The Parameters of the Pet Food Industry
In view of the recent pet food recalls, it may be reassuring to learn more about the standards and regulations currently in place that are designed to benefit and protect the pets in your home.
Important Key Words
Understanding the key terms of this industry will enhance your overall knowledge of its procedures. Basically, "pet food" refers to a commercially prepared product that has been designed with a specific species in mind. Manufacturers of pet food have invested a lot of time in researching the best ingredients for every type of animal. The phrase "complete and balanced" is often seen on pet food products and that refers to the guarantee that it was designed to be the sole source of nutrition for that particular type of animal.
If you want to know the percentage of a particular ingredient in a certain pet food, manufacturers are obligated to list every component in descending order by weight, from the largest to the smallest. The "guaranteed analysis" of a product refers to the minimum or maximum value of essential nutrients, like protein, fat, fiber and water content. Pet labels must also conform to a high standard when naming their products. If the label states "Beef Dog Food" it must contains 95 per cent beef, while "Lamb Formula" only needs 25 per cent lamb to be compliant with labeling regulations.
Industry Standards
Since many owners are concerned about the safety of pet food, it may be helpful to understand the testing manufacturers must comply with before selling their products. The Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission regulate all pet food. There may be additional regulations on the state level as well.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials monitors the packaging labels to insure that the pet food meets the nutritional requirements for that species. Standardized animal feeding trials may be conducted to determine the product's claim to complete nutritional support. In these types of tests, animals are fed the pet food for six months and their overall health is closely monitored.
Since there is a direct link from illness to an insufficient diet, pet owners should be encouraged by the high standards and strict regulation of this industry. While all owners desire their pet companions to live a long and healthy life, it's comforting to know that the government and the individual makers of pet food are working toward that same goal.
