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In 2025, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has made important updates to the pet food labeling guidelines for the sake of transparency, consistency, and consumer understanding. These changes align pet food labels more closely with human food labeling standards, making it easier for the average interested pet owner to decide on the best nutrition for their pets. Though mostly applicable to the U.S. market, these updates are also filtering into other countries, Canada being one of them, in line with the global trend toward clearer and more consistent labeling. A breakdown of the primary updates will follow and their implications on pet food labeling. [1]

AAFCO’s Revised Ingredient Definitions for Pet Food Labeling

Regulation, Latest News . May 08, 2025

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In 2025, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has made important updates to the pet food labeling guidelines for the sake of transparency, consistency, and consumer understanding. These changes align pet food labels more closely with human food labeling standards, making it easier for the average interested pet owner to decide on the best nutrition for their pets. Though mostly applicable to the U.S. market, these updates are also filtering into other countries, Canada being one of them, in line with the global trend toward clearer and more consistent labeling. A breakdown of the primary updates will follow and their implications on pet food labeling. [1]

1. Standardized Nutrition Facts Box

The most significant new change is the mandatory “Pet Nutrition Facts” box, which are very similar to the Nutrition Facts panels found on human food labels. This box will allow consumers to better understand standardized values of key nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, and moisture content. It will also include calorie content per serving, making it easy for pet owners to compare products and determine portion sizes.

Example of the Nutrition Facts box:

Nutrient

Guaranteed Analysis

Amount per Cup

Protein (min)

26%

20.8g

Fat (min)

18%

14.4g

Total Carbohydrates

—

30g

Dietary Fiber (max)

4%

3.2g

Moisture (max)

10%

8g

Omega-3 Fatty Acids*

1.5%

1.2g

2. Ingredient Definitions Clarified

The ingredient definitions have been modified so that they will be clearer on the labels. Some examples are:

  • Meat, poultry, and fish: This must specify the species instead of “poultry”—i.e., “chicken.”
  • Sugars and sweeteners: Must specify the common name—i.e., “sucrose,” not “sugar.”
  • Vitamin and mineral premixes: This must disclose its individual components.

This change in wording used for the intended recipient would furnish the consumer with a better sense of what constituted the ingredients of its food for its pets, to the end that clarity has been attained and ambiguity avoided.

For example, instead of “meat by-products,” a label will specify whether it is “chicken liver” or “beef heart.”

3. Enhanced Label Claims and Descriptors

The terms “natural,” “organic,” and “human-grade” have also standardized during AAFCO. This is what they now mean:

  • Natural: Ingredients should be sourced from plants, animals, or the earth and minimally processed.
  • Organic: Must comply with USDA organic regulations.
  • Human-Grade: All ingredients and processing methods must meet human food standards.

It clarifies misleading claims and strengthens the premise that labels for pet food will represent the quality and the source of ingredients.

4. Improved Storage and Handling Instructions

Storage and handling instructions, ritually prescribed and standardized, always appear on labels in pet foods, sufficing to ensure safety and quality of the product. These offer guidance on the correct method of storing the food after opening to keep it fresh and to prevent spoilage. [2] [3]

Example: “Store in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening and use within 7 days.”

5. Intended Use Statement

The other major change is the inclusion of the word “complete” on the front panel of pet food labels that are AAFCO-certified for being complete and balanced. The full statement must then designate the intended species and any limitations on life stage and/or size: “Complete Adult Cat Food” or “Complete Food for Puppies (< 70 lb. as an adult).” The “complete” statement must be equal to or greater than the size of the net weight statement and should use the same font style.

The veterinarians should recommend that complete food formulated for the species, life stage, and size of the pet provide at least 90% of its daily calorie intake to ensure proper nutrition.

Revised Ingredient Definitions for Pet Food Labeling-blog image -FRL

Foods that are not complete shall not use the word “complete” and are meant to be described as either “veterinary diet,” “treat,” or “food supplement.” New descriptive terms such as “food mixer” refer to the gravy-type foods that are attractive to pets by adding taste but not offering any nutritional value. Food mixers and treats should not exceed 10% of a pet’s daily caloric intake. [4]

Impact on Stakeholders

For Manufacturers: What You Need to Know

Manufacturers will have to redesign their labels in line with the newly prescribed requirements. This would spell the presence of the standardized nutrition facts box, revising ingredient listings, and ensuring that all claims would be compliant with the new standards. As well, ingredients will now have to be more stringently scrutinized so that they can meet the clarified definitions. Although the transition would involve some initial expense, the long-term views are that they will enhance consumer confidence and create market opportunities for products bearing such attributes.

For Consumers: Benefits of the New Labeling Standards

From the latest changes, pet owners can benefit in a few areas:

  • Transparency: Clearer information about what’s in the food.
  • Informed choices: Better comparison is now possible between products through standard nutritional information.

In clearer, more consistent labeling, pet owners will henceforth be able to make better choices on what goes into their pets’ bodies to promote better health and well-being. [5] [6]

Comparative Overview: Old vs. New Labeling Standards

Aspect Previous Standard 2025 Revision
Nutrition Information Variable formats Standardized “Pet Nutrition Facts” box
Ingredient Listings Generic terms allowed Specific ingredient identification (e.g., “chicken liver” instead of “meat by-products”)
Label Claims Inconsistent definitions Standardized definitions (e.g., “natural,” “organic”)
Storage Instructions Optional or vague Mandatory and standardized

Key Changes in Pet Food Labeling: A Broader Perspective

  1. Familiar Household Units (FHUs):

Familiar Household Units (FHUs) are a new term created by AAFCO to reframe the existing term known as “serving size.” FHUs are just those that function sort of like a can, a measuring cup, or a set number of treats, with the weight listed in grams. Such standardization would make portion control easier and improve overall consistency between products.

  1. Calorie Standard:

All total calories up per the FHU will be displayed, with a breakdown of calories from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Traditional “kilocalorie metabolizable energy (kcal ME)” will be replaced by food calories (1 food calorie=1 kcal). Thus, it will eliminate confusion for pet owners regarding calorie counts.

  1. Feeding Guidelines:

Nutrient amounts were classified into “very low” to “very high” by AAFCO for some important nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber. Pet owners may be able to choose nutritionally appropriate diets based on their comparative needs.[4]

Global Implications and Industry Response

The announcement is primarily US-based, but at the same time, it is indicative of the overall trend towards increased transparency and clarity in several pet food labels around the globe. Similarly, in other countries like Canada guidelines are being established, until such time safety and care as to the labels of pet foods are maintained. Pet owners will enjoy clearer and more reliable pet food labels-comfort for all pet owners in the world.

Such changes also present a golden opportunity for the pet food industry to educate consumers. Clearer nutritional information will enable pet owners to better choose the correct products, potentially driving more informed marketing strategies and increasing customer trust. [5]

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