AAFCO

AAFCO, short for the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is a private, non-governmental organization in the United States that sets standards for the formulation, labeling, and nutritional adequacy of animal feeds and pet foods.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an organic compound that provides energy for the metabolic processes in all living cells, such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and RNA synthesis.

Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in any part of the body.

Absorption

The process by which nutrients from food enter a dog’s bloodstream through the digestive system.

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that occurs throughout the nervous system and is essential for cell-to-cell communication.

Achromotrichia

Achromotrichia is the loss of normal hair coloration, especially on the head and face

Acrylamide

A potentially harmful chemical formed during high-temperature cooking of starchy foods, linked to cancer risks.

Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is a substance used in dogs to help treat poisoning or accidental ingestion of harmful substances.

Acute

Acute is a term used to describe something severe, intense, or sudden in onset.

Acute pain

Acute pain is a type of pain that comes on suddenly and is typically sharp or intense in nature.