Natural Foods

The term “natural” evokes a wonderful, healthy image that appeals to every dog owner, but AAFCO has established a very definite standard for the way this term can be used on pet food labels.

If a dog food is to be called “natural,” AAFCO standards dictate that all of its ingredients be natural, except for any vitamins or minerals that are added. A natural ingredient by AAFCO’s definition is one that has not been chemically synthesized or subjected to any chemical treatment.

You should know that this definition of the term “natural" is not the same as "organic." An organic food is one that describes the way in which the ingredients used were raised. In other words, the plant matter in the food was grown, or animals used in its preparation, were raised under organic conditions.

According to AAFCO the term “organic” has been defined as “a formula feed or a specific ingredient within a formula feed that has been produced or handled in compliance with the requirements of the USDA National Organic Program. Under these guidelines a food may carry the following organic designations:

• 100 Percent Organic – must have 100% organic ingredients and additives, including processing aids.

• Organic At least 95% of its content by weight must be organic.

• Made With Organic -- At least 70% of its content is organic. The front panel of these products may display “Made With Organic,” followed by up to three specific ingredients.

• Products that are made with less than 70% organic ingredients may list those organic ingredients on the ingredient panel, but cannot mention organic on the main panel.