We all hear the horror stories about the things that are in various dogs’ foods.  One such article called “The Shocking Truth about Dog Food” and posted in the Earth Journal in 1990, brought to light the way many dog foods are made and the ingredients in some commercially made dog foods. Rumors and hearsay can cause a lot of confusion and it is our hope to give you some information and resources so you may be better informed.

In the United States, it is required that dog foods be labeled if they meet AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) standards.  These are written guidelines only and it is up to each state feed control official to regulate for legal compliance in the manufacture of dogs food.  Per the home page on the AAFCO website:

             Did you know?

AAFCO does not regulate, test, approve or certify pet foods in any way.

AAFCO establishes the nutritional standards for complete and balanced pet foods, and it is the pet food company's responsibility to formulate their products according to the appropriate AAFCO standard.

It is the state feed control official's responsibility in regulating pet food to ensure that the laws and rules established for the protection of companion animals and their custodians are complied with so that only unadulterated, correctly and uniformly labeled pet food products are distributed in the marketplace and a structure for orderly commerce.

See Link:  http://petfood.aafco.org/

With increasing recalls, the need for consumer advocacy has increased and there are more organizations monitoring and testing dogs foods for ingredients and quality.  The Whole Dog Journal (http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/topics/dog_food.html) publishes a yearly list of food they would recommend. There is also an animal advocacy website called “The Truth about Pet Food” (http://truthaboutpetfood.com/) solely devoted to issues with pet food quality. They also publish a list of foods they consider safe, whether it be dry, canned and raw.  In order to obtain the food lists from either the Whole Dog Journal or the Truth about Pet Food, you must either subscribe or pay a user fee.

To help you better identify the regulatory guidelines, basic nutritional needs, and knowing what the ingredients are in pet foods, below are just a few of the many websites you may find of interest.  Remember, while it is very important to do your research, please consult your Veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about the nutritional needs of your dog.

US food and Drug Administration on pet food:

http://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/products/animalfoodfeeds/petfood/ucm2006475

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/ucm047113.htm

From European Pet Food Industry Federation:

http://www.fediaf.org/self-regulation/nutrition/  (click on the link called “Nutritional Guidelines for Cats and Dogs” about ½ way down the home page)

Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center:

http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/our-services/nutrition-support-service/understanding-pet-food-labels

From VCA Hospitals Website:

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/nutrition-general-feeding-guidelines-for-dogs/6491

From PetMD:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_principles_of_dog_nutrition