Pet Food: The Lowdown on Labels
My-Dog.info > Dogs, Diet & Food
By Linda Bren
Choosing a pet food from among the cans, bags, and boxes
stacked on store shelves can be a daunting experience. Which
formulation of food is best? Is my dog old enough for "adult
formula"? Does my cat really need "premium"? Will
Fido be healthier on "natural" food and will Fluffy
fully appreciate "gourmet"?
U.S. consumers spend more than $11 billion a year on cat and
dog food, according to the Pet Food Institute. And pet food
manufacturers compete for these dollars by trying to make their
products stand out among the many types of dry, moist, and
semi-moist foods available. Pet food packaging carries such
descriptive words as "senior," "premium,"
"super-premium," "gourmet," and
"natural." These terms, however, have no standard
definition or regulatory meaning.
But other terms do have specific meanings, and pet foods,
which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration's Center
for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), must carry certain information on
their labels. Consumers can be confident that their pets are
eating a nutritionally sound food if they understand the full
significance of these labels.
The Right Stuff: Choosing a Good Pet Food
So how can pet owners choose the right food for their pets?
CVM's pet food specialist William Burkholder, D.V.M., Ph.D.,
recommends examining three parts of the pet food label: the life
stage claim, the contact information for the manufacturer, and
the list of ingredients.
Pet owners should look for the word "feeding" in the
life stage claim (found in the nutritional adequacy statement on
the label). This means the food was proven nutritionally adequate
in animal feed tests.
Another item to check on the label is the contact information.
Pet owners should look for the manufacturer's telephone number.
Only the manufacturer's name and address are required, but people
should be able to call manufacturers to ask questions about their
products, says Burkholder, and manufacturers should be
responsive. "They will not tell you how much liver, for
example, is in their product, because that's part of their
proprietary formula. But they should tell you how much of any
nutrient is in the product."
The ingredients list on the label is an area of consumer
preference and subjectivity. Pet owners who do or do not want to
feed a pet a certain ingredient can look at the list of
ingredients to make sure that particular substance is included or
excluded.
Some people prefer to pass up animal by-products, which are
proteins that have not been heat processed (unrendered) and may
contain heads, feet, viscera and other animal parts not
particularly appetizing. But protein quality of by-products
sometimes is better than that from muscle meat, says Burkholder.
"Meal" is another ingredient that some people like
to avoid. In processing meat meal or poultry by-product meal,
by-products are rendered (heat processed), which removes the fat
and water from the product. Meat or poultry by-product meal
contains parts of animals not normally eaten by people.
Some consumers try to avoid pet foods with synthetic
preservatives, such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin. Ethoxyquin, in particular,
has been hotly debated. Current scientific data suggest that
ethoxyquin is safe, but some pet owners avoid this additive
because of a suspected link to liver damage and other health
problems in dogs. CVM has asked pet food producers to voluntarily
lower their maximum level of ethoxyquin in dog food while more
studies are being conducted on this preservative, and the
industry is cooperating.
Many products preserved with naturally occurring compounds,
such as tocopherols (vitamin E) or vitamin C, are available.
These products have a much shorter shelf life than those with
synthetic preservatives, especially once a bag of food is opened.
Some animal nutritionists recommend switching among two or
three different pet food products every few months. Burkholder
says nutritional advice for people to eat a wide variety of foods
also applies to pets. Doing so helps ensure that a deficiency
doesn't develop for some as yet unknown nutrient required for
good health. When changing pet foods, add the new food to the old
gradually for a few days to avoid upsetting the pet's digestive
system.
Pet Food Safety and Nutrition
No matter what choice they make, consumers can take comfort in
knowing that pet food is manufactured under a series of standards
and regulations. These regulations require some nutrients and
additives, disallow others, and stipulate certain information
that must be on the label. The labels of packages and cans of
commercial cat and dog food must list five pieces of information:
guaranteed analysis, nutritional adequacy statement, ingredients,
feeding guidelines, and the manufacturer's name and address.
With the exception of a nutritional adequacy statement, these
items must also appear on commercial food labels for other pets,
such as gerbils, snakes, and parakeets.
Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis specifies the product's minimum
percentages of crude protein and crude fat. It also gives the
maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
("Crude" refers to a specific method of measuring the
nutrient, and is not an indication of quality.) Although not
required, some manufacturers also specify the percentages of
other nutrients, such as ash and taurine in cat food, and calcium
and phosphorus in dog food.
The amounts of crude protein and most other nutrients appear
less for canned products than for dry ones because of differences
in moisture content. Canned foods typically contain about 75
percent water, while dry foods contain only about 10 percent.
Nutritional Adequacy
The nutritional adequacy statement assures consumers that a
product meets all of a pet's nutritional needs. The Association
of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), an advisory body of
state and federal feed regulators, develops recommended standards
for nutrient contents of dog and cat foods. AAFCO also publishes
ingredient definitions and regulations.
The FDA's CVM works in partnership with AAFCO to determine
safe pet food ingredients and testing protocols. In addition to
federal regulation of pet food, most state governments regulate
pet foods and labeling through their agricultural departments.
AAFCO has created a model feed bill that states often adopt in
their own laws.
CVM gives scientific and regulatory advice to AAFCO and the
states on pet food issues, and CVM representatives serve on AAFCO
committees and meet regularly with AAFCO's board of directors.
CVM investigators also team with AAFCO to check out questionable
pet food ingredients or claims.
Manufacturers can show their food meets AAFCO's standards for
nutritional adequacy by calculations or by feeding trials.
Calculations estimate the amount of nutrients in a pet food
either on the basis of average nutrient content of its
ingredients, or on results of laboratory tests--but not animal
feed tests. If the calculations show that the food provides
sufficient nutrients to meet the specific AAFCO nutritional
profile referenced, the pet food label will carry a statement
like: "(Name of product) is formulated to meet the
nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Dog or Cat) Food
Nutrient Profiles for (specific life stage)."
Feeding trials signify that the manufacturer has tested the
product (or a similar product made by the same manufacturer) in
dogs or cats under strict guidelines. Products found to provide
proper nutrition based on feeding trials will carry a statement
such as: "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures
substantiate that (name of product) provides complete and
balanced nutrition for (specific life stage)."
Regardless of the method used, the nutritional adequacy
statement on a cat or dog food label must also tell which life
stage the product is suitable for. AAFCO has established two
nutrient profiles each for dogs and cats--growth/lactation and
maintenance--to fit their life stages.
Every product must meet at least one of these two profiles. A
product intended for growing kittens and puppies, or for pregnant
or lactating females, must meet AAFCO's nutrient profile for
growth/lactation. Products that meet AAFCO's profile for
maintenance are suitable for an adult, non-reproducing dog or cat
of normal activity level, but may not be adequate for an
immature, reproducing, or hard-working animal. A product may
claim that it is for "all life stages" if it is
suitable for adult maintenance and also meets the more stringent
nutritional needs for growth and reproduction.
Growth/lactation and maintenance are the only nutrient
profiles authorized by AAFCO and CVM, so terms like
"senior" or "formulated for large breed
adults" mean the food meets the requirements for adult
maintenance--and nothing more.
Snacks and treats that are clearly identified as such are not
required to include a nutritional adequacy statement. But these
foods, in all other respects, must meet FDA and state regulations
for pet food labeling. Dog chews made from rawhide, bone, or
other animal parts (such as pig ears) are also considered
"food" since pets eat them. These products must bear a
list of ingredients and provide the manufacturer's name and
address, but they are not required to give a guaranteed analysis,
nutritional adequacy statement, or feeding instructions.
Ingredients
Like human foods, pet foods are regulated under the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and must be pure and wholesome and
contain no harmful substances. They also must be truthfully
labeled. Foods for human or pet consumption do not require FDA
approval before they are marketed, but they must be made with
ingredients that are "generally recognized as safe"
(GRAS) or ingredients that are approved food and color additives.
If scientific data show that an ingredient or additive presents a
health risk to animals, CVM can prohibit or modify its use in pet
food.
Pet food ingredients must be listed on the label in descending
order by weight. However, the weight includes the moisture in the
ingredient, which makes it tricky to interpret. "A moist
ingredient, such as chicken, which may be 70 percent water, may
be listed ahead of a dry ingredient, such as soybean meal, which
is only 10 percent water--yet the soy actually contributes more
solids to the diet," says Susan Donoghue, V.M.D., owner of
Nutrition Support Services, Inc., and past president of the
American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition.
Similar materials listed as separate ingredients may outweigh
other ingredients that precede them on the list of ingredients.
For example, chicken may be listed as the first ingredient, then
wheat flour, ground wheat, and wheat middlings. The consumer may
believe that chicken is the predominant ingredient, but the three
wheat products--when added together--may weigh more than the
chicken.
Dietary Supplements
Just as dietary supplements for people are growing in
popularity, so are animal food supplements for pets. "Many
people treat their dogs and cats like replacement children,"
says Jennifer Kvamme, D.V.M., associate editor of Petfood
Industry magazine. "They want the best for them, and want to
give them the types of food and supplements that they would eat
themselves."
The FDA considers animal food supplements that are not
approved nutrients or GRAS to be unapproved food additives or
unapproved new animal drugs. As such, they are not permitted in
pet food. Nevertheless, consumers will see on some cat and dog
food labels ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin,
which are claimed to alleviate joint stiffness and pain, and St.
John's wort, purported to treat depression and relieve stress.
Neither the FDA nor state feed control officials have the
number of employees required to monitor every supplement and food
manufacturer and prevent those using unapproved ingredients from
selling their products, says Burkholder. "It's a matter of
profit incentive versus likelihood of getting caught. The same
forces apply for why police cannot write speeding tickets to
everyone driving over the speed limit. That doesn't make speeding
legal."
Burkholder cautions people to check with their veterinarians
before giving their pets supplements, whether alone or in a food
product. "Many persons do not appreciate that dogs and cats
are not small furry people. They often think that a supplement
that they may take themselves is good for their pet, but that may
not be the case."
Table Scraps May Be Dangerous
Some people think a food that they eat is good for their pets.
Not true. Some human foods, in fact, may be dangerous to pets.
"Most pet owners simply do not know that small amounts of
chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts and bread dough can be fatal if
ingested by a dog," says Steve Hansen, D.V.M., senior vice
president of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "And
cats, in particular, have a body chemistry quite different from
ours," and so are susceptible to poisoning from a number of
human foods.
Also because of their different body chemistry and nutritional
requirements, cats should not be fed dog food, says Burkholder.
Feeding Guidelines
Feeding directions on pet food provide only a broad guideline.
Nutritional requirements vary according to a pet's age, breed,
body weight, genetics, amount of activity, and even the climate
in which the pet lives.
Many owners are guilty of overfeeding their pets, and even a
"light" food can cause weight gain if fed in excess of
caloric needs. "It's estimated that about 25 percent of dogs
and cats that enter a pet clinic are overweight," says
Burkholder. Obesity can shorten a pet's life by contributing to
heart and liver problems, diabetes, arthritis, bladder cancer,
and skin disorders and it can put a pet at higher risk while
undergoing anesthesia and surgery. Pet owners should consult
their veterinarians for the appropriate amount and type of food
to give their pets, especially those that are overweight.
A pet food can claim to be "light" or
"lean" only if it meets AAFCO's standard definitions
for these terms. These definitions differ for dog and cat food
and also depend on the moisture content of the food. The words
"light," "lite" and "low calorie"
all have the same meaning.
The words "lean" and "low fat" also mean
the same. But "less calories" and "reduced
calories" mean only that the product has fewer calories than
another product, and "less fat" and "reduced
fat" mean the product is less fatty than another one. In
both cases, the manufacturer must state on the label the
percentage of reduction and the product of comparison.
Most pet food labels do not provide calorie content, but
consumers can get this information by contacting the
manufacturer, whose location must be on the label. Many
manufacturers provide a toll-free number for consumers as well as
their Web site address.
When a 'Food' is a 'Drug'
Statements that a product can treat, prevent or reduce the
risk of a disease are considered drug claims and are not allowed
on pet food. CVM also disallows claims such as "improves
skin and coat," "prevents dry skin," and
"hypoallergenic." Consumers may see phrases such as
"promotes healthy skin" and "promotes glossy
coat." CVM permits these claims, but any healthy animal that
gets adequate nutrition should have these qualities anyway
without eating a special food.
Recognizing the close link between diet and disease, CVM does
allow certain health-related information on labels to help
consumers evaluate pet foods. For example, while a product cannot
claim to treat feline lower urinary tract disease, a concern for
some cat owners, it may make the claim that the food
"reduces urine pH to help maintain urinary tract
health," provided data generated by the manufacturer and
reviewed by CVM support the statement.
CVM permits some dental claims on pet foods. The jaw movement
of animals as they chew on certain foods or treats, or some
chemicals in foods, can help reduce plaque and tartar, so CVM
allows claims such as "helps control plaque" and
"helps control tartar." CVM does not allow claims to
treat or prevent gingivitis or periodontal disease because these
are drug claims.
Pet owners may see claims such as "improves doggie
breath" on pet food or treats. These claims have no
regulatory meaning; manufacturers use them simply to promote
their products.
The phrase "recommended by veterinarians" also has
no regulatory meaning, says Rodney Noel, Ph.D., AAFCO's pet food
committee chair and a chemist at Purdue University. "There
is no minimum number or percentage of veterinarians required for
a company to be able to state its product is recommended by
vets," Noel says.
CVM provides manufacturers some latitude in making health
claims regarding a category of food known as veterinary medical
foods, which consumers can obtain only through a veterinarian.
Manufacturers design these foods to treat a particular disease or
condition. Although not regulated as drugs, these foods may carry
health information in promotional materials for the veterinarian
to help them treat their patients correctly.
Keeping Pet Food Fresh
Always keep canned pet food refrigerated after opening.
If you store dry pet food in a container other than its
original bag, be sure to wash the empty container with soap and
water before adding food from a new bag. The residual fat that
settles on the bottom of the container can become rancid beyond
its shelf life (the date stamped on the bag). This spoiled fat
may contaminate fresh food added to the container, causing
vomiting or diarrhea when fed to your pet.
- -L.B.
Irradiation of Pet Food
In April, the FDA approved an irradiation process that can be
used on all animal feed and feed ingredients, including pet food
and treats. This process can reduce the risk of contamination
from all strains of Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella organisms can
cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea in people and pets.
Irradiation, which causes chemical changes, is already
approved for use on a variety of human foods. Extending this
process to pet and other animal foods will increase the safety of
the food for both the animals consuming it and the people
handling it.
--L.B.
Pet Food and the Risk of 'Mad Cow Disease'
No evidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE),
commonly known as "Mad Cow Disease," ever has been
detected in horses, dogs, and other pets, such as birds,
reptiles, and gerbils. However, a feline version of BSE, first
identified in 1989, has been documented in domestic cats in
Europe, mostly in the United Kingdom, according to the U.K.'s
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
No cases of BSE or similar forms of the disease in cats, cows,
or humans ever have been found in the United States. "The
same precautions that the U.S. government is taking to keep BSE
out of this country's cattle are also protecting our pets,"
says William Burkholder, D.V.M., Ph.D., the FDA's pet food
specialist.
Scientists believe BSE is transmitted through animal feed
containing certain animal proteins that may harbor the BSE agent.
Since 1991, the United States has banned the import of animal
foods, including pet food, containing ruminant (such as cattle or
sheep) materials from countries with BSE. In 1997, the United
States extended the ban to most of Europe.
In December 2000, the U.S. banned imports of animal
proteins--from any species--from 31 countries that either are
known to have BSE in their cattle herds or are considered at high
risk for having it. This means that no meat-containing pet food
can legally be imported from a country at risk for BSE.
- -L.B.
Making Sense of 'Light' and 'Lean' in Pet Food
The calorie and fat contents listed below are the maximum
limits allowed in dog and cat food labeled "light" or
"lean." These definitions are established by the
Association of American Feed Control Officials and authorized by
the FDA. Comparisons between products in different categories of
moisture content are considered misleading.
| |
Dry Foods (< 20 percent water) |
Semi-moist Foods (20-65 percent water) |
Moist Foods (> 65 percent water) |
Light, lite or low calorie
|
Dogs: 1,409 calories per pound
Cats: 1,477 calories per pound |
Dogs: 1,136 calories per pound
Cats: 1,205 calories per pound |
Dogs: 409 calories per pound
Cats: 432 calories per pound |
| Lean or low fat |
Dogs: 9 percent fat
Cats: 10 percent fat |
Dogs: 7 percent fat
Cats: 8 percent fat |
Dogs: 4 percent fat
Cats: 5 percent fat |
|
