The most common symptom of an allergic reaction in dogs and cats, including a reaction to food, is itching and scratching. Other symptoms such as scooting, skin or ear infections, odor, and/or bumps on the skin have also been observed.  Flea bites are the most commonly diagnosed cause of itching for both dogs and cats, so it is important to also check for fleas if your pet is scratching itself. Diarrhea or vomiting are not common in dogs and cats with food allergy, with 10-15% of diagnosed food allergies associated with those symptoms. Pets much more frequently experience diarrhea or vomiting as the result of food intolerance.

If one does suspect food allergy, a consultation with a veterinarian will help ensure the symptoms are not due to some other root cause and allow pet lovers to treat and manage their dog or cat’s discomfort.

The best tool available to veterinarians to diagnose food allergy is an elimination diet, in which the ingredients in the current diet, such as proteins and carbohydrates, are replaced. An elimination diet will also include the removal of any additional treat or chew toys that the animal may be using. The process can take between 8-12 weeks with the pet owner and veterinarian monitoring the pet’s condition to determine if the symptoms are diminishing.

[1] Roudebush P, Guilford WG, Shanley KJ: Adverse Reactions to Food, Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, Ed 4. Topeka, KS, Mark Morris Institute, 2000, pp 431-453.

[2] Kennis R: Use of Atopic Dogs to Investigate Adverse Reactions to Food. JAVMA 221:638-640, 2002.

[3] Leistra MHG, Markwell PJ, Willemse T: Evaluation of Selected Protein-Source Diets for Management of Dogs with Adverse Reactions to Foods. JAVMA 219(10):1411-1414, 2001.

[4] A. Verlinden, M. Hesta , S. Millet & G. P.J. Janssens (2006) Food Allergy in Dogs and Cats: A Review, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 46:3, 259-273.

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PFI members maintain robust food safety plans to help ensure the production of safe pet food. Should a company require a product recall – such as after a test result that is out of specification with the company’s food safety plan, a mislabeled product, an ingredient imbalance, or another situation – our members rapidly work internally and with regulators to remove a product from circulation. Pet food makers’ food safety plans must include an established recall plan, mapping out how they will communicate with ingredient suppliers and distributors/retailers about the recall.

The routes for pet food recalls include:

• A pet food maker may issue product recalls themselves following internal monitoring and safety programs;
• Federal or state regulators can request that a pet food maker begin a recall, such as after reviewing feedback from pet owners or veterinarians, or testing finished product; or
• The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) can mandate a recall under authority provided by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This has never occurred.

A list of all FDA-regulated human food and animal feed/pet food recalls is available online. If a product you have purchased is recalled, stop feeding the recalled food or treat to your pet immediately, review the label code and contact the product manufacturer. In addition, take the food or treat back to the place of purchase.

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PFI members take many steps to support making products that are safe for both pets and the family members who handle pet food. When preparing pet food and treats at home, pet lovers can continue the culture of safety by following standard kitchen hygiene practices in pet food handling and storage to help keep all members of the household safe. Some steps include:

• As with making any meal in the kitchen, clean counter surfaces after preparing a bowl of food.
• Wash your hands after handling food, treats and toys.
• Keep food bowls dry and clean and provide fresh water daily.

Where and how pet food is stored can make a big difference in keeping food safe. Here are some tips for proper pet food handling and storage:

• Check the package: Examine packaging before purchasing to ensure it is clean and hasn’t been damaged with a rip or hole.
• Store securely: Remember, pet food is food. It should be stored in ways that are similar to how human food is stored. Store unopened wet and dry pet food in a cool, dry location. It is not recommended to leave the bag on the floor in the garage or outside.
• Clean containers: Wash and dry the storage container between each bag of food and check for damage and insect activity.
• Keep it fresh: When possible, store dry food in the original bag and within a plastic or metal bin with lid. Wet or fresh food can be covered and stored in the refrigerator according to label guidelines. If you have questions about a specific product, please make sure to contact the manufacturer.

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In the United States, pet food is among the most highly regulated of all food products and must meet both federal and state regulations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates both finished pet food products (including treats and chews) and their ingredients. Nearly all states also require products sold therein to be registered, and for their labels to adhere to strict requirements regarding product names and ingredients. An ingredient cannot be used in pet food until it has been recognized by either FDA or by the Association of American Feed Officials (AAFCO), the voluntary organization of state regulatory officials that develops a model bill and pet food regulations that states can adopt into their respective state laws and regulations.

Federal Regulation

The Food Safety Modernization Act

With regard to federal regulation, pet food makers and their suppliers have always been required to market safe products under the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) of 1938, which regulates both human and animal food. In this regard, PFI members adopted good manufacturing practices decades ago.

The passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in 2011, which amends the FD&C Act and is the most comprehensive update to U.S. food safety regulation in more than 70 years, created new requirements and mandatory product safety standards for virtually all U.S. human food and U.S. pet food makers. The focus for human and animal food under the law is prevention of illness, rather than reacting and correcting issues that arise. The law also provides FDA with the authority to conduct facility inspections to verify FSMA compliance; and to ensure imported foods meet U.S. food safety standards.

At present, pet food makers are under full compliance with the FSMA requirements, and the FDA is inspecting to these standards and requirements. The FDA, which had previously inspected facilities to guard against adulteration or misbranded products under the FD&C Act, now has the authority under FSMA to inspect pet food and treat facilities to confirm they have implemented and documented their adherence to the applicable required cGMPs and Hazard Analysis provisions, which are designed to prevent the causes of foodborne illness. 

Although FSMA does not expressly approve specific ingredients, compliance with its requirements ensures the ingredient is safe. Click here for more information on FSMA requirements related to pet food. PFI and its members place the highest importance on product safety, and PFI is working to ensure all pet food and treat makers, not just our members, understand their obligations under FSMA. 

State Regulation

Most states regulate pet food products under their animal feed laws. An easy way for states to keep their feed laws current is to adopt the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) model bill and regulations mentioned above, which provides, among other things, ingredient definitions and requirements for pet food labels and product claims.

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Our member companies drive continuous improvement in the safety of ingredients and finished product. Their safety programs are forward-looking and employ practices such as applying advances in technology, adhering to strict testing protocols practicing a zero tolerance for the presence of Salmonella and other harmful bacteria, and continual monitoring throughout the manufacturing process to ensure the safest possible food products for our pets.

The Steps

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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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As a pet lover, I know firsthand that dogs and cats bring us joy and companionship, improve our physical and mental health, and just make life better. It is no surprise that 60% of U.S. households live with a dog or cat.

And when it comes to feeding our pets, U.S. pet food makers work every day to produce nutritious, safe foods and treats. Pet foods are among the most highly regulated food products, and pet food makers adhere to strict federal and state regulatory standards.

But what is surprising to many people is that certain aspects of the pet food regulatory process are more than 100 years old, creating inefficiency and confusion, and slowing product innovation. To better meet the needs of pets and their owners, we are working with stakeholders across the industry to modernize how pet food regulation works in the U.S.

Understanding the Current Pet Food Regulation Process

Let us take a closer look at how pet food regulation works today, what works well, and what doesn’t.

First, what is working? At the national level, pet foods and treats are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA CVM). Under federal law, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) gives FDA CVM the regulatory authority over the safety of pet food manufacturing. This regulatory structure provides clear, consistent, and transparent national guidance to help keep pet foods safe and nutritious. Further, the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) gives FDA CVM regulatory authority over the marketing of pet food, ensuring labels are neither misleading nor deceptive.

Areas of Pet Food Regulation to Modernize

Unlike human food products we buy for ourselves, pet foods are also subject to a system of state regulations and feed laws for ingredients and product labels. These model rules and processes are generally set and overseen by a century-old voluntary organization called the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). To be clear, AAFCO has no legally recognized regulatory authority, as it was created in 1909 to harmonize and promote interstate commerce of livestock feed and pet foods. But today, many AAFCO requirements treat dog and cat food more like livestock feed. We can all agree that today’s pet foods have little in common with livestock feed; instead, pet food is manufactured and marketed similarly to human foods. The regulatory framework should recognize this.

Additionally, the patchwork state system presents several significant challenges that negatively impact pet food. For example, AAFCO relies on volunteer state officials to set standards for pet food ingredients and labels. But since AAFCO has no national binding authority, individual states may choose to adopt, or not adopt these standards. As a result, inconsistencies from state to state are quite common. Some states recognize some AAFCO rules and disregard others, while other states choose to not recognize AAFCO standards at all. This outdated process creates extra hurdles nationally for distributed pet foods (and other consumer products such as human foods do not face this state-by-state patchwork approach).

One component of most states’ feed laws is that pet food packages are required to be reviewed and registered by state feed control officials. Each product in every size packaging may require a label review regardless of product changes. This creates an impossible system where pet food makers must adhere to multiple different state feed laws, with inconsistent interpretation of definitions of ingredients, label reviews, and claims from state to state. This system often leads to market disruptions. Every pet food maker has experienced instances of a state threatening to pull a product from store shelves — not because of a safety issue — but because of the verbiage or even the font used on a label.

Another barrier is that individual states are not always staffed and properly trained to approve new ingredients sought by pet owners. The AAFCO process often takes multiple years to approve a single new ingredient, even if it has been demonstrated to be safe for pets, and one single state can hold up approval everywhere. This results in a huge backlog of ingredient approval requests, adding years to the time it takes to get innovative new products to market.

It’s Time for a Change

To be clear, the regulatory framework can be modernized while still allowing pet food makers to continue to work closely with both federal and state officials— including the FDA, State Departments of Agriculture, and other state officials — in all critical areas such as facility inspections, pet food safety, ingredient approvals, and more. But outdated processes, inefficiency, and inconsistent standards across 50 states have no place in the modern world of pet food regulation. Our pets deserve a better regulatory framework, and we look forward to working together to achieve this.

Learn More About Pet Food Regulation

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Human Foods to Avoid

It’s important for pet owners to remember that some common human foods are not recommended for pets. Popular snacks and treats for humans can disrupt a pet’s balanced diet and may cause serious health risks, including digestive upset, obesity, and more severe, even fatal, issues.

Foods to keep away from cats and dogs include:

• Sweets and baked goods: Candies, gum and baked goods often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener linked to liver failure.
• Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeinated Beverages: These items contain methylxanthines; substances which are found in cacao seeds. Methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures. The toxicity varies depending on the type of chocolate, the size of the pet, and the amount they ingested. It’s best to keep all chocolate and caffeinated beverages away from pets.
• Common Snacks: Grapes, raisins, nuts (especially macadamia nuts), and salt-heavy snacks like potato chips should be kept away from pets. In addition, grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure. The oils and fats in nuts, and the salt on other snacks, can cause extreme digestive upset and lead to much more serious health risks.
• Table scraps: Foods that are high in calories and fat can contribute to obesity and pancreatitis; a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas caused by high-fat diets. Think twice  before slipping your dog even small amounts of leftovers under the table.
• Meat bones: Although it may seem like an obvious treat to give dogs, leftover meat bones are hazardous. Bones could choke pets, or splinter and puncture a dog’s digestive tract.
• Alcohol: Alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine and liquor, are all toxic to pets. These beverages can cause a variety of negative health issues and should never be given to cats or dogs.
• Common recipe ingredients: Many recipes include onions, garlic, and chives – all of which can be harmful to pets if ingested. These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.

Keep Pets Away from These Household Items

Common household items, including cleaners, plants and holiday decorations, can pose a threat to cats and dogs.

Pay special attention to the following if you have a pet in the house:

• Decorations: When decorating for a holiday, make sure to place decorations well out of reach of pets. New additions to the home, like trees and tinsel, can catch the eye of pets, and, if consumed, can cause intestinal blockages that may require surgery. If pets chew on the cords of electric lights, it can cause burns, so always keep lights out of their reach, too. In addition, certain holiday plants, such as pine needles, holly, mistletoe and poinsettias, are toxic for cats and dogs.
• Plants: Many common household or garden plants are poisonous for pets. This warning is particularly important for cat lovers, as cats are more likely to jump to reach plant holders and try to munch on greenery. Many shops section off pet-friendly plants. Before bringing home a new flower, fern or shrub, be sure it’s not toxic for pets.
• Household Cleaners: The household cleaners we often rely on can be toxic to pets, and it is important to follow cleaning instructions on the label. This may include letting areas dry before allowing pets to enter or rinsing the surface you are cleaning with water. Always make sure that cleaning products are safely stored away from curious pets.

Be aware that some cleaners can cause an allergic reaction in cats and dogs. Strong scents and residue left behind can cause skin irritations, watery eyes and even difficulty breathing.

• Medicines: All medicine, including pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter, should be stored where pets cannot access them. This includes medications prescribed to pets, too.
• Toys and Batteries: Small items of any sort, but especially toys and batteries that are likely to be left out on the ground where pets can reach them, are a choking hazard for cats and dogs. If ingested by a pet, these items can also lead to major health issues.

www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Household-Toxins/

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1. Does the age of my pet matter when it comes to what pet food to buy?

Kittens and puppies have different nutritional needs than those of adult cats and dogs. For example, young pets should eat more energy-dense food that’s higher in calories to support their growth, as well as consume more of certain essential nutrients that support proper development.

When selecting a pet food, it’s important to determine if your pet is finished growing. Then, look at the pet food label for the intended life stage of the cat or dog food, which typically indicates the food is for growing puppies and kittens, adult pets, or pets of all life stages.

Typically, cats are fully grown by 10-12 months of age, but, for dogs, it varies by size. It’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine if your pet is fully grown and can be switched to adult pet food.

2. What should I know about different types of pet food?

With so many options available, it’s helpful to know some key facts about different types of pet food.

Wet, Dry and Fresh

Wet, dry or fresh pet foods can all be safe, nutritionally balanced options for a cat or dog. Primary differences between wet and dry pet food are the cooking processes and the moisture content. Dry pet food typically has a 10-12 percent moisture content, while wet pet food contains 75-78 percent moisture. If you feel that your pet doesn’t drink enough water, wet pet food may support his or her hydration needs. It’s also more suitable for pets with dental issues.

If considering fresh food, know that it must be kept in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and quality. No matter the type of diet, PFI member companies follow practices and procedures to ensure this food is safe and provides complete nutrition.

Organic and Natural 

If your family is looking for organic or natural pet food, know that these standards are closely defined by regulators. Pet food and treat makers develop organic products under the same rules established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that human food manufacturers follow. Under USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP), the agency develops regulations and guidance on organic standards and manages the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

When you see pet food labeled as “natural,” know that there are specific guidelines that help dictate what that can or cannot mean. Natural pet food is defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as “a feed or feed ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur in good manufacturing practices.” States that use the AAFCO model legislation will require pet food makers to comply with these definitions and guidelines.

Raw Pet Food

Are you considering raw pet food? Be advised that during a two-year study conducted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the agency found that raw pet food was more likely to contain foodborne bacteria, such as Salmonella or Listeria, than other forms of pet food. Humans can be exposed to these potentially dangerous bacteria through steps such as handling the raw food or being licked by their pet. Pet food makers may take steps such as high-pressure processing (HPP) to seek to control the presence of these bacteria. PFI strongly suggests that pet lovers consult with their veterinarian before feeding cats or dogs raw food.

Colors, Flavors and Preservatives 

Colors, flavors and preservatives may be added to pet food to enhance it in some way, whether that is through the food’s taste, appearance, or shelf-life. These ingredients, along with other ingredients that may be added to a pet food recipe for a functional purpose, are regulated at the state and federal levels and have been recognized as safe.

3. What ingredients should pet lovers look for?

Pet food makers consider a diverse mix of ingredients when developing a cat or dog food recipe to ensure that each serving is complete and balanced, meaning that it meets a pet’s total nutritional needs and provides essential nutrients at the proper levels. Are you curious about chemical-sounding names on the ingredient list? These are often the vitamins and minerals included in the pet food, which are required to be listed by their technical names, as opposed to their more common names.

The ingredients used in a recipe will vary based on nutritional content, function, consumer demand and price points, but pet food ingredients are regulated at state or federal levels. Diagnosed food allergies are relatively uncommon in cats and dogs and are best identified through a careful elimination diet conducted with a veterinarian.

4. Does it matter how pet food is stored at home?

Don’t forget that pet food storage is an important part of food safety. Proper tips for storing pet food include checking the packaging for damages before bringing it home, keeping bags and cans of pet food in a dry, cool location off the ground, always sealing the bag, and keeping it out of reach of curious children and pets.

Do you have more questions about pet food and treats? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on cat and dog food nutrition and safety.

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About AAFCO

AAFCO is an association comprised of federal officials and state feed officials from across the United States and Puerto Rico. Pet food is typically regulated within a state’s Department of Agriculture and certain staff from these state government bodies may be active within AAFCO. The representatives work on some of AAFCO’s many committees addressing issues in animal feed and pet food such as ingredient definitions, pet food labeling, and claim guidelines such as “human grade.” These expert committees may take steps such as creating new language, adding regulatory clarification, or otherwise modernizing guidance, and then final text is approved by the AAFCO board of directors and members.

When language is added or updated in AAFCO, it will be included in its “Official Publication” (often referred to as “OP”). The OP includes model legislation for both animal feed and pet food, including issues such as acceptable ingredient definitions, package label claims and what they mean, and parameters for the Guaranteed Analysis. This model legislation can then be easily adopted into state feed law across the country and referred to by regulators as they review and approve a pet food label for sale in that state.

AAFCO Annual Meetings

Committee discussions take place throughout the year and at AAFCO’s Annual and Mid-Year meetings. The 2020 AAFCO Annual Meeting was held virtually in early August. The virtual platform allowed for a new audience of state and federal officials, pet food and animal feed representatives, and other audiences to learn more about the work AAFCO membership does to develop policy for animal feed and pet food regulation.

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