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AAFCO statements explained

Compare the nutritional adequacy statements and life stages. For an ordinary main diet, look for complete and balanced nutrition for your cat. A supplemental or intermittent product is not a complete main diet; a therapeutic diet used under veterinary supervision is an exception. If your vet prescribed such a product, follow that feeding plan rather than excluding it through this checklist.

Sources: AAFCO and the FDA, linked at the end.

What AAFCO is (and isn't)

AAFCO - the Association of American Feed Control Officials - is a body of state and federal feed regulators. It publishes model regulations, ingredient definitions and the nutrient profiles for cat and dog foods. Individual states adopt and enforce these rules. AAFCO itself does not test, certify, approve or endorse any pet food - a label can truthfully reference AAFCO profiles without any AAFCO "approval," and marketing that implies approval is a red flag.

The two ways a food qualifies

Formulation"...is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for [life stage]." The recipe is checked against the nutrient floors and ceilings on paper.

FDA says a reference to either an AAFCO nutrient profile or a feeding trial using AAFCO procedures gives better assurance that a complete-and-balanced claim is valid. This statement is not a ranking of individual products.

Life stages matter

The profiles split into growth and reproduction (kittens, pregnant and nursing cats) and adult maintenance. Match the life stage named in the statement to your cat; if it doesn't fit - or your cat has health needs - ask your vet which profile to shop for.

The line that should stop you

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