Library Archives - Pet Nutrition Alliance

What does “for all life stages” mean in the nutritional adequacy statement on a pet food label?

Answer: The food must provide adequate nutrition to support the most demanding life stages, which are growth and reproduction (gestation/lactation), according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). A food labeled “for all life stages” can be considered “complete and balanced” or some…

What actions can veterinary professionals take to reduce the risk of obesity and Diabetes in cats?

Answer: Make specific nutritional recommendations early in a cat’s life and discuss with owners the risks associated with obesity.1 Recommend diets based on clinical studies that have been shown to maintain long-term health in cats.2 Expand pet owners’ knowledge on proper pet nutrition to shift…

How does a nutritional assessment get incorporated into a pet’s physical exam?

Answer: For every patient, obtain a nutritional history including activity level, body weight, body condition score (BCS) and muscle condition score (MCS).1-3 Perform a physical exam and identify any nutritional risk factors.1-3 Nutritional risk factors include: life stage considerations, abnormal BCS or MCS, poor skin…

Is there any self-regulation by pet food manufacturers?

Answer: Yes, there is self-regulation by pet food manufacturers, generally through compliance with standards imposed or recommended by pet food trade organizations of which they are members. Many companies voluntarily commit to higher quality standards than currently required by law to ensure their pet food…

Our practice has decided to implement the AAHA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. How can we introduce the concept of nutrition as the fifth vital assessment to the entire veterinary practice team?”

Answer: Integrating the concepts of proper nutrition or nutrition as a fifth vital assessment (5VA) into practice requires dedication of the whole team. The first step requires an explicit commitment by the practice’s leadership, the veterinarians.1 Veterinarians should discuss the AAHA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines for…

The Savvy Cat Owners Guide to the Internet

A guide for cat owners, i.e. “The Savvy Cat Owner’s Guide: Nutrition on the Internet”. Full of tips on how to evaluate health information on the Internet. In PDF format called “Nutrition on the Internet Cats” by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Why are meat byproducts used in pet foods? What are byproducts? Are byproducts bad for my pet?

Answer: No – if byproducts are appropriately utilized in the manufacturing process they are an excellent source of nutrients. Byproducts definition: “secondary products produced from principle products” according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publication, 2011.1 Beet pulp, tomato pomace, and…

Myths & Misconceptions Surrounding Pet Foods

A concise explanation of common myths and misconceptions surrounding pet foods. The terms grain-free, natural, holistic, organic, and raw are defined as well as several common ingredients.

What is the difference between a pet food that uses the term “beef”; versus the phrase “with beef” on the pet food label?

Answer: The pet food or product name is a description of the food and is subject to the AAFCO regulations about the composition of ingredients.1 Percentage rules: If a product name contains: “Beef”: Beef ingredients must make up ³ 95% of the total weight of…

WSAVA Feeding Guide for Hospitalized Dogs and Cats

An example of a feeding form for hospitalized patients created by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). In PDF format titled “Feeding Chart”.