Find three details in the small print
AAFCO's consumer guide explains that adequacy statements identify the intended animal and life stage, with different wording for formulation and feeding-test substantiation.
- Look on the side or back of the pack for the nutritional adequacy statement. Copy the whole statement rather than just a front-of-pack claim.
- Underline dog or cat, then the stated life stage: gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance or all life stages. Keep that information beside your pet's age and species when comparing packs.
- Record whether the statement describes formulation to nutrient profiles, feeding tests, or comparison with a feeding-tested product. These are different bases for a claim.
Try a two-pack comparison
These are simplified, invented examples for practising the check. They are not product tests or recommendations.
Pack A
Your notes say: dog; adult maintenance; formulation to nutrient profiles. You still need the exact product name and feeding directions.
Pack B
Your notes say: cat; growth; feeding tests. It answers a different species and life-stage question from Pack A.
- The different statements do not produce a universal winner. Ask the manufacturer or your veterinary team about an unclear statement or your pet's particular needs.
Separate adequacy from an app result
Keep a photo of the statement with your comparison notes. It answers a different question from an ingredient explanation.
- Intermittent or supplemental feeding wording is different from a complete-diet claim. Read the intended use instead of treating every pack as a sole diet.
- A NutriPet ingredient grade does not establish nutritional completeness or whether the food suits an individual pet.
- For a UK pack, use our complete-or-complementary label guides instead of looking for a US statement.
FAQ
Does an AAFCO statement mean AAFCO approved this brand?
No. AAFCO develops model standards and does not approve individual pet food brands. Read what the statement actually claims.
Can the front of the pack replace this check?
No. Record the adequacy statement, species and life stage separately from the marketing description.
Sources
NutriPet editorial reviewEvidence library