1 Promoting maximum digestive security

l Improves digestion and absorption

l Limits fermentative activity

l Protects and nourishes the digestive mucus

l Improves the consistency of stools

2 Reinforcing the natural defenses

and combating oxidative stress

l Stimulates immune cells, thanks to the action of MOS

l Reduces oxidative stress, thanks to an oxidative synergistic complex

3 Reinforcing the integrity of the skin barrier

and nourishing the hair and the skin

l Protects the skin and nourishes the hair, thanks to an association of vitamins and amino acids

4 Protects articular capital

l Protects joints and slows down the gradual appearance of osteoarthritis,

thanks to the synergistic action of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride

l Combats inflammatory mechanisms and oxidative injuries,

thanks to omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)

5 A made-to-measure kibble

l Optimizes appetence

l Improves oral hygiene

l Helps prevent stomach torsion-distension

 

Objective 3: Help to prevent

distension and/or torsion

After a meal, the stomach can achieve a volume of 1 gallon in a 33 lb. dog and up to about 2

gallons in a large breed dog. This predisposition to distension, associated to a relative laxity of

the stomach’s means of attachment to the abdomen, means that the dog is predisposed to bloat,

or gastric dilatation volvulus syndrome. This complaint is fatal in 30% of cases.

 

The history

of the German Shepherd

More than a hundred years of loyalty and passion in millions of living rooms on the five continents.

A few words in summary of the passionate history of the world’s most popular utility dog: the

German Shepherd.

At the end of the nineteenth century, sheepdogs, in the literal sense of the word, were used to shepherd

flocks in various regions of Germany. They often had different colored hair, a different appearance and

coat texture, but they did have some distinctive traits in common: robustness, rusticity and intelligence,

which were favored in the selection of the future German Shepherd. As in the majority of European

countries that needed one or several indigenous sheepdog breeds, some German amateur breeders

were very interested in the situation of sheepdog breeds in their countries. This was the basis on which

they selected the stock of the future German Shepherd. The empirical selection of the era was

essentially based on the breeding stock’s working aptitude; the other traits were considered to be

of secondary importance.

The spark called Hector

The notion of genealogical selection did start to become accepted practice among breeders

however. The first studbook saw the day in 1878, on the initiative of the Phylax Association. The

aim of this association was to improve the morphological characteristics of the various shepherd

dogs used in Germany. Unfortunately, this initiative broke down a few years later, as the selection

criteria favored aesthetics rather than aptitude.

The torch was taken up by a military man, cavalry captain Max Emile Frederic Von Stephanitz,

who launched a passionate mission, the selection of the German Shepherd dog. This man was a

reputable breeder who is now considered to be the father of the breed, to which he dedicated 35

years of his life. He surrounded himself with such pioneers as Arthur Meyer, Otto Weber and

Arnold Männer.

6

On a visit to a dog show in April 1899, he fell in love with a sheepdog

that would inaugurate the German Shepherd studbook. The dog was

called Hector Von Linksrheim and according to Stephanitz, it displayed

all the qualities he was looking for.

A little while after the show he bought the dog, renaming it Horand

Von Grafrath (this affix was the name of Stephanitz’s kennel) and on

April 22, 1899 he formed Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, the

German Shepherd breeder’s association better known by its initials, SV.

The club quickly became the most powerful breeders association not

only in Germany, but also the world.

Heading for utility

The definition of a German Shepherd dog in this era was clear. The German Shepherd is every

sheepdog in Germany that, thanks to a constant exercise of its sheepdog qualities, achieves perfection

in its body and its psyche, as part of its utilitarian function.

100 years later, more than two million German Shepherds are duly recorded in the SV’s studbook, in

Germany alone.

While the function and the premier vocation of the German Shepherd were

guarding and shepherding the flocks, the reduction in the sheep population

provoked the leading German breeders to find new openings for their

sheepdogs. The potential was already present in the breed’s principal stock,

because from 1901, participation in police competitions permitted the

development of these dogs’ utilitarian potential. They rapidly established

themselves in the various state services, including the army, the police and

the fire service and built a reputation as the utilitarian breed.

Nowadays, the German Shepherd is the most prevalent breed in numerous

countries, thanks in part to the selection realized by the pioneers of German

breeding, who understood from the start that the future of the shepherd breed

hung on the diversification of its utility. Nor should it be forgotten that a

morphological and psychological evolution allowed these German Shepherds,

which live on all five continents, to confer their “joie de vivre” on millions of

homes each and every day.

7

1899:

Hector Von Linksrheim

renamed Horand

Von Grafrath.

 

8

Empirical observations reported in recent scientific studies (Zentek and Meyer, 1995; Meyer

et al, 1999; Weber et al, 2002 and 2003a) show a predisposition in large dogs to lower

digestive tolerance (soft and solid stools) compared to small dogs on the same diet.

The reason for this weak digestive tolerance in large dogs may be of an anatomic nature

as suggested by the relative low weight of their digestive tract (2.7%) in comparison with

that of small dogs (7%) (Meyer et al, 1993). An as yet undiscovered physiological reason

may also exist.

1An established

digestive sensitivity

 

Wetness of stools Fecal score

Average wetness values and scores for stools obtained during the past three years. The stools are graded on a scale from 1 (liquid stool)

to 5 (dry and hard stool) according to their consistency. A fecal score of 4.0 is considered optimal (firm and solid stool). (Royal Canin

Research Center 2000-2003).

 

A higher intestinal permeability (Hall and Batt, 1990; Weber and al, 2002), a weaker digestive

capacity (Zentek and Meyer, 1995) and greater fermentative activity among large dogs (Weber et al,

2003a and 2003b) are many factors that may explain their weaker digestive tolerance.

In addition to the undeniable “size” effect, the results also appear to be affected by breed.

In comparison with other breeds of similar size, the German Shepherd is among the breeds

that display more significant digestive sensitivity – wetter stools and weaker fecal score (see

opposite).

So it is important to ensure maximum digestive security among German Shepherds through nutrition.

Promoting maximum digestive security

Digestion and

absorption

of nutrients

Fermentation

of undigested

remnants

Small

intestine

Stomach

Rectum

Stool

Cecum

Colon

Goals:

1 - Improving digestion

and intestinal absorption

2 - Protecting and nourishing

the intestinal and

colic mucus

3 - Limiting fermentative

activity

4 - Improving the

consistency of stools

PROMOTING MAXIMUM

DIGESTIVE SECURITY

Objective 1: Improve digestion

and absorption through

hyper-digestible ingredients

The German Shepherd’s digestive sensibility makes the incorporation of hyper-digestible

ingredients in the formulation of the food absolutely vital to optimal digestion and absorption.

Utilizing highly digestible proteins

German Shepherd 24 contains very highly digestible proteins (>95%), generating less

metabolic waste, as almost all of the proteins are digested. That means that the 24%

hyper-digestible protein content helps cover the German Shepherd’s nutritional needs optimally.

l Soy and poultry protein isolate

- very high organic value

- very high digestibility (96%)

- limits the flow of indigestible protein to the

colon, reducing undesirable putrefaction and

helping to maintain flora equilibrium

How to obtain protein hydrolysates

Enzymatic

hydrolysis

Protein isolate hydrolysates are achieved by

enzymatic hydrolysis of the isolate. This

operation is aimed at reducing the size of

proteins (hydrolysates), thus improving their

digestion. The digestibility of soy and poultry

isolate hydrolysates is over 96%.

Protein

Protein

hydrolysates

Utilizing highly absorbable energy

The high-energy concentration of German Shepherd 24 means servings can be moderated,

Objective 2: Limit fermentative activity

Strong fermentative activity can trigger an in-rush of water into the colon and a marked proliferation

of microbes; two factors that lead to the excretion of watery feces. So it is essential to limit fermentative

activity among German Shepherds.

l Hyper-digestible food reduces the quantity of non-digested remnants that enter the large

intestine.

l Beet pulp, a fiber that is degraded by bacteria in the colon (75%), limits colic fermentation.

12

Fermentation capacity of different types of fiber

Non-fermentable fibers

Fermentable fibers

Corn fiber

Source : Royal Canin, 2003

Beet pulp

FOS

Percentage of fermentable and non-fermentable fibers in corn fibers,

beet pulp and FOS

- highly digestible starch

- improves the digestibility of proteins, of fat and dry matter and

limits the quantity of feces (Belay, 1997).

11

10

 

 

 

 

 

 There are several factors that heighten the risk of stomach

torsion/distension:

- Size: heightened risk in large and giant-breed dogs (Glickman, 1994)

- Age: heightened risk in animals over two years old (Glickman, 1994)

- Sex: heightened risk in males (Glickman, 1997; Bright, 2003)

- Quantity of food ingested: heightened risk in the event of ingestion of a large quantity of

food (Glickman, 1997)

- Speed of ingestion: heightened risk in the event of fast ingestion (Glickman, 1997)

- Stress: heightened risk in the event of stress (Glickman, 1997)

Another significant risk factor that also needs to be considered is the breed.

Breeds with a higher ribcage depth/width ratio, like the Great Dane or, to a lesser degree, the

German Shepherd, appear to be more at risk of developing this complaint than other dogs.

Owing to its conformation the German Shepherd displays a much greater ribcage depth/width ratio than the Labrador or the Golden

Retriever, which puts it at greater risk of developing stomach distension.

 

 

 

 

Natural pet foods may not always be best choice

Health More>>

 

 

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Pet owners need to be aware that natural foods aren't always the best choice for their pets, says a Kansas State University veterinarian.

"Natural and veggie-based pet foods are based more on market demand from owners, not because they are necessarily better for the pet," Susan Nelson, an assistant professor of clinical services, said in a university news release.

She noted that dogs and cats have specific nutritional needs that may not be met by some natural pet foods. To ensure a food meets a pet's minimal nutritional requirements, owners should only buy products that carry at least one of two nutritional adequacy statements from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which sets guidelines for the production, labeling and distribution of pet food.

It's also important for consumers to distinguish between terms such as natural, organic and holistic, Nelson said. The AAFCO currently has no specific definitions for holistic or organic pet foods.

Pet owners also need to read the ingredients on pet food labels. For example, cats and dogs shouldn't eat onions or garlic. And although flaxseed oil can provide fatty acids for dogs, it doesn't do so for cats. Nelson advised owners not to buy pet foods with these ingredients.

"Most reputable companies have a veterinary nutritionist on hand. These companies also conduct nutritional research and have their own internal quality control in place," she said.

If you buy natural pet foods, monitor your pet's health, she added.

"Assuming the diet you have chosen meets AAFCO minimum standards of nutritional adequacy, and if your pet looks healthy, has good coat quality, and is in good condition [and is regular], the diet is probably adequate for him," Nelson said.

More information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration explains pet food labels.

 

 

 

 

Pet Food Labels - General

Updated March 2010

Pet food labeling is regulated at two levels. The federal regulations, enforced by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), establish standards applicable for all animal feeds: proper identification of product, net quantity statement, manufacturer's name and address, and proper listing of ingredients. Some states also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many states have adopted the model pet food regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These regulations are more specific in nature, covering aspects of labeling such as the product name, the guaranteed analysis, the nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and calorie statements.

Product Name

The product name can be a key factor in the consumer's decision to buy the product. For that reason, manufacturers often use fanciful names or other techniques to emphasize a particular aspect of the product. Because many consumers purchase a product based on the presence of a specific ingredient, many product names incorporate the name of an ingredient to highlight its inclusion in the product. The percentages of named ingredients in the total product are dictated by four AAFCO rules.

The "95%" rule applies to products consisting primarily of meat, poultry or fish, and most often are canned products. They have simple names, such as "Beef for Dogs" or "Tuna Cat Food." In these examples, at least 95% of the product must be the named ingredient (beef or tuna, respectively), not counting the water added for processing and "condiments." Counting the added water, the named ingredient still must comprise 70% of the product. Because ingredient lists must be declared in the proper order of predominance by weight, "beef" or "tuna" should be the first ingredient listed, followed often by water, and then other components such as vitamins and minerals. If the name includes a combination of ingredients, such as "Chicken 'n Liver Dog Food," the two named ingredients together must comprise 95% of the total weight. The first ingredient named in the product name must be the one of higher predominance in the product. For example, the product could not be named "Lobster and Salmon for Cats" if there is more salmon than lobster in the product. Because this rule only applies to ingredients of animal origin, ingredients that are not from a meat, poultry or fish source, such as grains and vegetables, cannot be used as a component of the 95% total. For example, a product named "Lamb and Rice Dog Food" would be misbranded unless the product was comprised of at least 95% lamb.

The "25%" or "dinner" rule applies to many canned and dry products. If the named ingredients comprise at least 25% of the product (not counting the water for processing), but less than 95%, the name must include a qualifying descriptive term, such as “Dinner” as in "Beef Dinner for Dogs." Counting the added water, the named ingredients still must comprise 10% of the product. Many descriptors other than "dinner" are used, however, with "Platter," "Entree," "Nuggets" and "Formula" being a few examples. In the example “Beef Dinner for Dogs” only one-quarter of the product must be beef, and beef would most likely be the third or fourth ingredient on the ingredient list. Because the primary ingredient is not always the named ingredient, and may in fact be an ingredient that the consumer does not wish to feed, the ingredient list should always be checked before purchase. For example, a cat owner may have learned from his or her finicky feline to avoid buying products with fish in it, because the cat doesn't like fish. However, a "Chicken Formula Cat Food" may not always be the best choice, since some "chicken formulas" may indeed contain fish, and sometimes may contain even more fish than chicken. A quick check of the ingredient list would avert this mistake.

If more than one ingredient is included in a "dinner" name, the combination of the named ingredients must total 25% of the product and be listed in the same order as found on the ingredient list. Also, each named ingredient must be at least 3% of the total. Therefore, "Chicken n' Fish Dinner Cat Food" must have 25% chicken and fish combined, and at least 3% fish. Also, unlike the "95%" rule, this rule applies to all ingredients, whether of animal origin or not. For example, a "Lamb and Rice Formula for Cats" would be an acceptable name as long as there was more lamb in the product than rice and the amounts of lamb and rice combined totaled 25%.

The "3%" or "with" rule was originally intended to apply only to ingredients highlighted on the principal display panel, but outside the product name, in order to allow manufacturers to point out the presence of minor ingredients that were not added in sufficient quantity to merit a "dinner" claim. For example, a "Cheese Dinner," with 25% cheese, would not be feasible or economical to produce, but either a "Beef Dinner for Dogs" or "Chicken Formula Cat Food" could include a side burst "with cheese" if at least 3% cheese is added. The AAFCO model regulations now allow use of the term "with" as part of the product name, such as "Dog Food With Beef" or "Cat Food With Chicken." Now, even a minor change in the wording of the name has a dramatic impact on the minimum amount of the named ingredient required, e.g., a can of "Cat Food With Tuna" could be confused with a can of "Tuna Cat Food," but, whereas the latter example must contain at least 95% tuna, the first needs only 3%. Therefore, the consumer must read labels carefully before purchase to ensure that the desired product is obtained.

Under the "flavor" rule, a specific percentage is not required, but a product must contain an amount sufficient to be able to be detected. There are specific test methods, using animals trained to prefer specific flavors, which can be used to confirm this claim. In the example of "Beef Flavor Dog Food," the word "flavor" must appear on the label in the same size, style and color as the word "beef." The corresponding ingredient may be beef, but more often it is another substance that will give the characterizing flavor, such as beef meal or beef by-products.

With respect to flavors, pet foods often contain "digests," which are materials treated with heat, enzymes and/or acids to form concentrated natural flavors. Only a small amount of a "chicken digest" is needed to produce a "Chicken Flavored Cat Food," even though no actual chicken is added to the food. Stocks or broths are also occasionally added. Whey is often used to add a milk flavor. Often labels will bear a claim of "no artificial flavors." Actually, artificial flavors are rarely used in pet foods. The major exception to that would be artificial smoke or bacon flavors, which are added to some treats.

Net Quantity Statement

The net quantity statement tells you how much product is in the container. There are many FDA regulations dictating the format, size and placement of the net quantity statement. None of these do any good if the consumer does not check the quantity statements, especially when comparing the cost of products. For example, a 14-ounce can of food may look identical to the one-pound can of food right next to it. Also, dry products may differ greatly in density, especially some of the "lite" products. Thus, a bag that may typically hold 40 pounds of food may only hold 35 pounds of a food that is "puffed up." A cost-per-ounce or per-pound comparison between products is always prudent.

Manufacturer's Name and Address

The "manufactured by..." statement identifies the party responsible for the quality and safety of the product and its location. If the label says "manufactured for..." or "distributed by...," the food was manufactured by an outside manufacturer, but the name on the label still designates the responsible party. Not all labels include a street address along with the city, state, and zip code, but by law, it should be listed in either a city directory or a telephone directory. Many manufacturers also voluntarily include a toll-free number on the label for consumer inquiries. If a consumer has a question or complaint about the product, he or she should not hesitate to use this information to contact the responsible party.

Ingredient List

All ingredients are required to be listed in order of predominance by weight. The weights of ingredients are determined as they are added in the formulation, including their inherent water content. This latter fact is important when evaluating relative quantity claims, especially when ingredients of different moisture contents are compared.

For example, one pet food may list "meat" as its first ingredient, and "corn" as the second ingredient. The manufacturer doesn't hesitate to point out that its competitor lists "corn" first ("meat meal" is second), suggesting the competitor's product has less animal-source protein than its own. However, meat is very high in moisture (approximately 75% water). On the other hand, water and fat are removed from meat meal, so it is only 10% moisture (what's left is mostly protein and minerals). If we could compare both products on a dry matter basis (mathematically "remove" the water from both ingredients), one could see that the second product had more animal-source protein from meat meal than the first product had from meat, even though the ingredient list suggests otherwise.

That is not to say that the second product has more "meat" than the first, or in fact, any meat at all. Meat meal is not meat per se, since most of the fat and water have been removed by rendering. Ingredients must be listed by their "common or usual" name. Most ingredients on pet food labels have a corresponding definition in the AAFCO Official Publication. For example, "meat" is defined as the "clean flesh of slaughtered mammals and is limited to...the striate muscle...with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh." On the other hand, "meat meal" is "the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents." Thus, in addition to the processing, it could also contain parts of animals one would not think of as "meat." Meat meal may not be very pleasing to think about eating yourself, even though it can contain more minerals than meat. However, animals do not share in people's aesthetic concerns about the source and composition of their food. Regardless, the distinction must be made in the ingredient list (and in the product name). For this reason, a product containing "lamb meal" cannot be named a "Lamb Dinner."

Further down the ingredient list, the "common or usual" names become less common or usual to most consumers. The majority of ingredients with chemical-sounding names are, in fact, vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. Other possible ingredients may include artificial colors, stabilizers, and preservatives. All should be either "Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)" or approved food additives for their intended uses.

If scientific data are presented that show a health risk to animals of an ingredient or additive, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) can act to prohibit or modify its use in pet food. For example, propylene glycol was used as a humectant in soft-moist pet foods, which helps retain water and gives these products their unique texture and taste. It was affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in human and animal food before the advent of soft-moist foods. It was known for some time that propylene glycol caused Heinz Body formation in the red blood cells of cats (small clumps of proteins seen in the cells when viewed under the microscope), but it could not be shown to cause overt anemia or other clinical effects. However, reports in the veterinary literature of scientifically sound studies have shown that propylene glycol reduces the red blood cell survival time, renders red blood cells more susceptible to oxidative damage, and has other adverse effects in cats consuming the substance at levels found in soft-moist food. In light of these new data, CVM amended the regulations to expressly prohibit the use of propylene glycol in cat foods.

Another pet food additive of some controversy is ethoxyquin, which was approved as a food additive over forty-five years ago for use as an antioxidant chemical preservative to help prevent the destruction of some vitamins and related compounds in animal foods and to help prevent peroxide from forming in canned pet foods. In the 1990s, CVM began receiving reports from dog owners attributing the presence of ethoxyquin in the dog food with a myriad of adverse effects, such as allergic reactions, skin problems, major organ failure, behavior problems, and cancer. However, there was a paucity of available scientific data to support these contentions, or to show other adverse effects in dogs at levels approved for use in dog foods. Subsequent studies by the manufacturer of ethoxyquin showed a dose-dependent accumulation of a hemoglobin-related pigment in the liver, as well as increases in the levels of liver-related enzymes in the blood. Although these changes are due to ethoxyquin in the diet, the pigment is not made from ethoxyquin itself, and the health significance of these findings is unknown. Nevertheless, CVM has asked the pet food industry to voluntarily lower the maximum level of use of ethoxyquin in dog foods from 150 ppm (0.015%) to 75 ppm. Regardless, most pet foods that contained ethoxyquin never exceeded the lower amount, even before this recommended change.

Guaranteed Analysis

At minimum, many state regulations require a pet food to guarantee the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. The "crude" term refers to the specific method of testing the product, not to the quality of the nutrient itself.

Some manufacturers include guarantees for other nutrients as well. The maximum percentage of ash (the mineral component) is often guaranteed, especially on cat foods. Cat foods commonly bear guarantees for taurine and magnesium as well. For dog foods, minimum percentage levels of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and linoleic acid are found on some products.

Guarantees are declared on an "as fed" or "as is" basis, that is, the amounts present in the product as it is found in the can or bag. This doesn't have much bearing when the guarantees of two products of similar moisture content are compared (for example, a dry dog food versus another dry dog food). However, when comparing the guaranteed analyses between dry and canned products, one will note that the levels of crude protein and most other nutrients are much lower for the canned product. This can be explained by looking at the relative moisture contents. Canned foods typically contain 75-78% moisture, whereas dry foods contain only 10-12% moisture. To make meaningful comparisons of nutrient levels between a canned and dry product, they should be expressed on the same moisture basis.

The most accurate means of doing this is to convert the guarantees for both products to a moisture-free or dry matter basis. The percentage of dry matter of the product is equal to 100% minus the percentage of moisture guaranteed on the label. A dry food is approximately 88-90% dry matter, while a canned food is only about 22-25% dry matter. To convert a nutrient guarantee to a dry matter basis, the percent guarantee should be divided by the percentage of the dry matter, then multiplied by 100. For example, a canned food guarantees 8% crude protein and 75% moisture (or 25% dry matter), while a dry food contains 27% crude protein and 10% moisture (or 90% dry matter). Which has more protein, the dry or canned? Calculating the dry matter protein of both, the canned contains 32% crude protein on a dry matter basis (8/25 X 100 = 32), while the dry has only 30% on a dry matter basis (27/90 X 100 = 30). Thus, although it looks like the dry has a lot more protein, when the water is counted out, the canned actually has a little more. An easier way is to remember that the amount of dry matter in the dry food is about four times the amount in a canned product. To compare guarantees between a dry and canned food, multiply the guarantees for the canned food times four first.

It is especially important to look at the moisture guarantee for canned foods, even when comparing a canned food with another canned. Under AAFCO regulations, the maximum percentage moisture content for a pet food is 78%, except for products labeled as a "stew," "in sauce," "in gravy," or similar terms. The extra water gives the product the qualities needed to have the appropriate texture and fluidity. Some of these exempted products have been found to contain as much as 87.5% moisture. This doesn't sound like much difference until the dry matter contents are compared. For example, a product with a guarantee of 87.5% moisture contains 12.5% dry matter, only half as much as a product with a 75% moisture guarantee (25% dry matter).

Nutritional Adequacy Statement

Any claim that a product is "complete," "balanced," "100% nutritious," or claims of a similarly nature that suggests a product is suitable for sole nourishment when it is not, in fact, nutritionally adequate for such purpose is a potentially unsafe product. For this reason, an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement is one of the most important aspects of a dog or cat food label. A "complete and balanced" pet food must be substantiated for nutritional adequacy by one of two means.

The first method is for the pet food to contain ingredients formulated to provide levels of nutrients that meet an established profile. Presently, the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles are used. Products substantiated by this method should include the words, "(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Dog/Cat) Food Nutrient Profiles." This means the product contains the proper amount of all recognized essential nutrients needed to meet the needs of the healthy animal.

The alternative means of substantiating nutritional adequacy is for the product to be tested using the appropriate AAFCO Feeding Trial Protocol(s). This means that the product, or "lead" member of a "family" of products, has been fed to dogs or cats under strict guidelines and found to provide proper nutrition. These products should bear the nutritional adequacy statement "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of product) provides complete and balanced nutrition."

Regardless of the method used, the nutritional adequacy statement will also state for which life stage(s) the product is suitable, such as "for maintenance," or "for growth." A product intended "for all life stages" meets the more stringent nutritional needs for growth and reproduction. A maintenance ration will meet the needs of an adult, non-reproducing dog or cat of normal activity, but may not be sufficient for a growing, reproducing, or hard-working animal. On the other hand, an all life stages ration can be fed for maintenance. Although the higher levels of nutrients would not be harmful to the healthy adult animal, they are not really necessary. Occasionally a product may be labeled for a more specific use or life stage, such as "senior" or for a specific size or breed. However, there is little information as to the true dietary needs of these more specific uses, and no rules governing these types of statements have been established. Thus, a "senior" diet must meet the requirements for adult maintenance, but no more. A product that does not meet either of the methods for substantiation of nutritional adequacy must state that "this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only," unless the product is conspicuously identified as a “snack,” “treat.” or “supplement.”

Feeding Directions

Feeding directions instruct the consumer on how much product should be offered to the animal. At minimum, they should include verbiage such as "feed ___ cups per ___ pounds of body weight daily." On some small cans, this may be all the information that can fit. The feeding directions should be taken as rough guidelines, a place to start. Breed, temperament, environment, and many other factors can influence food intake. Manufacturers attempt to cover almost all contingencies by setting the directions for the most demanding. The best suggestion is to offer the prescribed amount at first, and then to increase or cut back as needed to maintain body weight in adults or to achieve proper rate of gain in puppies and kittens. A nursing mother should be offered all the food she wants to eat.

Calorie Statement

Pet foods can vary greatly in calorie content, even among foods of the same type (dry, canned) and formulated for the same life stage. Feeding directions vary among manufacturers, too, so the number of calories delivered in a daily meal of one food may be quite different from another. The number of calories in a product roughly relates to the amount of fat, although varying levels of non-calorie-containing components, such as water and fiber, can throw this correlation off. The best way for consumers to compare products and determine how much to be fed is to know the calorie content. AAFCO regulations have been developed to allow manufacturers to substantiate calorie content and include a voluntary statement.

If a calorie statement is made on the label, it must be expressed on a "kilocalories per kilogram" basis. Kilocalories are the same as the "Calories" consumers are used to seeing on food labels. A "kilogram" is a unit of metric measurement equal to 2.2 pounds. Manufacturers are also allowed to express the calories in familiar household units (for example, "per cup" or "per can") along with the required kilocalories per kilogram statement. Even without this additional information, however, consumers can make meaningful comparisons between products and pick the product best suited for their animals' needs. As with the guaranteed analysis, the calorie statement is made on an "as fed" basis, so corrections for moisture content must be made as described above. To roughly compare the caloric content values between a canned and a dry food, multiply the value for the canned food by four.

Other Label Claims

Many pet foods are labeled as "premium," and some now are "super premium" and even "ultra premium." Other products are touted as "gourmet" items. Products labeled as premium or gourmet are not required to contain any different or higher quality ingredients, nor are they held up to any higher nutritional standards than are any other complete and balanced products.

The term "natural" is often used on pet food labels, although that term does not have an official definition either. AAFCO has developed a feed term definition for what types of ingredients can be considered “natural” and “Guidelines for Natural Claims” for pet foods.  For the most part, "natural" can be construed as equivalent to a lack of artificial flavors, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives in the product. As mentioned above, artificial flavors are rarely employed anyway. Artificial colors are not really necessary, except to please the pet owner's eye. If used, they must be from approved sources, the same as for human foods. Especially for high-fat dry products, some form of preservative must be used to prevent rancidity. Natural-source preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E), can be used in place of artificial preservatives. However, they may not be as effective.

"Natural" is not the same as "organic." The latter term refers to the conditions under which the plants were grown or animals were raised. There are no official rules governing the labeling of organic foods for pets at this time, but the United States Department of Agriculture is developing regulations dictating what types of synthetic additives, such as vitamins and purified amino acids, may be used in pet foods labeled as organic.

Summary

Pet owners and veterinary professionals have a right to know what they are feeding their animals. The pet food label contains a wealth of information, if one knows how to read it. Do not be swayed by the many marketing gimmicks or eye-catching claims. If there is a question about the product, contact the manufacturer or ask an appropriate regulatory agency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sherle R. Thompson, DVM
Veterinarian and German Shepherd Breeder
Chattanooga, TN
 Email: sequoyahgsd@aol.com
Phone:  (423)991-0979

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