What do the ingredients in my pet’s food mean?

What do all the ingredients in my pet’s food mean? Where do these definitions come from?

I am asked this question a lot. With such a myriad of ingredient terms on every consumable pet product these days, pet owners can feel downright overwhelmed.

What is the difference between “Chicken” and “Chicken Meal”? What does “Powdered Cellulose” or “Tomato Pomace” mean?

..I was wondering the same thing, but was too chicken to ask..

All pet food labeling follows guidelines outlined by AAFCO (the American Association of Feed Control Officials). AAFCO’s modus operandi is to create universal regulations and definitions (amongst other protocols), for the pet industry.

AAFCO’s modus operandi is to create universal regulations and definitions (amongst other protocols), for the pet industry.

If you are curious to find out what the difference between “Chicken” and “Chicken Meal” is, then you want to read the AAFCO definition. A list of definitions can be found here.

Note: these definitions do not define the quality of ingredient ie: Human Grade vs non Human Grade ingredients. For this, you would need to check with the product manufacturer (or us!).

Once customers familiarize themselves with these definitions, they can feel empowered and confident when making pet food decisions. This will enable you to make the best decisions possible to ensure your fur-babies get the best possible nutrition, and live long, happy & healthy lives.

Feel free to share your thoughts with me

photo credit: 4BlueEyes Pete Williamson