Basic Dog Food

Another important ally in the quest for information on sound canine nutrition is the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The AAFCO is an organization that formulates regulations and enforcement strategies for the pet and livestock industries. State regulators may choose either to follow or not to follow AAFCO standards, but most pet food manufacturers choose to comply with the AAFCOs regulations so they can sport the AAFCO wording a complete and balanced diet on the feed bag, meaning that the food is acceptable as a complete diet without any other supplementation. The manufacturers of treats, by comparison, can't put the AAFCO wording on their bags because treats aren't made to stand alone as a complete diet. The AAFCO wording indicates that the food sustains the animal for which it was manufactured, for growth or maintenance (whichever is specified). Growth foods are puppy foods, and maintenance foods are adult foods. Some foods are acceptable for both.

Finally, keep in mind that no one source will necessarily give you all the information you need. Gather information from several sources to make the best and most informed decision about what to feed your dog.

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Reprinted from The Original Dog Bible © 2005. Permission granted by BowTie Press.

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