Pet Food Labels Flashcards
Why is it important for you to understand pet food labels?
- Clients look to you as knowledgable
- Understanding patient needs
- Food label provides a basis for your rec. or the O’s confusion
What is AAFCO?
Association of American Feed Control Officials
Official AAFCO Publication (5)
- AAFCO philosophy
- Model pet food regulations, including labeling
- Official terms and ingredient definitions
- Standardized feed testing methodology
- Standard nutrient profiles
What are the 7 requirements for pet food labels?
- Brand name & product name
- Designator
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Directions for use
- Name and address of manufacturer
- Quantity statement
What is the front of the food bag called? the back?
The front is called the Principal display panel
Back is the Information panel
What is the deinition of the principal display panel?
“the part of a label that is most likely to be displayed, presented, shown or examined under customary conditions of display for retail sale”
What is required to be on the principal panel? (2)
Product name and brand name
IF:
The product name is simple ingredient, such as “chicken, beef, or lamb,” then ___% of the contents must be that ingredient
90%
IF:
The Product name is “chicken dinner, entrée, platter, stew, formula, or recipe” then contents must contain a minimum of ____% of that of that ingredient
25%
IF:
The product name is “with chicken,” then contents must be a minimum of ____% of the named ingredient
3%
IF:
The product name contains
“chicken flavor” then ___% is required
No specific %
What is the “designator” in pet food labeling?
Who the food is aimed for.
Ex: Cats or dogs
What will be on the guaranteed analysis on the info panel? Their max or min stated? (4)
- Crude protein - min
- Crude fat - min
- Crude fiber - max
- Moisture - max
Info panel: What is in the ingredient statement? How is it structured? (3)
- Must list each ingredient
- List in descending order by weight
- Must use AAFCO defined name
Info panel: Directions for use
It will state “Feed ____ per ____ of dog/cat”
What are three things brands have to follow for the direction of use?
Feed “weight/unit of product” per “weight only” of dog/cat
- Common terms
- Frequency
- Appear prominently
Special terms:
“Light” “Lite” & “Low Calorie” mean…
Less than ____ kcal/kg dry dog food & ____kcal/kg dry cat food
- Less than 3100 kcal/kg dry dog food
- Less than 3250 kcal/kg dry cat food
What does “human grade” mean?
It means the entire product is suitable for human consumption
What is NOT on the pet food label? (3)
- Specific amount of each nutrient
- Palatability
- Bioavailability or digestibility
Live vs lab testing
- Live: Tested on actual animals. This will be able to give an accurate gage of bioavailability
- Lab: Chem lab (etc) run on food for proteins. Not as accurate.
