
A small pet health startup wanted to create the healthiest, most delicious pet treats on the market. They got out the vision board and strategized products and playful branding that would make tails wag and pet parents smile with confidence in their furry friends' well-being. However, they quickly discovered that the path to achieving this dream was lined with a complex and sometimes confusing maze of regulations. Getting over this hurdle became their first major challenge, one that many pet health brands face in their journey to bring new products to market.
Does this sound like you? Read on for some insider tips on regulatory compliance for pet health products.
The Regulatory Watchdogs
In the US, pet health products are monitored by three key agencies: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and not to be overlooked–the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The FDA plays a pivotal role in regulating pet food, treats, and certain supplements with strict requirements for ingredients, labeling, and inspections. Meanwhile, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) offers crucial guidelines for pet food and animal feed, covering everything from nutritional adequacy to labeling standards.
Finally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets the bar for meat-based pet products, ensuring they meet high standards for labeling and product claims.
Key Considerations for Pet Health Brands
If you want to break into the pet health industry, you'll need to understand and adhere to these regulations for compliance, but also to build trust with consumers. Here are the essentials with examples from each regulatory agency:

Ingredient labeling
Ingredient labeling for pet food products is a critical aspect of compliance and transparency, guided by the regulations set forth by the FDA, AAFCO, and, to a lesser extent for certain aspects, the USDA. These organizations have specific requirements and guidelines to ensure pet foods are properly labeled. Here's a breakdown of ingredient labeling examples based on the guidelines from these regulatory bodies:
FDA Guidelines for Pet Food Labeling
According to the FDA:
Ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight, including the moisture content. This means the first ingredient listed is the one present in the highest amount by weight.
Ingredients must be named using their common or usual name. For instance, ingredients like beef, chicken, or corn must be clearly stated.
Chemical preservatives must be specifically named and their purpose stated, such as "preserved with tocopherols."
AAFCO Model Regulations
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides model regulations and nutritional adequacy standards that most states follow. AAFCO's guidelines include:
Defining each ingredient: AAFCO provides a definition for each acceptable ingredient, which helps standardize the names used across different brands and products.
Guaranteed Analysis: This is required on the label to inform the consumer about the product's nutrient content, such as minimum percentages of protein and fat and maximum percentages of fiber and moisture.
Nutritional Adequacy Statement: This statement indicates whether the product is complete and balanced for a specific life stage (e.g., puppy, adult maintenance) based on AAFCO nutritional profiles.
USDA Labeling
While the USDA's role in pet food primarily relates to the inspection and safety of meat, poultry, and egg products, its labeling standards contribute to ensuring product claims related to these ingredients are accurate. For example:
Meat ingredients in pet foods that claim to be USDA-inspected must adhere to labeling standards that accurately reflect the content and quality of the meat used.
Example of a Compliant Ingredient List
A pet food label compliant with these regulations might read as follows:
Chicken, Brewer's Rice, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Salt, Dried Egg Product, Fish Oil.
In this example, ingredients are listed by weight, including water content, with chicken being the most predominant. It clearly states each ingredient, uses common names, and specifies the preservative used on the chicken fat.

Nutritional Adequacy
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the primary body that sets nutritional adequacy standards for pet foods. While the FDA and USDA oversee safety and labeling, AAFCO's guidelines are widely adopted and referenced for nutritional requirements. Here are examples of nutritional adequacy statements based on AAFCO's guidelines:
For Adult Maintenance: "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Brand A Adult Dog Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs."
For Growth and Reproduction (Puppies and Lactating Females): "Brand B Puppy Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth and reproduction."
For All Life Stages: "This product is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages." This means the food is suitable for cats from kittens through to adults, including pregnant and lactating females.
What Makes a Food "Complete and Balanced"?
A pet food is considered "complete and balanced" if it meets the specific nutritional levels established by AAFCO for the particular life stage(s) of the pet, such as growth, reproduction, adult maintenance, or a combination of these.
This is determined in one of two ways:
Formulation Method: The pet food is designed to meet AAFCO's nutrient profiles based on the recipe used to make the food. Nutrient levels are calculated based on the ingredients and their proportions.
Feeding Trial Method: The pet food has been tested in feeding trials according to AAFCO protocols, where the food is fed to animals under specific guidelines, and their health and physical condition are monitored to ensure the food provides complete and balanced nutrition.

Safety Testing
While the FDA, AAFCO, and USDA have distinct roles in the regulatory framework for pet food, they all contribute to establishing the standards and guidelines that ensure the safety of pet food products. Here are examples of safety testing practices that are influenced by these organizations:
FDA Safety Testing Examples
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the safety of pet food and ensures that manufacturing practices do not lead to product contamination. Safety testing under FDA guidance might include:
Contaminant Testing: Testing for harmful contaminants such as Salmonella, E. coli, mycotoxins (produced by certain types of molds), heavy metals (like lead and arsenic), and chemical residues.
Nutrient Analysis: Verifying that the product contains the correct levels of nutrients as per its labeling and that it does not have excessive levels of any nutrients that could be harmful.
Product Stability Testing: Assessing how the product maintains its nutritional value and safety over its shelf life, including testing for rancidity in fats and oils.
AAFCO Safety Testing Guidelines
Although AAFCO does not regulate pet food, it provides model regulations and standards for nutrients and ingredients that many states adopt. AAFCO's influence on safety testing can include guidelines for:
Ingredient Screening: Ensuring that all ingredients meet defined quality and safety standards before they are used in pet food formulations.
Feed Trial Protocols: For products claiming to be "complete and balanced," AAFCO provides protocols for feeding trials that also assess the health and safety of the food for the animals during the trial period.
USDA Role in Pet Food Safety
While its direct role in pet food safety testing is limited compared to the FDA, the USDA ensures that animal products used in pet food are sourced from facilities that adhere to safety and quality standards. This includes:
Inspection of Meat and Poultry Products: Ensuring that any meat or poultry used in pet food is free from disease and contamination, following standards similar to those for human food.
General Safety Testing Practices in the Pet Food Industry
In addition to specific practices outlined by regulatory bodies, pet food manufacturers often undertake a range of safety testing measures as part of their quality control processes, including:
Physical Inspection and Testing: Checking for foreign objects, proper packaging integrity, and correct labeling.
Palatability Testing: While not a direct safety test, ensuring the food is palatable (tasty to the pet) is also important, as refusal to eat could indicate quality or safety issues.
Pathogen Testing: Regular testing for pathogens in both raw materials and finished products to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Product Claims
In the pet food industry, product claims are statements made by manufacturers or brands regarding the benefits, ingredients, and nutritional content of their products. These claims are regulated by various agencies to ensure they’re not misleading and provide truthful information to consumers. Here's how the FDA, AAFCO, and, to a lesser extent, the USDA oversee product claims in pet food labeling:
FDA Product Claim Examples
The FDA monitors pet food labels to ensure claims made about pet food products are truthful and not misleading. Examples of product claims regulated by the FDA include:
Health Claims: Claims that suggest a product can prevent, mitigate, or treat a disease are closely scrutinized. For instance, if a pet food product claims to improve joint health, such claims must be supported by scientific evidence and comply with FDA regulations to not be considered drug claims.
Ingredient Claims: Claims about the presence or absence of certain ingredients, like "grain-free" or "contains real chicken," must be accurate. The product must not contain grains or must contain identifiable chicken as a primary ingredient, respectively.
AAFCO Product Claim Guidelines
AAFCO provides guidelines for certain claims related to nutritional adequacy and ingredient quality. While AAFCO itself does not regulate these claims, its guidelines serve as a standard that states may adopt:
Nutritional Adequacy Claims: Statements like "complete and balanced" are regulated by AAFCO standards, indicating that the product meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for specific life stages.
"Natural" and "Organic" Claims: AAFCO defines "natural" as a product consisting of only natural ingredients without chemical alterations, except for added vitamins and minerals. Organic claims fall under the USDA's National Organic Program standards.
USDA Role in Product Claims
The USDA's involvement in pet food product claims primarily pertains to organic certification and the use of meat and poultry terms:
Organic Certification: Pet foods claiming to be organic must comply with USDA National Organic Program standards. This includes specific requirements for how ingredients are produced and processed.
Meat and Poultry Product Claims: For pet foods containing meat or poultry, any claim regarding the quality or grade of the meat (e.g., "made with USDA-inspected beef") must be verifiable and compliant with USDA regulations.
General Examples of Product Claims in Pet Food
"Supports Immune System Health": Such a claim would require substantiation, showing that the product contains ingredients known to benefit the immune system.
"Made with Whole Meats": Indicates that the product contains whole meat as a primary ingredient rather than meat meal or by-products.
"Human-Grade Ingredients": This claim suggests that the ingredients are of a quality fit for human consumption, a claim that must comply with both the legal definition and regulatory standards.
For pet food manufacturers, making product claims is a way to differentiate their products and highlight specific benefits or qualities. However, every claim made must be substantiated and comply with the regulations set by the FDA, AAFCO, and USDA to ensure that consumers are not misled and that the claims are not deceptive.

Recall Procedures
While we hope your company never has to go through a recall, you should be prepared with effective recall strategies to quickly address any product safety concerns, safeguarding both pets and consumer trust. The FDA, AAFCO, and the USDA have guidelines and requirements that pet food manufacturers must follow in the event of a recall. Here's how these agencies are involved in recall procedures:
FDA Recall Procedures
The FDA has established a comprehensive framework for the recall of pet food products. The FDA's role includes:
Monitoring and Assessment: The FDA monitors pet food complaints and adverse event reports. If a product is deemed unsafe, the FDA can request or mandate a recall.
Recall Classification: The FDA classifies recalls into three categories based on the potential health risk posed by the product. Class I is the most serious, indicating a product could cause serious health problems or death.
Public Notification: The FDA ensures that the public is informed about a recall through press releases and postings on its website. This includes detailed information about the product, the reason for the recall, and steps for consumers to take.
Recall Effectiveness Checks: The FDA monitors the recall process to ensure it is carried out effectively and that the recalled product is removed from the market.
AAFCO Role in Recall Procedures
While the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) does not directly manage pet food recalls, it provides model regulations and guidelines that state regulatory agencies may adopt. These can include procedures for:
Notification: Advising pet food manufacturers on how to notify state regulators and consumers about a recall.
Record-Keeping: Encouraging manufacturers to maintain detailed records that can facilitate a recall, such as production logs and distribution lists.
USDA Recall Procedures
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) primarily oversees recalls of meat, poultry, and egg products intended for human consumption. However, if pet food contains meat or poultry subject to recall for human foods, similar recall procedures may apply, involving:
Health Hazard Evaluations: Conducting evaluations to determine the risk associated with the contaminated product.
Recall Implementation: Working with companies to ensure the recall is effectively implemented and that the public is notified.
General Steps in a Pet Food Recall Procedure
Identification of the Issue: A potential safety issue is identified through testing, complaints, or reports of adverse effects.
Notification of Regulatory Authorities: The manufacturer notifies the FDA and/or state regulatory agencies about the problem and the intention to initiate a recall.
Public Notification: The company issues a recall notice through various media channels to inform distributors, retailers, and consumers about the recall and what actions to take.
Product Retrieval and Disposal: Effective measures are taken to retrieve the recalled product from all distribution levels and properly dispose of it.
Investigation and Corrective Actions: The cause of the issue is investigated, and corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence.
Report to the FDA: The company provides the FDA with updates on the recall's progress and effectiveness until the issue is resolved.

The Role of Citruslabs
Whew! That’s a lot, right? Not to worry–we can help. Citruslabs specializes in research-backed product claims, meaning you’ll receive valuable data to help back up any statements or labeling you use to support the benefits or health claims about your pet health products. This support is invaluable in a market where evidence-based claims can significantly differentiate products on crowded shelves.
It becomes clear that the journey to market success is as much about compliance and safety as it is about innovation and quality. We know this is the boring part of launching your brand or new product, but it’s essential for building trust with devoted pet parents.
Understanding the roles of the FDA, AAFCO, and USDA, and embracing the key regulatory considerations, can set the foundation for a trusted and successful brand. With partners like Citruslabs, your brand will have the support you need to substantiate your claims. As we reflect on the importance of these regulations and the support available, you should ask yourself: Is our brand doing everything possible to ensure the health and safety of our furry customers?
Kommentare