8 - Pet Foods 3 Glossary Terms

AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)

An organization that sets nutrient standards, provides model regulations for states, and defines pet food ingredients.

As-Fed Basis

Refers to the nutrient content or calorie content of a pet food as it is fed, including its moisture content.

Atwater Values

A set of established caloric factors used to estimate the metabolizable energy content of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in food.

Bursts and Flags

Visual elements on the principal display panel designed to highlight specific information or marketing claims with visual impact.

Crude Fat

A measure of the total fat content in a pet food, determined by extraction with a fat solvent.

Crude Fiber

A measure of the indigestible fibrous material in a pet food, which indicates the bulk content.

Crude Protein

A measure of the total protein content in a pet food, determined by nitrogen analysis.

Designator

The part of the pet food label that clearly states the species for which the food is intended (e.g., "dog food," "for cats").

Dual Declarations

The requirement for net weight to be stated in both avoirdupois (pounds and ounces) and metric (kilograms or grams) units.

FDA (US Food and Drug Administration)

A federal agency that regulates health claims, ensures food safety, and approves food additives in pet food.

Feeding Guidelines

General recommendations provided on pet food labels for the amount and frequency of feeding a pet.

Flavor Rule

An AAFCO regulation stating that if "flavor" is used in the product name (e.g., "Beef Flavor"), the named ingredient is usually less than 3% of the total product, and the flavor can come from digests or by-products.

Guaranteed Analysis

A section on the pet food label that provides minimum percentages for crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages for crude fiber and moisture.

Ingredient Statement

A list of all ingredients in a pet food, listed in descending order by predominance by weight according to the product's formula.

Information Panel

The section of the pet food label containing detailed information about the product, including the ingredient statement, guaranteed analysis, and nutritional adequacy statement.

Kilocalories of Metabolizable Energy (ME)

A measure of the energy available to the animal from the food after accounting for energy lost in feces and urine.

Moisture

The water content in a pet food, expressed as a maximum percentage in the guaranteed analysis.

National Research Council (NRC)

An organization that evaluates and compiles nutrition research to make nutrient recommendations for animals.

Net Weight

The weight of the product inside the package, excluding the weight of the packaging.

Nutritional Adequacy Statement

A statement on the pet food label that indicates whether the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for a specific life stage (e.g., "Adult Maintenance," "Growth and Reproduction").

Pet Food Institute (PFI)

A trade organization representing major pet food manufacturers in the United States.

Principal Display Panel

The primary part of the pet food label designed to attract the consumer's attention and immediately communicate the product identity.

Product Identity

The primary means by which a specific pet food is identified by consumers, including the product name and potentially the brand and manufacturer.

Product Name Percentage Rules

AAFCO regulations (95%, 25%, 3%, Flavor) that dictate the minimum percentage of an ingredient required in a pet food's formulation based on how the ingredient is named in the product title.

Product Vignette

A graphic or pictorial representation of the product or its ingredients on a pet food label, which must not misrepresent the contents.

State Department of Agriculture

State-level agencies responsible for adopting and enforcing animal food regulations.

USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

A federal agency that regulates some pet food ingredients and inspects animal research facilities.

Universal Product Code (UPC)

A bar code symbol used for scanning product information.

"With Rule"

An AAFCO regulation stating that the term "With..." (e.g., "With Chicken") in a product name requires the named ingredient to be at least 3% of the total product.

"95% Rule" (AAFCO)

An AAFCO regulation stating that if an ingredient is named unqualified in the product title (e.g., "Beef Dog Food"), it must constitute 95% or more of the total weight of ingredients exclusive of water, and no less than 70% of the total product.

"25% Rule" / "Dinner Rule" (AAFCO)

An AAFCO regulation stating that if a qualifier like "dinner," "platter," or "entree" is used with an ingredient name (e.g., "Beef Dinner"), the named ingredient must be at least 25% of the total weight of ingredients exclusive of water, and no less than 10% of the total product.