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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The pet food sector reported $51.7 billion in sales in 2024, with 9.8 million tons of pet food produced using 600+ safe, nutritious ingredients, according to the new report, which provides a deep dive into the ingredients that make up the diets of dogs and cats in the U.S. and offers in-depth economic impact data.

Below are three key takeaways from the 2025 Pet Food Production and Ingredient Analysis report.

1. The pet food industry plays a crucial role in supporting rural economies and U.S. agriculture. The pet food industry serves as a significant economic driver in America’s rural communities. In 2024, pet food manufacturers purchased $13.2 billion in farm products that are used as ingredients in dog and cat food. Farmers supplying these ingredients relied on $9.8 billion in materials and services from their suppliers, who in turn purchased $7.6 billion in equipment, labor and services from other industries.

 By sourcing ingredients used in pet food sourced from local farmers, ranchers and fisheries across the U.S., the pet food industry supports thousands of jobs in agriculture, manufacturing and logistics, which strengthens rural economies nationwide. This demand also helps to sustain family-owned farms and agricultural businesses.

Investments in rural infrastructure and sustainable sourcing also benefit these communities, creating long-term economic stability while ensuring a steady supply of quality ingredients for pet food production.

See how pet food is made to follow its journey from supplier to your cat or dog’s bowl.

2. Sustainability efforts are driving increased use of upcycled ingredients to reduce food waste and environmental impact. Pet food makers are committed to continuously working to improve sustainability efforts, including using upcycled ingredients. For the first time in this report, researchers looked at the use of upcycled ingredients. In 2024, pet food manufacturers incorporated more than 3 million tons of upcycled ingredients into dog food and over 1 million tons into cat food.

Pet food makers are increasingly using nutritious by-products from the human food supply chain—such as fruit and vegetable pulp, spent grains and surplus proteins—to reduce waste, reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint and create high quality pet food.

According to the report, 44% of the ingredients are upcycled ingredients (adding up to 4.1 million tons), showcasing the industry’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact while providing cost-effective, sustainable nutrition solutions for pets.

3. The pet food industry is meeting growing demand for premium ingredients. The 2024 report captures a new category of “fresh” pet foods (i.e., those pet foods which are generally made with human-grade, fresh ingredients, cooked at low temperatures and delivered to the owner in a refrigerated or frozen state). Since the last report analyzing 2019 data, demand for premium ingredients has surged, with marine ingredients increasing by 95% and meat and poultry ingredients by 34%.

According to the report, chicken and chicken products were the most-used ingredients in U.S. dog and cat food by volume, followed by whole and milled grains. Find out more about some common ingredients included in pet food recipes and understand what function they play.

The variety of ingredients used in pet food supports complete and balanced nutrition tailored to pets’ dietary needs. Feeding cats and dogs pet food that is labeled “Complete and Balanced” will ensure pets are getting the 40+ nutrients in their diets, in the proper amounts, that they need to thrive. Learn how to read pet food labels.

The 2024 Pet Food Production and Ingredient Analysis report serves as a crucial resource for the pet food industry, offering data-driven insights and expert analysis. Download the full report.

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Research finds that U.S. pet food makers use approximately 6.4 million tons of animal-based ingredients to provide the complete nutrition that cats and dogs need to enjoy long and healthy lives. Nutritionally balanced and safe pet food is produced at manufacturing facilities across the country, and new research shows this is doing more than feeding pets. Pet food is also providing economic contribution to the agricultural and rural economies.

Pet Food and American Agriculture: A Strong Partnership

A recent report commissioned by the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) North American Renderers Association (NARA) and the Pet Food Institute (PFI) finds that farmers and farm product processors sell $13.2 billion worth of products to pet food manufacturers that they use as ingredients in dog and cat foods and treats, providing local economic contribution.

In turn, farmers and ranchers purchase roughly $9.8 billion in inputs and services from farm suppliers, who purchase roughly $7.6 billion in materials and services from other industries.

The Wide Range of Ingredients Used in Pet Food

Pet food manufacturers use roughly 6.4 million tons of animal-based products in dog and cat foods. Research also found more than 600 ingredients used in dog and cat food, demonstrating the diversity of options available to shoppers at various price points to fit their budgets.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Pet food makers are committed to continuously working to improve sustainability efforts. Leftover ingredients made from the production of human food, such as bakery or brewery items, or parts of the animal that humans don’t eat, are often used in producing complete and balanced pet food. This helps to prevent food waste and reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint. “Upcycled” ingredients, which are ingredients that are coproducts from other industries, made up 44% of the ingredients in pet food, adding up to 4.1 million tons.

Read the Full Report to Learn More

With over two-thirds of U.S. households owning a pet and more than $30 billion in pet food sales annually, the IFEEDER, NARA and PFI came together to better understand what goes into the production of pet food. Download the entire report to learn more.

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“Crude” Protein and Fat

The term “crude” in a Guaranteed Analysis refers to the method used to determine the nutrient content of your pet’s food. Protein content is determined by analyzing levels of nitrogen, and fat content is determined by analyzing levels of lipids present.* Importantly, the term “crude” does not relate to the quality of a nutrient or ingredient.

Comparing Wet and Dry Pet Food

The Guaranteed Analysis can also help consumer compare levels of nutrients in different pet foods. To make a meaningful comparison between a nutrient level in two foods, it’s important to evaluate the nutrient levels in the absence of the moisture content, in other words, on a “dry matter basis,” particularly when comparing wet and dry foods.

To compare two pet foods:

1. First calculate the percentage of “dry matter” in each pet food by subtracting the percentage of moisture reported in the GA from 100 percent.

• For example, the GA for moisture on a can of cat food may be listed as 70 percent, which equals 30 percent dry matter (100 percent minus 70 percent).

2. Next, for each product, divide the reported nutrient level you are interested in comparing by that product’s dry matter percentage.

• Using the example above, if that same product GA reports 10 percent crude protein, then the product has a dry matter protein level of 33 percent (10 percent divided by 30 percent).

How is the Guaranteed Analysis Calculated?

The data provided in the GA is calculated through either computer software, which maintains a database of the nutrient content of all ingredients, or through laboratory analysis.

PFI members employ advanced formulation methods to ensure every batch of their dog and cat food deliver all the nutrients indicated in the GA.

Additional Nutrients Listed in the Guaranteed Analysis

Some pet food products may contain a GA for additional nutrients. If a product label makes a claim that mentions a specific nutrient, that nutrient is also required to be included in the GA.

The pet food maker may also voluntarily list additional nutrients at their discretion to aid with informing consumers and strengthening the assurance of that pet food recipe’s nutritional adequacy.

The GA is just one part of the many steps pet food makers and regulators take to provide nutritious and safe food for your dog or cat.

*Linda P Case, MS; Daniel P Carey, DVM; and Diane A Hirakawa, PhD, Canine and Feline Nutrition A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals, Mosby-Year Book, Inc 1995, page 154

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Understanding how to read a pet food label is the key to selecting the right pet food for your cat or dog. Ensuring the food you select is developed for the right species and stage of life is the first step in reading the label on your pet’s food. In addition, feeding cats and dogs pet food that is labeled “Complete and Balanced” will ensure your pet is getting the 40+ nutrients in their diets, in the proper amounts, that they need to thrive.

The following key pieces of info will be found on the label of a pet food product:

• Product name
• Intended species
• Weight or volume of the food
• Guaranteed analysis
• Ingredient list
• Nutritional adequacy statement
• Feeding instructions
• Contact information for the manufacturer or distributor

Pet Food Label Terminology

Complete and Balanced

Dogs and cats require more than 40 essential nutrients in their diets. A pet food labeled as Complete and Balanced will contain nutrients at levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These are different for cats and dogs. Similar terms, such as 100% Nutritious, may be used, as well.

Life Stages

Pet food may be developed for different life stages. For example, growing puppies and kittens require more energy than adult pets. Shoppers will see diets formulated for Growth and Reproduction (puppies, kittens and pregnant pets), Adult Maintenance (only adult pets) or All Life Stages.

The size of a puppy’s breed can also be an important factor on a pet food label. Large breed puppies (based on an anticipated adult weight of at least 70 pounds) 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, among other challenges, their diet must be lower in certain nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.

A Growth and Reproduction or All Life Stages diet is formulated to consider the growth of large dogs. These terms will be listed on the Nutritional Adequacy Statement of a dog food package.

Nutritional Adequacy Statement

The Nutritional Adequacy Statement, typically found on the back or bottom of a pet food package, reaffirms that the pet food is formulated to provide nutrition for a specific life stage and how that nutrition is assessed. It will also state if the food does not provide complete nutrition and if it is not meant to be served as a meal—such if it is a topper. The Nutritional Adequacy Statement is reviewed by state regulators when they approve products for sale in that state.

Ingredient List

The pet food label lists ingredients in descending order by weight, as is required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vitamins and minerals are required to include their chemical name, however you may also see the more recognized or common name; for example, Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) and Thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1).

Pet food ingredients are regulated or defined at either the federal or state level. Click here to learn more about the role of individual states and FDA in approving ingredients for use in pet food.

Guaranteed Analysis

Dog and cat food will provide a Guaranteed Analysis (GA) on the product label. The GA provides product information to pet owners, helping them find the levels of at least four nutrients: protein, fat, fiber and moisture. Because pet food will have different levels of moisture based on whether it’s wet or dry, the percentages for nutrients may look extremely varied when comparing the GA of two types of products. We help explain how to calculate the difference to ensure an equal comparison.

The GA must list additional nutrients if the product label makes nutrition-related claims, such as Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Looking for more information?

Get helpful resources on pet food labels from the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

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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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One area of concern is the disparity in supply and demand for animal- and plant-based oils and fats caused by renewable diesel incentives and mandates. For two years, PFI has forecasted and publicly expressed concerns that the unintended consequences of mandates and incentives have resulted in double and even triple the price for the critical edible oils and other ingredients used in human and pet food formulations. With so many other issues contributing to food inflation, is now the time to expand the renewable diesel program?  

Pet food makers accept that they must compete in the market, but when the market continues to be subsidized by multiple government agencies, they are unable to fairly compete for key ingredients. A recent example, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, signed into law last summer, extended the biodiesel, alternative fuel, and second-generation biofuel tax incentives through the end of 2024. 

Coming out of the pandemic, every node in our supply chain has been impacted. Like other industries, pet food makers are experiencing inflation and continued transportation and supply chain challenges. They are not only concerned about the price of ingredients as three more renewable diesel facilities go online this year, but are fearful of being unable to adequately source the quantity and quality of critical government-required ingredients to feed the pets in 85 million U.S. households. 

Therefore, it’s crucial that the EPA and lawmakers carefully consider the competition of limited resources for food, feed, and fuel. For example, will the EPA calculate how many new acres of U.S. farmland will be needed to meet the projected renewable diesel feedstock demand alone? 

In the December 2021 Progressive Farmer article, “Marrying Soybeans and Renewable Diesel: Renewable Diesel Plans Could Outstrip Soybean Acres, Soy Oil Supplies,” Steve Nicholson, senior grains and oilseed analyst at Rabobank states, “If you look at [new acres] all going to soybeans, you would need upwards of 55 million to 60 million more acres of soybeans. We just don’t have that in the United States.” Nicholson added, “Soybeans would basically wipe out corn and wheat acres in the U.S. just to produce enough oil for [renewable diesel].” 

PFI recognizes and supports responsible efforts to utilize additional energy sources that reduce carbon emissions. However, we respectfully urge the EPA and lawmakers to carefully consider the potential unintended consequences and the impact on consumers of further increases in volume requirements for advanced biofuels and biomass-based diesel for 2023-2025. Let’s take steps to protect the environment and our natural resources but also protect the ability of Americans to feed their families and pets.  

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