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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1. Do you fill up the water bowl one day and wait for it to become completely empty before refilling? Remember to regularly replenish the bowl and provide fresh water for your pets.
2. Moving water is irresistible to many pets, especially cats. Try leaving a dripping faucet on or purchase a water fountain. Running water fountains are excellent at keeping the water fresh and encourage your cat to drink water.
3. Hitting the road for vacation and taking your pet in the car? Always take water with you on long car rides and let your dog out for bathroom breaks whenever necessary.
4. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a jog through the neighborhood or playing at the dog park, your dog can become thirsty more quickly when the temperature is warmer. Make sure to bring a portable water bowl with you and allow for breaks.
5. Does your pet not always drink enough water? Help to supplement their water intake with wet pet food. Wet pet food typically contains 75 to 78 percent moisture and can help pets get the hydration they need. Keep in mind that wet pet food should not be a substitute for fresh water.

Remember, if you’re thirsty when outdoors with your pet, he or she may be thirsty, too. Learn more about the nutritional value of water and take steps to protect your pets during the dog days of summer.

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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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For the past six years, Ft. Worth, Texas-based veterinarian Dr. Tonya Stephens has volunteered to provide veterinary services for the canine athletes participating in the Iditarod. She focuses on keeping dogs healthy and happy, including ensuring there are no serious complications preventing the dogs from completing the race and monitoring conditions that develop on the trail that could adversely affect dogs’ performance.

Like for human athletes, eating a balanced and energy-dense diet is extremely important for Iditarod sled dogs. Soon after she returned from the 2019 event, the Pet Food Institute chatted with Dr. Stephens about what sled dogs eat, how mushers and vets keep dogs healthy on the trail, and about the role nutrition plays in ensuring the dogs are at peak health and condition.

PFI: What and how much do Iditarod sled dogs eat and drink?

Dr. Stephens: Unlike our pets at home, sled dogs have extremely high energy needs and typically require 15,000 kcal daily for fuel and to maintain body condition throughout the race. These athletes receive a combination of dry kibble specially designed for their significantly increased demand, as well as added protein. Many meals are offered as “soups,” which are heated, water-and-kibble-based combinations. This encourages water consumption while supplying much-needed nutrients.

Dogs in the race can ingest snow along the trail, as well. This is called “snow dipping” and is more prevalent in the warmer races, during which the temperature is at the freezing point or just above. Many mushers will also offer free choice water at checkpoints or melt snow on the trail.

There are checkpoints throughout the race that have previously-planned drops of food (kibble, frozen meat and other additives) to feed there and/or resupply for the miles between checkpoints.

PFI: Why is it so important that dogs participating in the race eat a healthy diet?

Dr. Stephens: 15,000 kcal daily is a massive caloric requirement that is difficult to provide, much less replenish, if for any reason a racer misses a meal. Providing all the nutrients required in as small a package as possible is needed for competition; thus, the inclusion of kibble designed just for these athletes is the optimal way to achieve this goal. Without kibble, the amount of other dietary products required to achieve 15,000 kcal would be so vast that the amount of time to digest, and the abdominal distention associated, would result in other complications that would prevent the team from being able to complete.

PFI: How is the diet of dogs participating in the Iditarod different from that of normal dogs?

Dr. Stephens: The diet that sled dogs receive is quite unique due to their extremely high level of activity! If you fed an Iditarod diet to most dogs, they would either develop severe diarrhea and/or become morbidly obese quickly, given the high protein, fat and overall caloric intake. Iditarod canine athletes run up to 100 miles per day, while a normal pet will run an average of 3-5 miles per day. With the significant difference in activity, there obviously would be serious ramifications to feeding a “normal” diet to a racing sled dog or performance diet to a pet that isn’t as active.

Tell us what happens during veterinary check-ups for Iditarod sled dogs.

Dr. Stephens: Health of the dogs is the number one priority during the Iditarod, and a team of veterinarians works to provide dog care for each participant before and during the race. A month before the race, all dogs that are selected by the musher (up to 24) undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) and screening blood work. The results are reviewed by a boarded cardiologist and an internal medicine specialist. This ensures all athletes are clear of any obvious preexisting conditions that could compromise their ability to compete.

Within 10 days of the ceremonial start in Anchorage, all 14 dogs selected for the final team receive a comprehensive physical exam by a veterinarian either at the pre-race vet check-in in Willow, Alaska, and/or by their personal veterinarian. All dogs are microchipped so they may be tracked from pre-race to finishing under the Burled Arch in Nome.

During the race, each team is offered a complete physical exam at each checkpoint. Depending on the musher’s run/race strategy, a musher may elect to have all dogs checked, or may bypass the checkpoint completely. Most mushers will stop in each checkpoint long enough for a brief exam to be conducted.

There are mandatory 8-24-hour long stops required throughout the race. During those stops, complete physical exams are conducted by the veterinarians. Most veterinarians on the trail come from either surgical and/or emergency and critical care practices. Due to our daily exposure to orthopedic and emergency cases, we are comfortable with the common issues faced by these canine athletes on the trail. We work with the mushers to resolve any concerns and are there to offer support to any dog that may require more intensive medical management.

About Dr. Tonya Stephens, DVM, MS, PHD

Dr. Tonya Stephens attended Texas A&M University, completing an undergraduate degree in animal science and Master of Science in exercise physiology. During her time at TAMU, she also completed an externship at the British Horseracing Authority (British equivalent to the American Jockey Club). She then attended the University of Florida, where she completed her Ph.D. and lectured in nutrition and exercise physiology. A passion for research led her to pursue a DVM. While in veterinary school, she was introduced to and instructed by Dr. Huisheng “Shen” Xie in traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on the research conducted at U of F and outcomes from cases treated in this manner, she completed practical and coursework to become a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Upon returning to Texas, she completed her studies in alternative therapies with Parker University becoming American Veterinary Chiropractic Association certified. Dr. Stephens is currently the Tarrant County Veterinary Medical Association president and volunteers each year for the Iditarod.

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At first, the lump on the side of my dog Grendel’s face was small. We asked the veterinarian to examine it during his annual exam, and she did not seem too concerned about it. But she did tell us to watch it and see if it grew. When I returned from a subsequent business trip, it looked noticeably larger. We scheduled a biopsy and removed the lump immediately.

Then the call came that he had cancer – the word that no pet parent wants to hear. At nine years old, chemotherapy and radiation would be very difficult for him, physically. The veterinary oncologist felt that monitoring the lump and making holistic changes would be best for Grendel. So that’s the path we chose.

As I started researching the changes we would have to make for Grendel, I was shocked by the number of people with no expertise and no veterinary credentials sharing advice on the Internet. As an employee at the Pet Food Institute, I am fully aware of the expansive research that exists about the importance of complete and balanced nutrition, as well as the nutritional deficiencies found in most homemade diets. Yet, as I scoured the web, I saw person after person recommending homemade pet food, and the recipes were clearly not complete and balanced. Our pets require more than 40 different nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for optimal health. Is causing nutritional deficiencies the best way to combat disease?

I get it. We are sad and scared. We want there to be a magical potion that cures our fur baby. They are not just pets to us but family members that we love and adore. And so, we want to demonize something, and put a target on a reason that our pet got cancer. We are emotional, and we will do whatever we can to make our pet better. I know how that feels, and I’ve been down the cyberspace rabbit hole that, quite frankly, is full of misinformation. And worse than that, it is information that can undoubtedly be harmful to our dog and/or cat at a time when they need optimal nutrition.

So, what DO you do as a pet parent who wants to help? First, read the science. These days, anyone can position themselves as an expert. But, just because someone says something online, doesn’t mean it’s accurate. And, furthermore, it doesn’t make that person an authority. Rely on your veterinarian, veterinarian nutritionists and your pet’s oncologist and care team. These people have received years of education geared toward providing optimal health for our dogs and cats. If you do choose to conduct your own research online, look for professional experts and science-backed research.

The Pet Food Institute’s newly redesigned website is full of accurate, scientific, research-based information that you can trust. I encourage you to check out the articles housed there and reference it and the trained, skilled specialists when making feeding decisions for your pet. And if, like my dog Grendel, your beloved family member has cancer, my thoughts are with you, and I’m hoping for the best outcome for your journey.

Learn more about your pet’s nutritional needs.

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A therapeutic pet food, also known as a prescription diet, is formulated to meet the specific needs of your pet, developed to help diagnose, treat, or prevent nutrient-responsive diseases common to cats and dogs. Pet food makers clinically study certain vitamins, minerals, protein, fats, carbohydrates, and other nutritional components to determine their effect on the disease process. Therapeutic pet foods can help treat conditions such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, urinary stones, obesity and more.

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Like humans, caloric and nutrient needs of individual pets, even those of similar size, can vary significantly. Pets need to take in different quantities and ratios of nutrients in different amounts depending on their stage of life. Pet food makers develop formulas to address the unique nutritional needs of growing puppies and kittens, pregnant cats and dogs, and aging animals.

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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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A Long-Standing Relationship

Research suggests that dogs were domesticated 16,000 years ago, and possibly were keeping company with humans for more than 30,000 years. By 2000 BCE, humans were giving consideration into what to feed their dogs. Roman poet and philosopher Marcus Terentius Varro wrote a manual on farming, “Farm Topics,” that advised providing dogs with meat and bones, and barley soaked in milk.

Near the end of the 14th century, Gaston III, the eleventh Count of Foix Count in Southwestern France and an avid hunter, wrote a book in which he described how his beloved greyhounds were to be cared for. This included reference to what they were to be fed: bran bread, some of the meat from the hunt, and if the dog was sick, goat’s milk, bean broth, chopped meat or buttered eggs.

In common households during the middle ages and through the mid-19^th centuries however, little consideration was given to feeding dogs, as a dog’s diet was much like that of its owners, consisting of whatever owners could spare, such as knuckles of bone, cabbage, potatoes, onions and crusts of bread. In the mid-1800’s, a dog or cat’s diet may have been more slightly more varied in cities where it was common for people to purchase horse meat for their pets, as working horses would die in the city streets.

Since then, dogs and cats have become an integral part of our households, and the scientific understanding of pet nutrition and food safety has advanced to help better protect the health of four-legged family members.

Pets as Companion Animals

With the Industrial Revolution and rise of the middle class in the 19^th century, families with disposable income began to keep domesticated dogs and cats as companion animals – rather than just as working animals.

Businessman James Spratt introduced the first commercially-prepared pet food in England in approximately 1860. After seeing dogs being fed leftover biscuits from a ship, Spratt formulated the first dog biscuit: a mix of wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot and beef blood. Spratt’s business venture was a success, meeting a new market demand and selling to English country gentlemen for sporting dogs.

A British public company took over Spratt’s formula and production began at a U.S. operation in about 1890. Additional companies began to develop their own recipes for biscuits and dry kibble, using the current nutritional knowledge of the time period. Canned dog food, “Ken-L Ration,” was introduced in 1922. Its main ingredient was horsemeat, which was considered an acceptable ingredient source at the time. Our understanding of and relationship with horses has since evolved, and as they have become pets, there is no longer a market for horse meat.

An Evolving Understanding of Pets and Nutrition

The desire for prepared dog food resulted from a combination of dogs being viewed as luxury items with a need to protect the owners’ investments, the increasing availability of such food (dog biscuits, dog bread, canned food, etc.) and marketing. The science of veterinary nutrition emerged in the late 1800s. Our understanding of animal science and nutrition also continued to evolve throughout the 20^th century—the first pet food specifically formulated for the unique nutritional needs of puppies was introduced in the early 1960s—as more people came to view their dogs and cats part of the family.

In the mid-1980s, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council published nutritional requirements for dogs and cats, and released updated profiles in 2006 that reflected the evolving science and understanding of animal nutrition. Most commercially-prepared U.S. pet food is now formulated to be “complete and balanced,” meaning that it is provides all of a pet’s nutritional requirements at the correct levels.

Meeting Safety Requirements

Currently, both federal and state officials inspect pet food manufacturing facilities and test products on retail shelves for compliance with safety and/or nutritional requirements.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), an organization of state and federal regulatory officials, develops model legislation for pet food safety regulations, that can then be adopted by states. First known as the Association of Feed Control Officials, AAFCO was founded more than 100 years ago in 1909. AAFCO first included language for pet food in their model bills in 1917. The regulation of pet food continued to advance over the years. Examples include in the 1933 decision to prohibit the word “pure” from a brand name in 1933, or establishing a definition for “complete and balanced” pet food in 1969.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), signed into law in 2011, is a more recent regulatory evolution. FSMA represents one of the most comprehensive changes to U.S. food safety regulation in more than 70 years, and requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and food producers (for both food for humans and animals) to focus on preventing foodborne illness.

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