Thanks to AAFCO, we consumers have some protection against misleading dog food labels. It doesn't do us any good though, unless we take the time to learn the rules and how they apply to the wording on labels. Subtle differences in the title arrangement, and word order can make a big difference in what the dog food actually contains. One important item to note: all rules pertain only to the solid components of the food, not the moisture.
Titles and Meanings
Chicken for Dogs: Chicken is the first word in this name, and it's not paired with any other words that through the meaning off (such as "dinner" or "flavor"), so in order to meet the AAFCO regulations, this dog food must actually contain 95% chicken.
Turkey and Chicken Dog Food: By calling it Turkey and Chicken dog food (and nothing else), you are safe expecting that this dog food is made up of 95% turkey and chicken combined, with the chicken content being slightly less than the turkey (as turkey is listed first).
Chicken Nuggets for Dogs: The word "nuggets" is a qualifier that many dog food companies can use. Because this name has the word "nuggets" in its title, the chicken in the food is going to be less than 95% of the total ingredients, but must be at least 25%. Other qualifying words that let companies get away with less meat are "dinner", "formula", and "platter". You may notice that a food with this name doesn't even have any chicken in the top three ingredients!
Chicken Flavor Dog Food: The word "flavor" makes all the difference here. According to the AAFCO regulations, there must only be enough "chicken" to add an actual flavor to the dog food. It could be chicken fat, or chicken broth, or chicken by-products, and it could be a very small amount.
Dog Food with Chicken: Dog foods "with" anything are only required to contain 3% of that item. Dog food "with" chicken, or "with" beef, must only have 3% of chicken or beef in the ingredients. What a difference the order of words makes!
More Dogs Quick Tips
Titles and Meanings
Chicken for Dogs: Chicken is the first word in this name, and it's not paired with any other words that through the meaning off (such as "dinner" or "flavor"), so in order to meet the AAFCO regulations, this dog food must actually contain 95% chicken.
Turkey and Chicken Dog Food: By calling it Turkey and Chicken dog food (and nothing else), you are safe expecting that this dog food is made up of 95% turkey and chicken combined, with the chicken content being slightly less than the turkey (as turkey is listed first).
Chicken Nuggets for Dogs: The word "nuggets" is a qualifier that many dog food companies can use. Because this name has the word "nuggets" in its title, the chicken in the food is going to be less than 95% of the total ingredients, but must be at least 25%. Other qualifying words that let companies get away with less meat are "dinner", "formula", and "platter". You may notice that a food with this name doesn't even have any chicken in the top three ingredients!
Chicken Flavor Dog Food: The word "flavor" makes all the difference here. According to the AAFCO regulations, there must only be enough "chicken" to add an actual flavor to the dog food. It could be chicken fat, or chicken broth, or chicken by-products, and it could be a very small amount.
Dog Food with Chicken: Dog foods "with" anything are only required to contain 3% of that item. Dog food "with" chicken, or "with" beef, must only have 3% of chicken or beef in the ingredients. What a difference the order of words makes!
