dog and cat eating food. AAFCO-Approved Dog Food

What Is AAFCO and What Does It Do?

Choosing the best food for your dog or cat can feel overwhelming. Labels are packed with claims, but one thing vets agree on is this: your pet’s food should meet AAFCO standards. But what exactly is AAFCO, and why does it matter for your furry friend?

Let’s break it down in simple terms—so you can shop smarter and feed better.

Quick Overview: Why AAFCO Matters

AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
It sets nutritional standards for pet food sold in the U.S.
An AAFCO statement on the package means the food meets guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition.
AAFCO does not test or certify products—but brands must prove compliance through lab analysis or feeding trials.

What Is AAFCO?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a nonprofit group that helps regulate the quality, labeling, and safety of animal feed—including dog and cat food.

It’s not a government agency, but most U.S. states base their pet food laws on AAFCO’s standards. Think of AAFCO as the people who write the rulebook for what goes in your pet’s bowl.

What Does “AAFCO-Approved” Mean on Pet Food?

Look at your dog or cat food label—see that statement about nutritional adequacy? That’s the AAFCO statement. It tells you:

Whether the food meets essential nutrient levels
How those nutrients were tested (via lab analysis or feeding trials)
Which life stage it supports (puppy, adult, reproduction, etc.)

Life Stage Categories:

Adult Maintenance – for grown dogs and cats
Growth & Reproduction – for puppies, kittens, pregnant, or nursing pets
Large Breed Puppy Support – for puppies expected to reach 70+ lbs (helps prevent bone/joint issues)

If the food is not complete and balanced, it will be labeled for “intermittent or supplemental feeding only.” Treats and snacks don’t need an AAFCO statement.

Popular AAFCO-Compliant Dog Food Brands

Some trusted AAFCO-compliant pet food brands include:

These brands formulate their recipes based on AAFCO’s nutrient profiles or validated feeding trials.

Does AAFCO Test or Regulate Pet Foods?

Surprisingly, AAFCO does not directly test, approve, or certify pet food. Instead, it creates detailed guidelines that manufacturers must follow. It’s up to the companies to:

Conduct lab testing or feeding trials
Label their food correctly
Follow AAFCO’s nutrient standards and definitions

What Does the FDA Do Then?

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) oversees pet food safety and ensures ingredients are safe and properly listed. The FDA requires labels to include:

Product identity
Net weight
Ingredient list (from most to least by weight)
Manufacturer or distributor info

Some states add more rules based on AAFCO’s model regulations.

How Pet Foods Get AAFCO Approval

Pet food makers can prove their food meets AAFCO’s “complete and balanced” standards in two ways:

1. Feeding Trials

Real dogs or cats are fed the food over time and monitored by vets. AAFCO outlines strict rules for:

Minimum number of animals in the trial
How long the test should last
Physical exams performed by veterinarians
Vet checks, blood work, and body condition tracking

Label Example:
Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [Brand Name] provides complete and balanced nutrition for [life stage].

2. Laboratory Analysis

A lab measures the food’s nutrient content to see if it meets AAFCO’s guidelines.

Label Example:
[Brand Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for [life stage].

AAFCO Nutrient Guidelines for Dogs

Growth & Reproduction (puppies, pregnant/nursing dogs)

Protein: 22.5%
Fat: 8.5%
Vitamins: A, D, E, B-complex, choline
Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, etc.

Adult Maintenance (healthy adult dogs)

Protein: 18%
Fat: 5.5%
Same essential vitamins & minerals

AAFCO Nutrient Guidelines for Cats

Growth & Reproduction (kittens, pregnant/nursing cats)

Protein: 30%
Fat: 9%
Vitamins: Includes vitamin K and biotin
Minerals: As listed above

Adult Maintenance

Protein: 26%
Fat: 9%

AAFCO FAQs: Straightforward Answers

What does it mean if pet food is “AAFCO certified”?

It means the food has been tested or formulated to meet the nutritional standards for a specific life stage.

What’s the “3% Rule”?

If a label says “with beef,” then beef must make up at least 3% of the food by weight.

Is AAFCO trustworthy?

Yes. It’s an established, science-based organization. While it doesn’t enforce laws, its standards guide most U.S. state regulations.

How do I know if my pet’s food meets AAFCO standards?

Check the packaging for the nutritional adequacy statement—it’s usually on the back or side panel.

Final Thoughts: Why AAFCO Matters for Pet Parents

Feeding your pet isn’t just about filling the bowl—it’s about giving them the nutrients they need to live a healthy, active life. AAFCO-compliant dog and cat food helps ensure that your furry companion is getting a balanced diet tailored to their age and life stage.

When in doubt, read the label—and if it has an AAFCO statement, you’re on the right track.

Illustrative Image – Not Actual Product Packaging

This disclaimer informs readers that any images used in the blog are for illustration purposes only and may not reflect the actual packaging of the product. Always refer to the product page for the most up-to-date packaging information.

AAFCO-Approved Dog Food: Everything You Need to Know