As pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our furry companions, and choosing the right pet food and products is a crucial aspect of their well-being. However, navigating the sea of buzzwords in the pet industry can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll break down common terms like “holistic,” “grass-fed,” “natural,” and more, providing insight into what they mean and when manufacturers can use them based on guidance from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
![](https://braxtons.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pet-food-buzzwords-1-600x200.png)
Holistic:
- Definition: Holistic pet food is formulated to support the overall health and well-being of your pet. It takes into account the pet’s physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
- AAFCO Guidance: The term “holistic” doesn’t have a specific definition or standard set by AAFCO. Manufacturers may use it as a marketing term to imply a comprehensive approach to pet nutrition.
What “Holistic” means to Braxton’s: At Braxton’s, we firmly believe that a nutritious diet, comprising of high-quality ingredients, holds the key to addressing most of the ailments our beloved pets may encounter, ensuring they lead long and joyful lives. Rest assured, all the brands we carry at Braxton’s have undergone meticulous vetting to meet our stringent quality standards, ones that we would personally recommend for our own furry companions.
Grass-Fed:
- Definition: Pet foods labeled as “grass-fed” indicate that the primary protein source (usually meat) comes from animals that have been fed a diet primarily consisting of grass.
- AAFCO Guidance: There are no specific regulations for the term “grass-fed” in pet food. It’s important to research individual brands to understand their sourcing practices.
- If a product states “grass-fed” and “grass-finished” this implies that the cattle not only consumed grass but were also raised in a pasture environment, allowing them to graze on a variety of grass and forage. As a result, their diet was well-rounded and natural, which is a far superior method for cows to gain weight compared to low-quality grain-based diets that only contribute to fat accumulation. Consequently, the beef from grass-finished cows tends to be leaner in comparison to that from grain-finished cows.
Natural:
- Definition: “Natural” pet food contains ingredients that are minimally processed and free from artificial additives or preservatives.
- AAFCO Guidance: AAFCO defines “natural” as a feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal, or mined sources. It should not contain any chemically synthetic additives.
Grain-Free:
- Definition: Grain-free pet food excludes grains like rice, barley, oats, sorghum, wheat, corn, and soy. It is often marketed for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.
- AAFCO Guidance: While there is no specific definition for “grain-free,” it’s essential to ensure that alternative ingredients provide a balanced and complete diet.
- If you want to read the latest update from the FDA on grain-free diets having no correlation to Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) you can read that here on the FDA’s website.
![](https://braxtons.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Adoption-Program-Marketing-600x600.png)
Eco-Friendly or Sustainable:
- Definition: Eco-friendly pet products and food aim to minimize their environmental impact through sustainable sourcing, packaging, and manufacturing.
- AAFCO Guidance: The term “eco-friendly” is not specifically regulated by AAFCO. It’s advisable to look for third-party certifications or detailed information on a brand’s sustainability practices.
- Some third-party certifications for pet food sustainability are: The Marine Stewardship Council, Pet Sustainability Coalition, and being a Certified B Corp.
Super Foods:
- Definition: Pet foods containing “superfoods” include ingredients rich in nutrients and antioxidants, such as blueberries, kale, and chia seeds.
- AAFCO Guidance: “Superfoods” is a marketing term, and there are no specific regulations. Pet parents should still focus on the overall nutritional balance of the diet.
- When you come across a food product that claims to contain “superfoods,” it’s important to refer to the ingredient panel to determine the actual quantity of those ingredients in the food. Keep in mind that salt can only account for 1% of any manufactured pet food. So, if you notice blueberries listed after salt on the ingredient panel, it’s safe to assume that there’s probably just one blueberry in the entire bag…
![](https://braxtons.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/nutro-2-535x600.png)
This is a prime example of a food product that boasts the inclusion of superfoods like whole grains, chia seeds, coconut, kale, pumpkin, spinach, blueberries, apples, and carrots. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that most of these ingredients are listed after salt in the ingredient lineup, so their quantities in each bag is minimal.
![](https://braxtons.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ingredients-2-600x117.png)
No Fillers:
- Definition: “No fillers” implies that the pet food does not contain inexpensive, low-nutrient ingredients added to bulk up the product.
- AAFCO Guidance: While “fillers” is not an official term, pet food labels must list ingredients by weight, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
- Fillers in dog food are ingredients with low or no nutritional value. They are added primarily to increase volume and lower production costs. However, these inexpensive fillers often lack the necessary nutrients that dogs need. They serve as substitutes for more nutritious components, but fail to provide adequate nutrition.
- It’s important to understand what ingredients are “filler” in pet food so you can reference the ingredients label to see if their are truly no filler ingredients in the food. Common filler ingredients are corn, wheat, and soy.
Cage-Free, Free-Range, Humanely Raised:
- Definition: These terms refer to the living conditions and treatment of animals before harvesting for pet food.
- AAFCO Guidance: While AAFCO does not regulate these terms, they are more common in the context of human food. Look for additional certifications or information from manufacturers to verify their sourcing practices.
- Although AAFCO does not actively regulate these terms, it is the human side of the food industry that oversees them. The key distinction between free-range and cage-free animals lies in their living conditions. Free-range animals have access to the outdoors, whereas cage-free animals are kept indoors and not confined to pens.
Human Grade:
![](https://braxtons.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Honest-Kitchen-products-600x450.jpg)
- Definition: “Human grade” implies that the pet food meets the same standards as food produced for human consumption.
- To be classified as “human-grade dog food,” all ingredients must be suitable for human consumption, and the food must comply with federal regulations for manufacturing and packaging. This ensures the highest quality and safety standards for our furry friends.
- AAFCO Guidance: While there is no official definition for “human grade,” AAFCO suggests that the use of such terms may require compliance with additional regulations for human food.
Braxton’s Most Popular “Human-Grade” Pet Food: The Honest Kitchen
Understanding pet food buzzwords empowers pet parents to make informed choices for their furry friends. While AAFCO provides guidance on certain terms, it’s essential to dig deeper into individual brands, their sourcing practices, and nutritional profiles. By being vigilant consumers, we can ensure that our pets receive the best possible nutrition while navigating the complexities of the pet food industry.
Leave a Reply