Who are they?

While AAFCO does not regulate or enforce laws, state feed control officials widely adopt and implement its guidelines to ensure the safety and nutritional quality of pet food products.

Why they're important?

AAFCO establishes nutrient profiles required to meet the dietary needs of pets at different life stages, including growth, maintenance, and reproduction. It also defines feeding trial protocols to evaluate pet foods' adequacy and provides detailed definitions for pet food ingredients, promoting consistency and transparency in labeling.

Additional info?

AAFCO guidelines are based on kibble-fed dogs. Their standards focus on minimum nutritional adequacy rather than optimal nutrition. Dog parents should consider the quality, manufacturing processes, and type of ingredients when choosing food for their dogs.