WHAT IS PET FOOD ANALYSIS? 

Pet food analysis is the process of analyzing pet food to obtain nutrient values for labeling and formulation purposes. Traditionally, Guaranteed Analysis (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture) was the gold standard. However, with the implementation of AAFCO’s Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) framework in January 2024, pet food manufacturers must now prepare for the new Pet Nutrition Facts label requirements. 

NEW LABELING REQUIREMENTS UNDER AAFCO PET FOOD LABEL MODERNIZATION (PFLM)

With the transition to AAFCO’s new Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) framework, the updated requirements introduce the Pet Nutrition Facts label format, which expands beyond the traditional Guaranteed Analysis panel. In addition to crude protein, crude fat, and moisture, manufacturers must now include:

• Total dietary fiber (replaces crude fiber)
• Calculated carbohydrates
• Calories expressed in familiar household units
• Serving size
• The amount of calories from protein, fat, and carbohydrates
• Required minerals (as outlined in AAFCO Nutritional Profiles)

AAFCO has provided a multi-year implementation period, approximately six years from the January 2024 effective date, allowing products to continue using the traditional Guaranteed Analysis during the transition. 

RL Labs supports both traditional Guaranteed Analysis testing and full PFLM compliance. In addition to performing the required analytical testing, we are one of the few laboratories that generates the fully formatted, AAFCO-compliant Pet Nutrition Facts label using proprietary software. This allows manufacturers to receive both the laboratory data and the finished label output in one streamlined process. 

NEW PET NUTRITION FACTS LABEL UNDER PFLM

To help our clients meet these new standards, RL Labs is proud to be one of the only laboratories offering the creation of a fully compliant AAFCO label formulated to align with AAFCO's Pet Food Label Modernization requirements. 

This label includes all required calculations and testing to meet AAFCO’s nutritional adequacy standards dependent on the Nutritional Profile of your pet food, supplement, or treat. Under PFLM, certain nutrient profiles must meet nutritional adequacy baselines, depending on their intended use and the life stage and species they are for. 

While many laboratories provide the analytical testing required for label development, few offer the finalized, formatted AAFCO-compliant Pet Nutrition Facts label. RL Labs has developed proprietary software to accurately generate the new compliant format, making us one of the only laboratories to currently offer this service. 

LABEL CLAIMS AND AAFCO COMPLIANCE 

Similar to human dietary supplements, pet food label claims must be supported by testing data. Unsupported claims can lead to regulatory action against your product if it is not found to meet the claims.

We recommend reviewing all intended label claims before testing begins to ensure appropriate analyses are included.

Examples of claims that require substantiation through testing include:

• Omega-3 or Omega-6 content
• Taurine levels
• Glucosamine or joint support claims
• Skin and coat support
• Life-stage claims (growth, adult maintenance, all life stages)
• Mineral or vitamin fortification claims

HOW ARE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ENFORCED FOR PET FOOD? 

Pet food is regulated by State Departments of Agriculture and the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). These agencies oversee pet food safety and labeling under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Manufacturers are required to:

• Meet label nutrient claims and declarations
• Implement Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
• Establish preventive controls
• Conduct hazard analysis
• Test for pathogens, microbes, heavy metals, and mycotoxins when applicable

Manufacturers are legally responsible for ensuring products are safe, not adulterated, and accurately labeled. For state-specific regulations, contact your state feed control official.

Ingredient Listing under AAFCO: 

• All ingredients must be listed (even if present in trace amounts)
• Ingredients must be referred to by the correct AAFCO name
• Ingredients are ordered in descending order based on their weight prior to processing
• Ingredients that are included at 2% or less can be listed in any order
• Preservative containing ingredients have specific labeling rules

For exact labeling requirements under AAFCO click here. 

SHELF LIFE TESTING FOR PET FOOD 

We offer both real time and accelerated shelf life testing options for pet food, for more information on these services, see our shelf life testing options here.

FOOD SAFETY TESTING FOR PET FOOD

Food safety testing for pet food is incredibly important to ensure that not only pets, but also the people and other animals they come into contact with, are not exposed to harmful bacteria or pathogens.

Food safety testing helps identify harmful pathogens, contaminants, and other hazards that could result in illness, recalls, or regulatory enforcement.

Foods that safety testing is especially important for: 

Food Safety Testing is especially critical for:

• Raw pet food
• Freeze-dried products
• Treats
• Products containing animal-derived ingredients.

For food safety testing options click here.

HEAVY METAL TESTING FOR PET FOOD

Heavy metal testing is important because trace amounts of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury can enter products through raw ingredients such as fish, organ meats, grains, vegetables, and mineral premixes. While some minerals are nutritionally required, excessive levels of toxic heavy metals may pose health risks to pets. Click here to learn more about heavy metal testing.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR PET HAS CONSUMED A TAINTED PRODUCT 

If you believe your pet consumed a contaminated product:

1. Contact the manufacturer immediately
2. Check the FDA pet food recall database
3. Contact the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Due to chain-of-custody limitations, third-party testing of consumer-held samples may not support legal action. However, we can provide food safety testing upon request.