IS YOUR DOG'S FOOD COMPLETE AND BALANCED?

Once you welcome a dog into your family, their well-being becomes the top priority. A Complete and Balanced food is vital for their health and longevity. There are many dog food options available and it can be challenging for pet parents to make the best choice. Evaluating your dog's food to ensure it is Complete and Balanced diet is crucial. This article aims to guide you in assessing your dog food to ensure your dog gets the nutrition it needs to thrive.

What is a Complete and Balanced Diet?

A complete and balanced diet for dogs includes all the essential nutrients. An essential nutrient is something the body can't make enough on its own and has to be present in their diet. In the right amounts these nutrients support growth, maintenance, and health.

Here's a breakdown of the main nutrient categories required for dogs:

Proteins

These are essential for building and repairing tissues. Also, producing hormones and enzymes, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Dogs need 10 essential amino acids that they must be present in their diet.

Fats

Omega-6 and Omega-3 fats are crucial, and their proper balance is essential. Omega-6 supports growth, reproduction, immune function, and skin/coat health. While Omega-3 is necessary for brain development, nervous system function, and vision.

Carbohydrates

While not essential for dogs, carbohydrates can provide fiber and certain nutrients. They also serve as an energy source in diets low in proteins.

Vitamins

These support health, growth, and repair in dogs. Key vitamins include A, D, E, K, and various B vitamins.

Minerals

Important for almost all functions in the body. There are 12 essential minerals. Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, Copper, Chloride, Manganese, Zinc, Iodine, and Selenium.

A Complete & Balanced diet contains all the essential nutrients in the right quantities.

What are NRC, AAFCO and FEDIAF?

AAFCO and FEDIAF are non profit organizations that set standards for pet food in the USA and Europe. This ensure that pet food meets the nutritional needs of pets and is safe for consumption.

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (NRC)

The National Research Council (NRC) is a division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the United States. They conduct scientific research and provide recommendations on various topics, including animal nutrition. In 2006, the NRC published the "Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats" book. This book detailed the nutrition requirements of dogs and cats, based on scientific research at that time. While it was a valuable resource for formulating completed and balanced pet diets. Some felt that the NRC guidelines were more suited for laboratory settings and didn't consider the practicalities of the commercial pet food industry. As a result, the AAFCO (supported by the FDA) developed new nutritional guidelines to address these concerns and provide more practical recommendations for pet food formulations.

THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN FEED CONTROL OFFICIALS (AAFCO)

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is an organization responsible for setting standards for pet food in the United States. Their primary role is to establish guidelines for nutritional adequacy and labeling requirements. This ensures the safety and quality of pet food products. The AAFCO uses various sources like the NRC and other relevant scientific research. A pet food carrying an AAFCO statement claims it is complete and balanced by meeting their nutritional standards. However, AAFCO doesn't test, approve, regulate, or certify dog food products. Instead, they set guidelines for ingredients, labels, and nutrient analysis for U.S. manufacturers to follow.

THE EUROPEAN PET FOOD INDUSTRY FEDERATION (FEDIAF)

FEDIAF represents the European pet food industry. Similar to AAFCO, its goal is to ensure that pet foods for dogs and cats in Europe are nutritionally complete and balanced. Pet food manufacturers in Europe are required to follow FEDIAF's guidelines.

How Do You Tell if Your Commercial Dog Food Meets AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards?

In the US, the FDA regulates pet food, while the European Union oversees this in Europe. These bodies set nutritional standards for pet food makers to follow. In the US, both federal and state regulators mandate that pet foods meet AAFCO's nutritional standards. This means pet foods must be "Complete and Balanced" by AAFCO's rules. In Europe, the European Union requires pet foods to meet FEDIAF's nutritional standards.

The US and Europe ensure regulated pet food markets follow guidelines. However, some markets lack regulation, making it uncertain if guidelines are met. Unfortunately, Singapore lacks nutritional standards for locally made products but has requirements for imported pet food. Imported brands from regulated markets like the US or Europe are likely to be 'Complete and Balanced'.

Be cautious with pet foods from less regulated markets or locally made products.

Important factors to consider in your pet food manufacturer:

Transparency in Ingredients

Does your pet food manufacturer provide a detailed list of all ingredients used? Does your pet food manufacture list the specific supplements that are added?

RED FLAG: Beware of vague terms like "nutrient blend" or "added vitamins and minerals." Lack of transparency might be to hide low grade supplements. Low grade supplements could harm your pets health if consumed in the long run. 

Claims to meet Specific Nutritional Standards

Is your pet food manufacturer clear about meeting AAFCO or FEDIAF nutritional guidelines? These guidelines vary based on different life stages, such as adult maintenance, growth (puppies), gestation/lactation, or all life stages. If you have a puppy, make sure your puppy diet meets AAFCO standards for Growth. Feeding a puppy an AAFCO compliant diet for maintenance will not provide your puppy with all the nutrients it needs while it is growing.

RED FLAG: Vague statement around AAFCO, FEDIAF or NRC compliance are a definite red flag

Transparency in Nutritional Adequacy

Does the pet food company give you a detailed nutritional analysis that includes all essential nutrients? Your dog requires a wide range of nutrients to maintain a healthy life. The pet food manufacturer should clearly disclose the nutritional levels and relevant ratios for proteins (including all essential amino acids), fats, minerals, and vitamins. A brief guaranteed analysis focusing only on protein, fats, and moisture is insufficient.

RED FLAG: It's a clear red flag when the pet food company cannot or will not provide a detailed nutritional analysis.

Unfortunately, in some markets (including Singapore). Pet food is not tested for quality - both in terms of safety and nutritional adequacy. Until that happens it is up to the consumer to demand the best for their dogs from any pet food company you might choose. Your dogs needs to get all the essential nutrients in the right quantities for a long and healthy life. To achieve this a Complete and Balanced dog food is crucial. 

Read more about a Complete and Balanced Diet for your dog - click here