Pet food

Understanding Pet Food: A Journey Through Its Production and Regulation

Have you ever wondered what goes into your pet’s food? The journey from farm to bowl is quite fascinating, isn’t it?

The Global Market of Pet Food

The world pet food market was valued at $87.09 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow to $113.2 billion by 2024. Is this growth a reflection of our growing love for pets, or are there other factors at play?

The US Pet Food Industry

In the United States, pet-food sales reached a high of $28.23 billion in 2016, with Mars being the leading company. Do you know which brand your furry friend loves most?

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Pet food production contributes 20-30% to environmental impacts from animal production. Global greenhouse gas emissions from dog and cat dry food represent around 1.1-2.9% of global emissions. Is this a small price to pay for our pets’ happiness, or should we be more mindful?

Alternative Protein Sources

There is research on alternative protein sources for pet food including insects and algae. These could potentially reduce the environmental footprint of pet food production. Would you consider feeding your pet with something as unconventional as insect-based food?

Cat Food: A Nutritional Marvel

Cat food is formulated to address the specific nutritional requirements of cats, containing amino acids like taurine, which are essential for feline health. Do you know what makes cat food so different from dog food?

Dog Food: A Controversial Choice

Dog food recommendations vary, with some arguing that dogs can thrive on human leftovers and scraps. Commercial dog foods are often formulated using scientific studies and adhere to AAFCO standards. Would you feed your dog the same food as you eat?

The Raw Diet Debate

The practice of feeding raw diets to dogs has raised concerns due to potential risks of foodborne illnesses, zoonosis, and nutritional imbalances. The decision to feed raw food is often driven by cultural or philosophical reasons, and some owners believe it allows their pets to stay connected to their wild ancestry. Would you risk your pet’s health for a more natural diet?

Pet Food Labeling: A Regulatory Framework

Pet food labeling in the US is regulated by the FDA, USDA, and FTC, with guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Pet food products sold in the US must have labels that include eight components: brand name, species, quantity statement, guaranteed analysis, ingredient statement, nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and manufacturer/distributor information. Do you ever read these labels when buying pet food?

American AAFCO Standards

Dog and cat foods labeled as ‘complete and balanced’ must meet AAFCO standards. The AAFCO established nutrient profiles for dogs (1990-1991) and cats (1991-1992), which were updated in 2016. Are these standards enough to ensure the health of our pets?

Criticism and Controversy

The ‘Family Rule’ allows a manufacturer to adopt another product’s ‘complete and balanced’ statement if the similar food meets certain criteria. Critics argue that AAFCO standards are too lax, citing generational studies that show some foods may not be suitable for long-term use. The NRC acknowledges gaps in nutritional information for specific nutrients. Do you think these standards need to be stricter?

Global Regulations

In Canada, products that pass the CVMA Pet Food Certification Program carry a label, but participation is voluntary. In the European Union, pet food is regulated by harmonized standards via the Feeding Stuffs Act. Products for daily feeding are labelled as ‘complete feedingstuff’ or ‘complete petfood’, while products for intermittent feeding are labeled as ‘complementary feedingstuff’ or ‘complementary pet food’. Products with an ash content of over 40% are labeled as ‘mineral feedingstuff’. Do you know the regulations in your country?

Recalls and Safety

The term ‘complete and balanced’ is considered inaccurate and deceptive by critics. AAFCO is considering defining terms like ‘premium’, ‘ultra premium’, and ‘holistic’. In 2007, massive recalls of many brands of cat and dog foods occurred due to reports of kidney failure in pets consuming contaminated wheat gluten from a single Chinese company. In 2021, Midwestern Pet Food recalled its Sportmix products after being linked to the death of over 70 dogs and sickness in others. Do you ever worry about the safety of your pet’s food?

As we navigate through the complex world of pet food, it’s clear that there are many factors at play—environmental impact, nutritional adequacy, and regulatory standards. Each choice we make for our pets can have a significant effect on their health and well-being.