Defining Dog Food: Pet Food Definitions

What do all these “natural” words mean?

So, as we all look to getting healthier in the new year, some of us are looking at what we eat.  And that also extends to our pets.  Recently, with all the pet-food scares and recalls, owners are trying to opt toward the natural and holistic dog foods so they are giving the best nutrition they can to their four-legged friends.  I’ll admit, looking at all those labels can get confusing, and with “natural”-this and “organic”-that, who’s to know what is better? Pet food definitions can be confusing! Luckily for us, Dog Fancy Magazine recently tried to help their readers, so I thought I would pass it along.

According to them, “The Association of American Feed Control Officials, which sets pet food standards, defines certain terms and makes regulatory recommendations, but pet food regulations are enforced at the state level, so enforcement is variable.”  So, it still helps to err on the side of caution, but at least knowing how the AAFCO defines what goes on the bag can be helpful.  Here is a re-cap of some of the  most popular:

Natural:

This term can only apply to pet food that is derived from a natural (rather than a synthetic chemical) source and does not contain any synthetic chemical additives, “except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices”.  This extends to all of the ingredients, too.  Simply put – it can contain chemical additives, and it does not specify the food is any less processed than conventional food.

Organic:

While the regulations for using this term as it applies to human foods are strict, they are not as strict when it comes to pet food (but, the USDA’s National Organic Program has been unofficially working on improvements).  However, many pet food companies say they follow the rules as they pertain to human foods.  Here is a table:

Another note: third-party organic certifiers may not be as strict regarding vitamin and mineral supplementation in pet foods, which is hardly ever organic (and almost always synthetic).  If your pet food has a USDA organic seal or other certification from a reputable third-party certifier, probability is good it is reliably organic.

Human grade:

The pet food truly must be made entirely from food that is legally fit for human consumption (according to the US FDA) to be able to use this term.  As of this writing, the AAFCO does not define the term as it pertains to pet food.

Holistic:

This has become a prominent term as of late; it actually has no legal definition and is used for marketing (at the time of this writing).

In any case, having the right dog food that’s good quality can be a great aid in housebreaking your dog, and keeping it healthy throughout it’s life.  While some people balk at a higher price for these healthier foods, the cost is generally offset if you look at the portions.  Most cases, you can feed less of the higher quality food because there are less fillers.  Feeding less means you don’t have to buy it as often ;-P  Also, with better ingredients comes better health – aka potentially less trips to the vet or medications for your dog!

Related: Pet Health Insurance

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