What does an AAFCO statement provide on a food label?
A baseline assurance of nutritional adequacy for a specific life stage.
When navigating the vast array of canine food products, confirming regulatory compliance offers a crucial starting point for judging nutritional quality. In the United States, the presence of a label stating the food is complete and balanced according to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines for a specified life stage serves as this baseline assurance. This declaration confirms that the product contains all necessary nutrients, including the right balance of macro-minerals and trace minerals, at levels appropriate for the dog's age (e.g., growth, maintenance, or senior). Foods lacking this statement, such as many raw or homemade preparations, require mandatory consultation with a veterinary nutritionist.
