Changes

==== Net Weight ====

==== Net Weight ====

The declaration of the net weight (or volume, in the case of liquid products) on the principal display panel is mandatory under FDA regulations. Net content declarations must be displayed in conspicuous and easily legible print, within the bottom 30% of the principal display panel in lines generally parallel to the base of the package. There are type size requirements for the net weight statement based on size of the Principal Display Panel.

The declaration of the net weight (or volume, in the case of liquid products) on the principal display panel is mandatory under FDA regulations. Net content declarations must be displayed in conspicuous and easily legible print, within the bottom 30% of the principal display panel in lines generally parallel to the base of the package. There are type size requirements for the net weight statement based on size of the Principal Display Panel.

==== Ingredient Statement ====

==== Ingredient Statement ====

Unlike the EU, each ingredient in the pet food must be listed in descending order by weight (i.e., ingredient categories are not allowed). AAFCO has established the name and definition of a wide variety of ingredients. The ingredient names on the label must conform to the AAFCO name (e.g., poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, powdered cellulose), or when an applicable AAFCO name is lacking, be declared by their common or usual names, such as beef or chicken. Collective terms, such as animal protein products or ingredient brand names are not allowed on pet food labels. Contrary to the EU, in the USA trace elements and vitamins are considered ingredients and are listed in the ingredient statement. In the same way, additives such as antioxidants, preservatives, humectants, colouring agents, flavours, etc. must be listed in the ingredient statement.

Unlike the EU, each ingredient in the pet food must be listed in descending order by weight (i.e., [[EU Pet Food Labels#Composition = List of Feed Materials|ingredient categories]] are not allowed). AAFCO has established the name and definition of a wide variety of ingredients. The ingredient names on the label must conform to the AAFCO name (e.g., poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, powdered cellulose), or when an applicable AAFCO name is lacking, be declared by their common or usual names, such as beef or chicken. Collective terms, such as animal protein products or ingredient brand names are not allowed on pet food labels. Contrary to the EU, in the USA trace elements and vitamins are considered ingredients and are listed in the ingredient statement. In the same way, additives such as antioxidants, preservatives, humectants, colouring agents, flavours, etc. must be listed in the ingredient statement.

=== Guaranteed Analysis ===

==== Guaranteed Analysis ====

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!colspan="3" bgcolor="#97C7F7"|Table 2. Guaranteed Analysis.

!colspan="3" bgcolor="#97C7F7"|Table 2. Guaranteed Analysis.

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Unlike pet food labels in the EU, where the typical analysis of nutrients has to be declared, in the United States minimum / maximum guarantees are declared on pet food labels (Table 2). It is important to recognise that these percentages generally indicate the “worst case” levels for these nutrients in the food. Although the guarantees do not reflect the exact or typical amounts of these nutrients, this method of declaration provides a sound means of verification and enforcement by regulators. The maximum moisture content in pet foods cannot exceed 78%, except in products labelled as a stew, gravy, broth, juice, milk replacer or similar terms.

In addition to the above, a maximum percentage crude fat guarantee is required on any dog or cat food label bearing a "low fat" "lean," "less fat" or similar claim. Although a maximum percentage ash* guarantee is not legally required in the United States, many pet food manufacturers include one on the labels of their foods. Guarantees for other nutrients may also be declared, the declaration of a nutrient is not mandatory unless its presence is highlighted elsewhere on the label, for example, "with [[Taurine - Nutrition|taurine]]" would require a minimum percentage taurine guarantee. If these additional guarantees are for essential nutrients (e.g., taurine in cat foods), they must be declared following the same terms and units of measure outlined in the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles. If the nutrients are not essential (e.g., [[Taurine - Nutrition|taurine]] in dog foods), a disclaimer stating so must be asterisked to each nonessential nutrient.

In addition to the above, a maximum percentage crude fat guarantee is required on any dog or cat food label bearing a "low fat" "lean," "less fat" or similar claim. Although a maximum percentage ash* guarantee is not legally required in the United States, many pet food manufacturers include one on the labels of their foods. Guarantees for other nutrients may also be declared, the declaration of a nutrient is not mandatory unless its presence is highlighted elsewhere on the label, for example, "with [[Taurine - Nutrition|taurine]]" would require a minimum percentage taurine guarantee. If these additional guarantees are for essential nutrients (e.g., taurine in cat foods), they must be declared following the same terms and units of measure outlined in the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles. If the nutrients are not essential (e.g., [[Taurine - Nutrition|taurine]] in dog foods), a disclaimer stating so must be asterisked to each nonessential nutrient.

* Ash is the term used to define the inorganic material left after organic material has been burnt.

* Ash is the term used to define the inorganic material left after organic material has been burnt. It is important to recognise that it does not indicate that ash was added to the food.

 

==== Feeding Guidelines ====

==== Feeding Guidelines ====

All "complete and balanced" pet foods must provide quantitative feeding directions for each life stage indicated in the nutritional adequacy statement, unless a more restricted life stage designation is more prominently indicated elsewhere. The feeding directions must at minimum state the amount of feed (e.g. cups) per given body weight dog or cat and the frequency of feeding, although especially on larger packaging, more detailed directions, often in tabular format, are typically provided.

All "complete and balanced" pet foods must provide quantitative [[Feeding Guides - Nutrition|feeding directions]] for each life stage indicated in the nutritional adequacy statement, unless a more restricted life stage designation is more prominently indicated elsewhere. The feeding directions must at minimum state the amount of feed (e.g. cups) per given body weight dog or cat and the frequency of feeding, although especially on larger packaging, more detailed directions, often in tabular format, are typically provided.

==== Statement of Calorie Content ====

==== Statement of Calorie Content ====

==== Complete and Balanced - Nutritional Adequacy Statement ====

==== Complete and Balanced - Nutritional Adequacy Statement ====

In the USA, all pet food labels, with the exception of products clearly labelled as treats and snacks, or supplements must contain a statement of nutritional adequacy and manufacturers must indicate the method and life stage that was used to substantiate this claim (validation of nutritional adequacy). AAFCO regulations allow three methods to substantiate such claims:

In the USA, all pet food labels, with the exception of products clearly labelled as treats and snacks, or supplements must contain a statement of nutritional adequacy and manufacturers must indicate the method and life stage that was used to substantiate this claim (validation of nutritional adequacy). AAFCO regulations allow three methods to substantiate such claims:

#Based on product formulation  

:#Based on product formulation  

#Based on feeding trials, and  

:#Based on feeding trials, and  

#Based on "product family" criteria .  

:#Based on "product family" criteria .  

In 1990 and 1991, AAFCO convened the '''Canine Nutrition Expert''' (CNE) and '''Feline Nutrition Expert''' (FNE) subcommittees to establish practical nutrient profiles (minimums and maximums) for cat and dog foods based on commonly used ingredients. The profiles were last updated in 2016. The reports of the CNE and FNE subcommittees (and subsequent revisions) form the basis for the nutrient profiles that are published in the annual edition of the AAFCO Official Publication. The formulation method allows a manufacturer to claim ‘complete and balanced’ for a given life stage or life stages when the product is formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for that life stage(s). These nutrient profiles cover two categories:  

In 1990 and 1991, AAFCO convened the '''Canine Nutrition Expert''' (CNE) and '''Feline Nutrition Expert''' (FNE) subcommittees to establish practical nutrient profiles (minimums and maximums) for cat and dog foods based on commonly used ingredients. The profiles were last updated in 2016. The reports of the CNE and FNE subcommittees (and subsequent revisions) form the basis for the nutrient profiles that are published in the annual edition of the AAFCO Official Publication. The formulation method allows a manufacturer to claim ‘complete and balanced’ for a given life stage or life stages when the product is formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for that life stage(s). These nutrient profiles cover two categories:  

#Growth and reproduction and  

:#Growth and reproduction and  

#Adult maintenance (AAFCO 2015).  

:#Adult maintenance (AAFCO 2015).  

For example, a pet food meeting the AAFCO nutritional profile of adult dogs can bear the following statement: ‘(Name of product) is ‘formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.’ The most recent revision of the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles include a lower maximum [[Calcium - Nutrition|calcium]] level in foods that MAY be fed to large-breed puppies. All products indicated "for growth" or "for all life stages" and that contain no more than 1.8% Ca on a dry matter basis must include the clause "including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult)." Dog foods exceeding that amount (but still in conformance with the maximum calcium allowance for all dog foods) must state "except for growth of...).

For example, a pet food meeting the AAFCO nutritional profile of adult dogs can bear the following statement: ‘(Name of product) is ''‘formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.’ The most recent revision of the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles include a lower maximum [[Calcium - Nutrition|calcium]] level in foods that MAY be fed to large-breed puppies. All products indicated "for growth" or "for all life stages" and that contain no more than 1.8% Ca on a dry matter basis must include the clause "including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult)." Dog foods exceeding that amount (but still in conformance with the maximum calcium allowance for all dog foods) must state "except for growth of...).''

The second method requires that the manufacturer performs an AAFCO-protocol feeding trial using the food as the sole source of nutrition. The feeding trial method can result in a nutritional adequacy claim for one or more of the following categories:  

The second method requires that the manufacturer performs an AAFCO-protocol feeding trial using the food as the sole source of nutrition. The feeding trial method can result in a nutritional adequacy claim for one or more of the following categories:  

#Gestation and lactation,  

:#Gestation and lactation,  

#Growth,  

:#Growth,  

#Adult maintenance and  

:#Adult maintenance and  

#Complete for all life stages.  

:#Complete for all life stages.  

AAFCO has published minimum testing protocols for adult maintenance, growth and gestation/lactation. A food that successfully completes a gestation/lactation trial, followed by a growth trial using the puppies/kittens from the gestation/lactation trial, can also make a claim for all life stages. The required terminology for labels of pet foods that have passed these tests is: ‘Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures show that (brand YY) provides complete and balanced nutrition for (lifestage xx)’. The adult maintenance protocol uses a minimum of eight animals that are fed the food as the sole source of nutrition for six months, during which the animals are evaluated for any change in body weight and other clinical signs of nutritional deficiency or excess and blood analyses are performed. Growth protocols include feeding the food for a minimum of 10 weeks during the most critical growth phase to maximize the ability to detect nutritional problems with the food. Evaluation of feeding trials to support nutritional adequacy for pregnant or nursing dogs and cats also looks at additional parameters, such as litter size and puppy/kitten weight at the end of the trial.

AAFCO has published minimum testing protocols for adult maintenance, growth and gestation/lactation. A food that successfully completes a gestation/lactation trial, followed by a growth trial using the puppies/kittens from the gestation/lactation trial, can also make a claim for all life stages. The required terminology for labels of pet foods that have passed these tests is: ''‘Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures show that (brand YY) provides complete and balanced nutrition for (lifestage xx)’''. The adult maintenance protocol uses a minimum of eight animals that are fed the food as the sole source of nutrition for six months, during which the animals are evaluated for any change in body weight and other clinical signs of nutritional deficiency or excess and blood analyses are performed. Growth protocols include feeding the food for a minimum of 10 weeks during the most critical growth phase to maximize the ability to detect nutritional problems with the food. Evaluation of feeding trials to support nutritional adequacy for pregnant or nursing dogs and cats also looks at additional parameters, such as litter size and puppy/kitten weight at the end of the trial.

The third method (product family criteria) requires the testing of a representative lead member through the appropriate feeding trials. To be designated a member of the product family, foods must be the same processing type and in the same moisture category, be intended for the same or more restrictive life stages, be similar in energy density (±7.5% kcal/kg on a dry matter basis), and meet other nutritional criteria compared to the lead product. Provided that the calorie content of both products are determined by digestibility trials, product family members are allowed to bear the same "animal feed tests..." statement as found on the tested product.

The third method (product family criteria) requires the testing of a representative lead member through the appropriate feeding trials. To be designated a member of the product family, foods must be the same processing type and in the same moisture category, be intended for the same or more restrictive life stages, be similar in energy density (±7.5% kcal/kg on a dry matter basis), and meet other nutritional criteria compared to the lead product. Provided that the calorie content of both products are determined by digestibility trials, product family members are allowed to bear the same "animal feed tests..." statement as found on the tested product.

Products substantiated by the latter two methods may be subject to re-substantiation upon any changes to the formulation or after 5 years on the market. The label for pet foods that fail to meet AAFCO requirements by any of the three standard methods (feeding trial, product family or formulation) and is not prominently identified as a snack, treat, or supplement must bear the statement: This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Products substantiated by the latter two methods may be subject to re-substantiation upon any changes to the formulation or after 5 years on the market. The label for pet foods that fail to meet AAFCO requirements by any of the three standard methods (feeding trial, product family or formulation) and is not prominently identified as a snack, treat, or supplement must bear the statement: ''This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.''

Veterinary therapeutic foods, which are intended for use by or under the supervision or direction of a veterinarian, must be substantiated for nutritional adequacy by one of the above methods or its label must bear the "intermittent or supplemental" statement as required for all dog and cat foods. However, labels for these foods may bear the statement ‘use only as directed by your veterinarian’ in lieu of feeding directions. Technically, veterinary therapeutic foods are drugs as defined by FFDCA, and have not undergone the approval process as required by the law for drugs. However, FDA exercises enforcement discretion in not taking action against these products provided they meet the [http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ICECI/ComplianceManuals/CompliancePolicyGuidanceManual/UCM318761.pdf FDA's guidelines].

Veterinary [[Legal Definitions of Pet Food#Therapeutic/Dietetic Pet Food|therapeutic foods]], which are intended for use by or under the supervision or direction of a veterinarian, must be substantiated for nutritional adequacy by one of the above methods or its label must bear the "intermittent or supplemental" statement as required for all dog and cat foods. However, labels for these foods may bear the statement ''‘use only as directed by your veterinarian’'' in lieu of feeding directions. Technically, veterinary therapeutic foods are drugs as defined by FFDCA, and have not undergone the approval process as required by the law for drugs. However, FDA exercises enforcement discretion in not taking action against these products provided they meet the [http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ICECI/ComplianceManuals/CompliancePolicyGuidanceManual/UCM318761.pdf FDA's guidelines].

==== Batch Information ====

==== Batch Information ====

Information such as batch code and date of manufacture are also frequently found on pet food labels, and companies often use the ‘best before date’ or something similar to indicate the freshness date of the product. A method of traceability is also required and this information can be used to meet this need. Because of the need to continuously revise the code during production, this information is typically stamped on the label or elsewhere on the container (e.g., the bottom of the can), not necessarily in conjunction with either the principal display panel or the information panel.

Information such as ''batch code'' and ''date of manufacture'' are also frequently found on pet food labels, and companies often use the ‘best before date’ or something similar to indicate the freshness date of the product. A method of traceability is also required and this information can be used to meet this need. Because of the need to continuously revise the code during production, this information is typically stamped on the label or elsewhere on the container (e.g., the bottom of the can), not necessarily in conjunction with either the principal display panel or the information panel.

==References==

==References==