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Weende's System of Proximate Analysis – Chemical analysis of feed material

The feed is material that, after ingestion by animals, is capable of being digested, absorbed and utilised. Grass, for example, is described as feed, but not all its components are digestible...

Basic types of feeds

Animal feeds are classified as follows: (1) concentrates, high in energy value, including fat, cereal grains and their by-products (barley, corn, oats, rye, wheat), high-protein oil meals or cakes...

Pesticide Use on Crops for Meat and Dairy Feed Further Threatens Endangered Species

A report by the Independent finds chemical-intensive farming of crops for animal feed puts thousands of endangered species at risk. U.S. farmlands use more than 235 million pounds of...

The Most Common Dog Food Ingredients

Dogs are among the most popular domesticated animals—both in the world, and in history, so it’s important to know which dog food ingredients are commonly used. Whether they work in the...

What Is Fish Meal in Dog Food? Is It Safe To Eat?

If you’re a dog owner who likes to read pet food labels, you’ll probably find quite a few unfamiliar ingredients listed. One such product is fish meal, commonly found in allergy-friendly diets...

The importance of feed consumption

Feed consumption plays a critical role in any production system, as it is a vital prerequisite for flocks to achieve maximum productivity and development. The current genetic selection...

Why You Should Test Your Feed for Mycotoxins

At every stage from feed processing to ingestion, there are risks that – if not managed – can result in a reduction in productivity. Regular analysis of your feed equips you with the...

Information on Marketing a Pet Food Product

You have developed a dog food or treat and want to manufacture and market it. Are there rules or requirements you should know about? Yes, you should be aware of Federal and State...

How is the Ukraine-Russia War Affecting the Pet Industry?

The global efforts to sanction Russia in response to its attack on Ukraine impacted the global pet industry as Russian cats became the target of sanctions. The International Feline...

2022 pet food nutrition trends: Innovation, functionality

When it comes to pet food, customers are demanding more — and better — from the products they purchase: more innovation, better nutrition, more functionality. They want premium or...

What's in Your Dog Food?

In some ways, the labels on the food you eat and the food your dog eats aren't so different. Some of the words on the packaging are intended to make the food sound appealing...

Understanding The Guaranteed Analysis Panel

Picking a good dog food is essential for the health of your pup. In order to find a good dog food, you need to understand how to not only read a dog food label but to understand what...

How to Read a Dog Food Label

We all want the best for our dogs, including nutrition. And anyone who has shopped for dog food knows, there are virtually unlimited options: Hundreds of brands with innumerable...

The Business of Pet Food

Q: Is pet food regulated? YES! The manufacture and sale of pet food is highly regulated by both the federal government and the 50 states. Q: So you want to make and sell pet food or...

ASK THE VET: Amount of vitamin D in recalled dog food would harm pet

Q: The pet food my dog, Sarge, eats is being recalled because it contains too much vitamin D. Since vitamin D is necessary for good health, how can too much be harmful? A: Several companies' pet foods were recalled in 2021 after they were found to contain toxic...

‘Crumbling infrastructure’ and other supply chain issues affecting US pet food manufacturers

Pet Food Institute (PFI) submitted public comments to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on June 21, detailing supply chain constraints seen by pet food and treat manufacturers...

Are Cultivated Proteins The Future Of Pet Food?

Proteins from sources other than animals have received a healthy dose of attention for both pet food and human food in recent years, attracting not only consumer interest but also...

12 Toxic Ingredients Lurking in Dog Food

As a dog owner, it’s easy to assume that the biggest dog food brands out there have your pooch’s best interests at heart. Unfortunately, many dog food companies are adding a host of chemicals...

Pros and Cons of Starting a Dog Treat Bakery Business

Many dog owners treat their dogs like members of the family and love to give them healthy, homemade treats. Plus, some dogs have special diets and need custom-made treats to adhere...

4 North American Pet Food Trends to Watch in 2021

New product development in North America pet food, treats and supplements was down 28% in 2020 when compared to the prior three-year average, according to Innova...

Dog Food Analysis

In today’s world, there are so many dog foods out there on the market for our pets. With this endless number of brands out there, it can be hard for new pet owners to understand...

The Problems of Manufactured Pet Food

A pet’s food should never be cooked. It should be fed in a raw natural state like nature intended. Cooking a dog’s food ruins most of the nutritional value....

Regulations for Making & Selling Dog Treats

Making and selling dog treats is a business with a low budget start-up. It is what is called a "kitchen table" enterprise. But as with any business, there are laws and regulations...

Vitamins and Minerals Required in Dog Nutrition

As DVM, author, and canine expert W. Jean Dodds says, “The functional effect of food is only good by combining ingredients”. Vitamins and minerals are significant components of dog...

Ocean Fish Meal In Dog Food

You’re in the grocery store being a responsible dog owner and checking the ingredients of your dog’s favorite food. On the list, you come across something called Ocean Fish Meal...

What's Really in Your Pet's Food? New Study Raises Concerns

You know that old saying about not judging a book by its cover? A new study proves you can’t judge the meat in pet food based on the cover either, er, label. Just because it says...

The Pet Trends to Watch for in 2021

The pet industry is booming. According to the 2019-2020 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 67 percent of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 84.9 million homes...

Check out these tips to making healthy resolutions for your pet

The start of a new year often brings our attention to health and nutrition. But as we consider making positive changes to our own lifestyles, we should be thinking about our furry friends...

An update for pet owners: More brands of dog food recalled because they may contain unsafe levels of aflatoxin

Pet food maker Sunshine Hills has expanded its recall of dog food out of concerns that the products may contain potentially unsafe levels of aflatoxin, a byproduct of mold...

Nestle Uses Insect Protein In Purina Pet Food

Nestle’s Purina brand is launching a line of pet food using insects, as the world’s biggest food group tests more environmentally sustainable protein sources...

Pet Food Trends in 2020

People love their pets and are willing to spend serious money keeping them healthy. It's no surprise then that key trends in pet food processing mirror trends in human food...

Pandemic may boost private equity investment in pet food

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated whole industries, but pet food wasn't one of them. Instead, as the pandemic continued killing people worldwide, pet owners tended to stay home, even without...

Confusion over pet nutrition calls for consumer education

Pet owners often claim to feel confused about pet nutrition and the number of pet food choices and claims. If it's any consolation – and perhaps it's another sign of pet food's close relationship to human food...

Treats and Chews

Treat products are a subset of pet food that are not usually intended to be a source of complete and balanced nutrition, but are primarily for rewarding pets. The AAFCO Model Pet Food Regulations...

Diet, Dogs, and DCM

The FDA and many others are trying to determine if there is a link between cases of canine DCM and the affected dogs' diets. Here's our take – and suggestions for feeding your dogs.

How to Report a Pet Food Complaint

You can report complaints about a pet food product electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or you can call your state's FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

Human-Grade

There have been "human-grade" claims on some pet foods for a few years. This term has no definition in any animal feed regulations. Extremely few pet food products could be considered officially human edible or human-grade. A pet food that actually met these standards would be expensive. While pet owners can buy what they feel is best for their pet, they should understand the definitions and the odds.

FDA Information on Animal Feed Regulation

The use of food products is governed by the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), and the regulations issued under its authority. These regulations are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The FD&C Act defines food as "articles used for food or drink for man or other animals..."

Dog Nutrition Trends for 2019

Pet food is a booming industry with sales of $27 billion in 2018, which is up over 4% from 2017.* It's also evolving in response to the needs and expectations of pet parents. Find out more about these trends and get tips on feeding your pooch.

Hazards to Avoid While Baking Homemade Dog Treats

Buying manufactured dog treats is a hit-or-miss proposition. "Most of them are loaded with salt, sugar, preservatives, flavorings and colors. Dog treats are made with a wide variation in quality and nutrient content regardless of labeling," says Dr. Donna Raditic, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist with Nutrition and Integrative Medicine Consultants based in Athens, Georgia.

Information on Ingredients & Additives from the FDA

A feed ingredient is a component part or constituent or any combination/mixture added to and comprising the feed. Feed ingredients might include grains, milling byproducts, added vitamins, minerals, fats/oils, and other nutritional and energy sources. Animal feeds provide a practical outlet for plant and animal byproducts not suitable for human consumption. Legally, under the FFDCA any substance that is...

Regulations for Making & Selling Dog Treats

The making and selling of nutritious, homemade dog treats is an ideal business that you can run from your home. It falls within the category of a pet food business, however, and this means that you will need to comply with a series of rules and regulations to operate it legally. Some of the business regulations are specific to the state you live in, while federal regulations affect the type and quality of the foods.

How to Read a Pet Food Label

Every time you visit your local pet store to restock your cat's or dog's food supply, it seems that a dozen new products have hit the shelves — all of which claim to be the best, most nutritious and healthi¬est formula to ever exist. How do you know whether you're feeding your pet the equivalent of cheese fries for breakfast or kibble that provides the nutritional value he needs to live a long, healthy life?

Mycotoxins Further Explained

With the current weather conditions, we felt it would be appropriate to speak on the development and potential dangers of Mycotoxins. No matter where you are farming, if weather conditions are amiable for mold growth, the chances mycotoxins start to appear in your crops is significantly increased. Molds that are within the Mycophyta family have severe human and animal consequences.

Feline Nutrition Trends

Creating appetizing, yet wholesome, recipes that will meet the distinctive nutritional needs of cats can be difficult for manufacturers, and finding these products can be a complicated task for consumers. While domestic cats might be considered part of the family, their nutritional requirements still reflect the physiological demands of their wild ancestors.

Limited Ingredient Dog Food: Is It Right For Your Dog?

Over the past 5 years, you may have noticed more and more "limited ingredient dog foods" filling your pet store's shelves. But when you flip the bag over or the can around, it's difficult to tell how these products differ from your pup's regular kibble. So we called Cathleen Enright, Ph.D., CEO of the Pet Food Institute (PFI) in Washington, D.C. to find out the exact definition of limited ingredient dog food.

Understanding Common Pet Food Ingredients

Generally speaking, most pet foods contain a combination of protein, carbohydrate sources, vitamins, minerals, fats, and preservatives. Each ingredient plays an important role in providing enrichment to the body, and every combination of ingredients is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that our pets are being fed safe and nutritious products.

Why Analytical Testing in Pet Food is Important

In the United States, the FDA regulates commercial pet food and treats and requires the listing of ingredients. However, in some cases, harmful ingredients are still included in pet foods. Many dry pet foods include preservatives and ingredients humans don't normally eat, so it's important to understand what the ingredients are. For pet food manufacturing companies, it's important to...

"Complete and Balanced" Pet Food According to the FDA

Like most pet owners, you likely know it's better to feed your dog or cat pet food rather than table scraps. While an occasional treat of "people food," like a piece of bacon or a bite of hamburger may be fine, eating too many table scraps may cause your pet to have an unbalanced diet. You can determine if a pet food meets your pet's nutritional needs by...

Protecting Pets from the Threat of Mycotoxins

Pet Food companies worldwide are working towards constantly improving and maximizing the quality of their product. The problematic topic of mycotoxin contamination in pet feed is quickly becoming a major cause for concern.

Feeding the Need for Transparency

Selling pet food products that are labeled as natural isn't enough to build a repeat clientele looking to ensure the health of their pets.

Tips for Starting Your Own Dog Treat Business

Driven by a spate of mass-produced commercial dog food recalls together with a general appreciation of the health and wellness benefits of a healthier diet for our pets, the consumer demand for natural or organic dog food products is experiencing a significant uptick.

Choosing a Dog Food

Your dog adds so much to your life, and you want to feed him a healthy food, but with all of the choices out there, how do you know which food is best?

Ocean County Animal Search Group Seeks Pet Food Donations

We all think about making sure those in need have food and a decent meal at Thanksgiving.The folks behind Lost Dog Search & Rescue are trying to ensure our four-legged friends have food as well. The group is holding a pet food drive this Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Rub-A-Dub Dog Wash at 2008 Rt 37 East, Toms River.

The American Feed Industry Association Welcomes Its New Director

The American Feed Industry Association is excited to welcome Paul Davis, Ph.D., as its new director of quality, animal food safety and education. Davis joined AFIA on July 31. Davis will oversee AFIA's Safe Feed/Safe Food certification programs, as well as the association's education and training courses that are designed to enhance the industry's ability to produce feed efficiently and safely.

The Ins and Outs Of How to Make Your Own Dog Food

You spend time meal prepping and eating healthy so you feel your best. What about Fido's dish? He must get so bored eating the same boring store-bought food day in and day out. New Jersey Feed Lab is going to help teach you a few new tricks to keep your pet healthy and strong. Begin with these four tips: find a good recipe, prepare the recipe, and add the right supplements. Lastly, make sure the diet is working for your pup. Upon completion send a sample of your savory meal to NJFL so they can do a nutritional analysis for Fido's new tasty treat.

Quality Assurance in Animal Feed Testing Laboratories

Every sector of the livestock industry, the associated services and the well being of both animals and humans are influenced by animal feeding. Proper animal feeding is the supply of a diet balanced in all nutrients and free from deleterious components, at level that meets the production objective, considering the animal's physiological state, and generatesanimal products that are safe for human consumption. The availability of accurate, reliable and reproducible analytical data is imperative for proper feed formulation.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Ingredients & Additives

Animal Feed Regulations

The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is a part of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This organization is involved in a broad range of agency activities ranging from pre-approving additives for use in feed, to establishing limits on feed contaminants, providing education and training to federal and state feed regulatory personnel, conducting inspections, and taking enforcement actions to ensure compliance with agency regulations.

Pet Food Regulations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Oct. 25 issued its major proposed rule to establish requirements for current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) and hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls that would apply to domestic and imported animal feed, pet food, and raw materials and ingredients used in such products.

Diet Formulation

A laboratory animal's nutritional status influences its ability to reach its genetic potential for growth, reproduction, and longevity and to respond to pathogens and other environmental stresses. A nutritionally balanced diet is important both for the welfare of laboratory animals and to ensure that experimental results are not biased by unintended nutritional factors.

What's The Feed Composition Value of That Cattle Feed?

Nutrition research spanning more than 100 years has defined the nutrients required by animals. Using this information, diets can be formulated from feeds and ingredients to meet these requirements with the expectation that animals will remain healthy, productive and efficient. The ultimate goal of feed analysis is to predict the productive response of animals when fed diets of a given nutrient composition.

2006 Feed Composition

Nutrition research spanning more than a century has defined the nutrients required by animals. With such data, diets can be formulated to meet these requirements with the expectation that animals will not only remain healthy but productive and efficient.

Pet Food Business

Getting into the pet food (products for dogs and cats) business means complying with all the local, state and federal regulations that apply to such a business. This website is designed to help you get started down the right path.

Who is AOAC?

AOAC INTERNATIONAL is a globally recognized, 501(c)(3), independent, third party, not-for-profit association and voluntary consensus standards developing organization founded in 1884.

Food Analysis Methods

Despite efforts over the past half-century, there is still a need for internationally harmonized methods and data. In fact, the development of new methods for analyzing specific components of energy-yielding macronutrients has increased the complexity and made this need greater than ever.

Animal Proteins

The rendering industry has been and continues to be closely integrated with animal and meat production in countries where these industries are well established. On a global perspective, rendering provides an important service to society and the animal feeding industries by processing approximately 60 million tons per year of animal by-products derived from the meat and animal production industries. Without the rendering industry, the accumulation of unprocessed animal byproducts would impede the meat industries and pose a serious potential hazard to animal and human health.

Nutritional Labeling

All pet food labels require a guaranteed analysis on the label to advise the purchaser of the product’s nutrient content. At minimum, guarantees are required for minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.

Feed Contaminants

CVM may prohibit any detectable amount of a contaminant or establish a regulatory limit for the contaminant. Action is based on the protection of the public health, the extent to which the presence of the contaminant cannot be avoided, and other ways in which the consumer may be affected by the contaminant.

Food Safety Modernization

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the most sweeping reform of our food safety laws in more than 70 years, was signed into law by President Obama on January 4, 2011. FSMA aims to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination of the food supply to preventing it.

Medicated Feeds

Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 515 (21 CFR 515) requires certain medicated feed mills to be licensed with FDA. Licensed facilities are allowed to manufacture animal feeds from Category II, Type A medicated articles.

An Entrepreneur Turned His Pet Food Startup Into A Viral Website With More Than A Million Visitors A Day

In 2010, Alex Zhardanovsky and Joe Speiser started an e-commerce website called Petflow, which sold pet food, treats and supplies. Petflow raised $15 million in venture capital funding from investors like Lightspeed Venture Partners.