Whats the difference between feeding trials and “meeting nutritional levels”?
Every pet food should have a statement on the label that states the pet food meets the AAFCO standards. Pet foods can meet the AAFCO requirements in one of two ways, either through chemical analysis and calculations, or through feeding trials in which the health status of animals consuming only that food over a period of time is monitored. If determined by calculations, the statement will read: “(Name of pet food) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Cat or Dog) Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of (ages and species of animal). If the requirements have been met through feeding trials, the statement will read: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of pet food) provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of (ages and species of animal).
