition early in life to ensure proper growth and long-term well-being. Equipped with the right information, new kitten owners can be confident they’re taking the right steps toward raising a happy, healthy pet.

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Provide Balanced Nutrition for Growing Puppies and Kittens

A complete and balanced diet appropriate for a puppy or kitten will support healthy bone growth and development. For example, young pets need certain nutrients in key amounts to help ensure proper growth. Both kittens and puppies require higher levels of calcium and phosphorus in their diets, as these two minerals work together to support the development of strong bones.

Large breed puppies, meaning dogs that are expected to grow to more than 70 pounds, have additional special needs as they mature. They can be more susceptible to an excess of calcium in their diet. To help rapidly-growing large breed puppies stay healthy and prevent joint issues, their diet must be lower in certain nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D than required for smaller puppies.

To ensure your puppy or kitten is receiving appropriate nutrition for their age, look for dog or cat food formulated for “Growth and Development” or “All Life Stages.”

Take Steps to Maintain Your Pet’s Healthy Weight

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than half of America’s dogs and cats are overweight or obese, and this can have a serious impact on his or her overall health. A national pet health report found that half of all dogs and 40 percent of cats with osteoarthritis were also overweight or obese.

To help keep your pet at a healthy weight, work with a trusted veterinarian to confirm the appropriate amount of food your dog or cat needs, measure out food accurately at mealtime, and limit treats to no more than 10 percent of a pet’s daily caloric intake.

Ensure Your Pet Receives Appropriate Exercise

Alongside complete nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight, low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or playtime can help a dog or cat maintain muscle tone, avoid weight gain, keep ligaments and tendons flexible, and circulate blood to stiff joints. Dogs and cats with joint problems should avoid high-impact exercises like running and jumping, which could lead to further damage. Daily exercise that does not overstrain your pet will keep their joints strong and flexible.

Include Regular Veterinary Care

Your cat or dog should see a trusted veterinarian regularly for preventive pet care, and not just taken in when he or she is ill or hurt. Your veterinarian will help provide recommendations for your pet’s exercise requirements and nutritional needs, as well as overall wellness tips. Next time your pet visits the veterinarian, ask about your dog or cat’s joint health and be sure you are setting them up for a strong, healthy life.

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How Ingredients are Approved for Use in Pet Food

When developing a dog or cat food recipe, pet food makers choose from a range of ingredients based on factors such as nutrient content, tastiness, how the ingredient holds its shape during cooking, and cost. This variety of options ensures that shoppers have many choices available to them when selecting food for their pet.

Some common myths are that pet food ingredients are unregulated or that pet food makers can use “mystery ingredients” in pet food. This is far from true! In fact, pet food ingredients are regulated at both the federal and state level, with systems and processes in place to make sure that both the ingredients pet food makers use and the finished product are safe.

Let’s take a look at the ways an ingredient can be approved for use in a pet food recipe:

Federal Regulation

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has the primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of all foods offered for sale in the United States, including pet food and pet food ingredients. One way FDA ensures the safety of pet food ingredients is through the Food Additive Petition process, in which a “food additive” is evaluated and may be approved for specific use by the FDA. These ingredients may serve functions, such as supply nutrients, add flavor or aroma that your pet will enjoy, or help the food maintain its form while being cooked. Food Additive Petitions submitted to FDA must include information to establish that the ingredient is safe for its intended purpose. One example is gamma-linolenic acid Safflower Oil, which is a source of omega-6 fatty acids for adult dogs.

FDA also approves ingredients via the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) process. Applicants seeking GRAS approval from FDA for an ingredient must provide robust scientific data to demonstrate that the product is safe. The ingredient can also be used in a pet food recipe if its safe use in pet food since 1958 or earlier can be demonstrated. They can also participate in a “self-concluded” GRAS, in which FDA does not review the data, but the participant must use publicly available information to assess and determine product safety. Both federal and state regulators can ask the self-concluded GRAS participant to convey the information that led to a safety determination.

State-Level Regulation

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approves strict ingredient definitions, which are then published in the AAFCO Official Publication (OP). These definitions can be highly specific! For example, the definition for Pea Protein notes that it must come from a dehulled peas and must not contain less than 53% crude protein.

States may then adopt parts or all of the AAFCO’s OP, including these ingredient terms and definitions. When a state regulator reviews pet food labels as part of their product registration or renewal process, he or she reviews ingredients and label claims to ensure safety and accuracy.

What are those Chemical-Sounding Names?

Shoppers may see some chemical-sounding names on their pet food labels, such as Pantothenic Acid, which is actually a B Vitamin. This is among the many important vitamins and minerals required to support your pet’s health that must be listed on the package using its technical name. FDA currently requires these chemical-sounding names – as opposed to their more common vitamin or mineral names – on pet food labels. PFI is working with FDA and AAFCO to ensure the pet food labels are clear and easy to understand.

Reading a Pet Food Label

Every ingredient used in a pet food recipe must be included on the label. Ingredients on a pet food label must be listed in descending order based on weight and using the approved definition or feed term. Learn more on how to read a pet food label here.

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Pet food labels are full of information related to the product’s nutrition, ingredients, the life stage of the pet it’s formulated for, and more. In fact, a pet food label is regulated under both state and federal law, and some of this information helps regulators as they review label claims and register products at the state level. However, there are still plenty of details that pet owners can review as they determine what food to provide for their cat or dog. But what does all of this information mean and how can it help inform shoppers?

Let’s break it down:

Complete and Balanced

Complete and Balanced pet food includes the more than 40 nutrients identified by veterinary researchers as essential to pet health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets standards for the levels of nutrients that need to be in pet food and how it is shown on the label.  A pet food labeled as “complete and balanced” means that it provides those nutrients at the proper levels.

Life Stage

Pet food may be formulated for different Life Stages, from puppies and kittens, who need additional energy to help fuel their development, to adult cats and dogs, and all life stages.

As previously mentioned, “complete and balanced” means total nutrition for a specific life stage. The nutritional needs of a growing puppy or kitten are different than the needs of a pregnant, or adult dog or cat. For example, the nutrient profiles for puppies and kittens include a higher protein and fat minimum. Look for the intended life stage on the package, which can typically be found on the front of the package or in the Nutritional Adequacy Statement.

Many foods are labeled for “All Life Stages” which means it meets all of the nutrient requirements for both growth & reproduction and adult maintenance as listed in the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles.

Nutritional Adequacy Statement

Pet food labels will have a Nutritional Adequacy Statement, also called a “nutrition claim.” This verifies whether a pet food is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition (as defined by AAFCO), if so, for what life stage, and how that determination was made. This claim can be reviewed by the state regulators who register a pet food product in their state.

It’s important to note that some pet food products, such as types of food toppers and mix-in products, may not be necessary to maintain pet health, nor are they meant to replace a pet food providing complete and balanced nutrition.

Regardless, these types of foods must meet FDA requirements for safety and their label will also include a statement that it’s intended to supplement a diet.

Guaranteed Analysis

The Guaranteed Analysis (GA) reflects the minimum or maximum amounts of certain nutrients. The GA provides product information to regulators who review each label for compliance with nutrient requirements and voluntary label claims. The GA also provides information that can help inform consumers on the levels of at least four nutrients: protein, fat, fiber and moisture. Additional nutrients must be included in the GA if a product label makes a claim that mentions a specific nutrient, such as calcium for strong teeth and bones. Remember, when comparing dry vs. wet pet food labels, the Guaranteed Analysis may look quite different due to the food’s moisture content. Learn more about Guaranteed Analysis here, including how it’s calculated.

Ingredients and Other Options

Pet food makers choose from a range of ingredients when formulating a recipe with the nutrition listed above. Ingredients may be used for their nutritional content, digestibility, tastiness to the pet, and many other considerations. All ingredients used must be listed on the product label, including special vitamins or minerals, and listed using technical names as defined by regulators. For example, shoppers may see “chemical sounding” names such as Thiamine mononitrate or Pyridoxine hydrochloride, which are commonly known as Vitamins B1 and B6.

Pet owners have a variety of options available to them, such as dry, wet, organic, limited ingredient, and more! Click through to read more as we help explain some of these options.

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