AAFCO Feeding Trials

How Are Pet Foods Tested?

When you see a pet food labeled as “complete” it means the company has followed at least one of the AAFCO-approved methods to ensure nutritional adequacy.  Only one, the AAFCO Feeding Trial, actually tests the finished food in live animals.  The other methods use database analyses or laboratory testing to validate nutrient profiles.

What Is the AAFCO Feeding Trial?

An AAFCO feeding trial is a live-animal test in which a group of healthy dogs or cats is fed only the product being tested, plus water, for a set period of time. The goal is to show that the food can maintain normal health (for adult diets) or support healthy pregnancy, nursing, and growth (for “all life stages” or “growth” diets). If the food passes the trial, the label can state that “this product meets the criteria for ______ life stage(s) as substantiated by completion of the appropriate AAFCO-recognized animal feeding protocol”.

Different Life Stages and the AAFCO Feeding Trials

Each stage needs its own trial.

Adult Maintenance: The trial requires a minimum of 8 healthy adult dogs or cats at least one year old.  It starts with a veterinary exam to confirm the animals are in good condition. Then they eat only the test food for 26 weeks, with free access to water and no other treats or foods. Their body weight is checked weekly and the amount fed is adjusted to maintain a normal body size and energy level.

At the end of the test period, at least 6 animals must finish the trial with no signs of nutrient deficiency or excess. A small panel of blood tests is run (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and taurine for cats) and each result must meet minimum or maximum values set by AAFCO. 

Gestation/Lactation: At least 8 pregnant females are enrolled before or at heat, starting with a veterinary exam. The animals are only fed the test food for 14 weeks with free access to water and no other treats or foods. The body weight is checked weekly and the amount fed is adjusted to maintain a normal body size and energy level. The animals are monitored through birth and early nursing while weights, litter size, survival, and any birth defects are tracked. 

At the end of the test period, at least 6 animals must finish the trial with no signs of nutrient deficiency or excess. A small panel of blood tests is run (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and taurine for cats) and each result must meet minimum or maximum values set by AAFCO. 

Growing Pups/Kits: At least 8 puppies/kittens from the previous gestation/lactation study will be used. Animals will start with a veterinary exam. The animals are only fed the test food for 10 weeks with free access to water and no other treats or foods. The body weight is checked weekly and the amount fed is adjusted to maintain normal growth and energy. 

At the end of the test period, at least 6 animals must finish the trial with no signs of nutrient deficiency or excess. A small panel of blood tests is run (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and taurine for cats) and each result must meet minimum or maximum values set by AAFCO. 

All life stages must meet all of the above (gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance). 

What Does the Feeding Trial Mean for You as the Pet Owner?

AAFCO feeding trials are one piece of the puzzle to figuring out what to feed your pet. They show that a finished pet food has at least supported normal health and growth in real animals under controlled conditions. However, feeding trials may involve a very small group of animals, very limited test durations, and only a narrow set of lab checks and clinical observations. 

When evaluating pet food options, Feeding Trial claims should be considered alongside ingredient quality, company transparency, your own pet’s body condition, energy, stool quality, and overall health.

As the pet owner you can evaluate first-hand how any given food performs in your pet and make adjustments as needed for optimal health and vibrance.