Pet owners will spend more then $13 billion on dog and cat food this year. Pet food manufacturers work hard to make sure their product stands out from others by using words such as "all natural”, “whole food”, “organic”, “human grade”, “premium”, “gourmet”, “no fillers”.

 

Choosing a pet food for your pet can be daunting. Will your cat really be healthier on a “gourmet” or “premium” food? Will a food that is labeled “all natural” or “organic” really help your dog live longer?

 

Currently the use of these terms on pet food labels is primarily a marketing tool of the pet food companies.

 

Pet foods are not regulated by the FDA, but instead by the US Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

 

There is no legal definition for the term “natural”. Even though AAFCO has a definition, it is vague and does not exclude undesirable ingredients.

 

Likewise, the terms “all natural”, “holistic”, and “human grade” have no standard definition or meaning.

 

“Human grade” also has no formal legal definition and can be easily misused. “Human grade” has nothing to do with the body part put in the food (intestine versus muscle), but rather how it is prepared. It implies that the foods are processed in the same sanitary manner that is required for human consumption, but that is not legally required.

 

The term “organic” is currently in regulatory limbo. They are working to pass regulation to set standards so pet food can also earn an organic seal.   At the moment the term organic and the USDA organic seal has a meaning for human food; but they don’t yet for pet food. There is no certification for organic pet food. Companies can call themselves organic even if their foods do not contain a single organic ingredient because the USDA does not regulate company names like the FDA does.

 

Less reputable companies will invest most of their efforts on manufacturing foods that taste good, rather than on foods that are nutritionally complete. The pets then become “hooked” on these foods and it can be difficult to switch them to a brand that is good for them.

 

So what is a pet owner to do?
 

Always buy name-brand foods that have a nutritional adequacy statement saying “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (Product name) provides complete and balanced nutrition for (certain life stage). This will insure that the food is digestible and balanced.

 

Feel free to talk to us at the Animal Hospital of McHenry about what food would be best for your pet.

 

For more information go to: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/FDAVeterinarianNewsletter/ucm130726.htm