Almost all dog and cat foods must carry a calorie content statement. This requirement includes all complete and balanced foods and all snacks, treats and non-exempt chew products. The statement is separate from the guaranteed analysis and appears under the heading ‘calorie content’. The declared energy is the metabolizable energy and must be expressed as kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg) of product on an ‘as fed’ basis, as well as in kilocalories per familiar household measure (e.g., kcal/cup, kcal/can, per piece). Rawhides, bones, ears and other chews that are exempt from AAFCO registration and labelling requirements are not required to display a calorie content statement. The method of determination (calculated vs. feeding trials) must also be clearly identified in the statement. The method for determining calories by digestibility trials is described in protocols in the AAFCO Official Publication. | Almost all dog and cat foods must carry a calorie content statement. This requirement includes all complete and balanced foods and all snacks, treats and non-exempt chew products. The statement is separate from the guaranteed analysis and appears under the heading ‘calorie content’. The declared energy is the metabolizable energy and must be expressed as kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg) of product on an ‘as fed’ basis, as well as in kilocalories per familiar household measure (e.g., kcal/cup, kcal/can, per piece). Rawhides, bones, ears and other chews that are exempt from AAFCO registration and labelling requirements are not required to display a calorie content statement. The method of determination (calculated vs. feeding trials) must also be clearly identified in the statement. The method for determining calories by digestibility trials is described in protocols in the AAFCO Official Publication. |