7 - Pet Foods 2 Glossary Terms

AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)

A voluntary organization of state and federal officials who regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds, including pet food. They establish definitions and guidelines for pet food ingredients and labeling.

All-Purpose Foods

Pet foods marketed on the premise that one product satisfies all nutritional needs at all times, formulated to meet the requirements of the most demanding life stages (growth and lactation).

Anthropomorphic Appeal

Marketing strategies that attribute human characteristics or emotions to pets or pet products, appealing to an owner's desire to treat their pet like a human.

Caloric Density

The amount of energy (calories) per unit of weight or volume of food. Expressed as kcal ME/g (kilocalories of metabolizable energy per gram).

DM (Dry Matter) Content

The percentage of food that is not water. A higher DM content means more concentrated nutrients.

Extrusion

A common process for producing dry pet food kibble, where ingredients are cooked under high heat and pressure, then pushed through a die and cut into shapes.

"Holistic" Foods

A marketing term applied to pet foods that is not legally defined or regulated within pet food regulations, making it essentially meaningless and potentially misleading.

Humectants

Substances used in semi-moist foods to maintain moisture levels by attracting and retaining water, helping to control water activity.

Kcal ME/g (Kilocalories of Metabolizable Energy per gram)

A unit of measurement for the caloric density of pet food, indicating the amount of energy available to the animal after digestion, absorption, and losses in urine and gas.

Moist Foods

Pet foods with a high water content, typically 60% to over 87%. Also known as wet or canned foods.

"Natural" Foods

A term with a specific AAFCO definition, generally referring to foods or ingredients derived from plant, animal, or mined sources that have not undergone chemically synthetic processes, though synthetic trace nutrients are permitted with a disclaimer.

Nutrient Profile

The complete breakdown of all nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, etc.) present in a pet food. This is often considered more important than specific ingredients.

"Organic" Foods

Pet foods characterized by the procedure in which their ingredients are grown, harvested, and processed, adhering to specific USDA standards regarding the absence of certain chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics.

Palatability

How appealing or tasty a food is to an animal, often influencing consumption.

Semi-Moist Foods

Pet foods with an intermediate water content, typically 25% to 35%.

Specific-Purpose Foods

Pet foods formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of specific life stages (e.g., puppy, adult, senior) or particular health conditions and special needs (e.g., weight management, dental care).

Supplements

Concentrated sources of specific nutrients, intended to correct a diagnosed deficiency rather than serve as a primary food source.

Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)

A common ingredient used in some pet foods, often in "meaty pieces," derived from soy or wheat flour, starches, gums, and meat meal combinations.

Treats

Small food rewards given to pets for positive reinforcement, training, or enjoyment, generally intended to be a small portion of the daily caloric intake.

USDA Organic Seal

A seal that can be displayed on pet foods if they meet specific USDA requirements for organic content (100% Organic, Organic >=95%, or Made With Organic >=70%).