If you are told a pet food is “AAFCO Approved”… – Truth about Pet Food

July 27, 2023 Kar-Bay-Inc

Unfortunately, we found pet food companies, veterinarians, and pet food recommendation sites making the misleading claim that pet foods are “AAFCO approved”.

It’s not true. AAFCO does not approve pet foods or any part of a pet food. AAFCO is not a regulatory organization, AAFCO is not a certifying organization giving ‘approval’ for anything.

From the AAFCO website:

Even though it is public information that AAFCO does not “regulate, test, approve or certify pet foods” – some pet foods, veterinarians, and websites are telling pet owners they do.

Maev Pet Food makes the “AAFCO approved” claim in numerous ways on their website. One section states every bag contains “AAFCO-approved, USDA-certified Raw Beef or Chicken”. Another section of their website displays an icon with just the words “AAFCO Approved”.

In an online chat with the company, Maev explained that ingredients are “AAFCO approved”. (We also asked for clarification what they meant by “USDA-certified”, the company promised to email that information, we have not received that response to date.)

The website BestReviews.Guide provides pet owners a list of the “10 Best AAFCO Approved Cat Food Brands”.

In a post on TheKitchn.com, veterinarian Dr. Carly Fox is quoted “Just look for an AAFCO seal of approval on the bag, and you’re good to go.” The article continues with “For the unacquainted, an AAFCO certificate is an assurance that the food is nutritionally complete and balanced.”

Don’t be misled…AAFCO does not approve pet foods.

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food

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