AAFCO Certification Detailed Guide — How to Read Labels

DigestiveQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve put together a clear guide on what AAFCO certification means, how to check for it on pet food labels, and what the “complete and balanced” statement and nutritional guidelines actually mean.

What is AAFCO Certification?

The appearance of the nutritional adequacy statement label on dog and cat food packaging

AAFCO certification refers to the nutritional standards and labeling regulations for pet food established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. What truly matters is not a "certification mark," but the single line of the Nutritional Adequacy Statement on the label. This statement indicates that the food is suitable as a complete and balanced diet for a specific life stage; without it, the product is classified as a treat or supplement.

What is the Difference Between AAFCO and NRC?

This is a commonly confusing topic, but the key difference lies in who sets the standards. The NRC (National Research Council) is a scientific body that researches and establishes the minimum nutritional requirements for dogs and cats based on pure science. In contrast, AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) creates practical standards for pet food sold on the market, using NRC data as a foundation. Simply put, if NRC is the textbook, AAFCO is the set of field rules that pet food companies must follow.

4 Things to Check on the Label

When choosing pet food, just checking these items on the back of the package will help you narrow down your options by half. - Nutritional adequacy statement: Look for the phrase "complete and balanced." - Life stage designation: Check whether it is labeled for growth, adult maintenance, or all life stages. - Guaranteed Analysis: Review the minimum levels for crude protein and crude fat, and the maximum levels for crude fiber and moisture. - Calorie content: Check the values listed in kcal/kg and kcal/cup.

A close-up shot of the guaranteed analysis and nutritional adequacy statement on the back of the pet food packaging.

Comparison of AAFCO Designations by Life Stage

Item	Growth	Adult Maintenance	All Life Stages
Target	Puppies·kittens, pregnancy·lactation	Adult dogs·cats	All life stages
Minimum protein (dog)	22.5%	18%	22.5%
Minimum fat (dog)	8.5%	5.5%	8.5%
Calcium standard	High	Moderate	High
When to choose	Under 1 year·pregnant cats	Healthy adult dogs·cats 1 year or older	Multi-pet households·whole life

Based on AAFCO 2024 Dog/Cat Food Nutrient Profiles — nutrient ratios are on a dry matter (DM) basis

What is the Difference Between 'Nutritional Analysis' and 'Feeding Trials'?

AAFCO statements use two types of verification. “Formulated to meet” means the product meets nutritional standards based on ingredient analysis, but it hasn’t undergone actual feeding trials. “Feeding test” indicates that the food was fed to dogs or cats for a specific period, with health metrics monitored, making it a more reliable verification method. If two products are priced the same, choose the one labeled “feeding test,” as it has passed stricter testing.

A veterinarian checking a pet food label at the clinic.

These Foods Are Not for Exclusive Feeding

If the packaging doesn’t say “complete and balanced” or if it states “for intermittent or supplemental feeding only,” it shouldn’t be fed as a main meal. It’s meant as a treat, topper, or supplement. Feeding it exclusively over the long term can lead to nutritional imbalances, causing skeletal issues in growing puppies and kittens, and increasing the risk of taurine-deficient heart disease in adult cats.

How to Read the Ingredient List Order

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the first few items make up the largest portion of the food. However, keep in mind that fresh chicken contains over 70% water, so its weight drops significantly once dried. In contrast, chicken meal is already dehydrated and can actually contribute more protein. Relying solely on marketing claims like “fresh meat listed first” may lead you to choose a food that’s lower in protein than you expect.

Check Country of Origin and Manufacturer Information

Even if a product bears the AAFCO label, you should also check its country of origin and manufacturer to feel truly confident. The company listed after "Manufactured by" on the label is the actual production facility, while "Distributed by" may simply be a company that attaches its brand name. Since many brands are produced under contract at the same factory, it’s a good idea to periodically search for any recall history associated with that facility, as well as any AAFCO or FDA recall announcements.

Key Indicators of AAFCO Guaranteed Analysis

Safe

조단백(Crude Protein)

근육·장기 유지, 성장

Dosage: 성견 18% 이상 / 자견 22.5% 이상

AAFCO 2024 Nutrient Profiles

Safe

조지방(Crude Fat)

에너지원, 필수지방산 공급

Dosage: 성견 5.5% 이상 / 자견 8.5% 이상

AAFCO 2024 Nutrient Profiles

Safe

조섬유(Crude Fiber)

장 건강, 변 형태

Dosage: 최대치 표시 — 보통 4~6%

Safe

수분(Moisture)

보관성 지표

Dosage: 건사료 최대 10~12%

Caution

타우린(Taurine, 고양이)

심장·눈 기능

Dosage: 건물기준 0.1% 이상

AAFCO Cat Nutrient Profile 필수

Do Pet Foods Sold in Korea Need AAFCO Certification?

In Korea, pet food is regulated under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Feed Control Act, so compliance with AAFCO standards is not legally required. However, most domestic premium pet foods voluntarily adhere to AAFCO guidelines, and imported pet foods typically include AAFCO statements on their country-of-origin labels. Rather than focusing solely on certification, it’s more important to develop the habit of checking the guaranteed analysis values and ensuring the food is appropriate for your pet’s life stage.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a separate AAFCO certification mark?

There is no separate certification logo. Instead, check the packaging for a statement such as "formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO..." Be cautious of products that prominently feature a logo, as this may be misleading.

Is "all life stages" safe for my senior dog?

It meets the minimum nutritional requirements. However, because “all life stages” formulas are formulated with higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, and fat to meet the needs of growing puppies, they pose a risk of weight gain in less active senior dogs. For seniors, we recommend an “adult maintenance” formula or a product specifically designed for senior dogs.

How do homemade and raw diets meet AAFCO standards?

When preparing homemade or raw diets, you need to calculate the nutrients to meet AAFCO standards at the recipe stage. Feeding a single homemade diet long-term without consulting a veterinary nutritionist can easily lead to deficiencies in the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, taurine, and trace minerals.

Is it okay to give my cat a small amount of dog food?

Absolutely not. The AAFCO standards for cats require taurine and arachidonic acid, but these are not required in dog food. Long-term feeding of dog food to cats can lead to taurine deficiency and an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Are there any pet foods that don’t list kcal on the label?

Due to recent updates to AAFCO regulations, calorie (kcal) labeling is now mandatory. If this information is missing, the product may be old stock or non-compliant with current standards, so please check the manufacturing date before purchasing.

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References

[1] Delaney SJ, Fascetti AJ. Applied Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, 2nd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, 2023. Chapter: Commercial Pet Food Labels and Regulations

[2] Little SE. The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management, 2nd Edition. Elsevier, 2020. Chapter: Nutritional Management

[3] AAFCO Official Publication, 2024 Edition — Pet Food Labeling Regulations and Nutrient Profiles

AAFCO Certification Detailed Guide — How to Read Labels

What is AAFCO Certification?

What is the Difference Between AAFCO and NRC?

4 Things to Check on the Label

Comparison of AAFCO Designations by Life Stage

What is the Difference Between 'Nutritional Analysis' and 'Feeding Trials'?

How to Read the Ingredient List Order

Check Country of Origin and Manufacturer Information

Key Indicators of AAFCO Guaranteed Analysis

조단백(Crude Protein)

조지방(Crude Fat)

조섬유(Crude Fiber)

수분(Moisture)

타우린(Taurine, 고양이)

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

References