Frequently Asked Questions -- Asked by Cat and Pet Owners

Find out answers to some of your most general cat questions. This info is updated frequently.

A Consumers Guide to Pet Food:  Valuable Information for Cat and Pet Owners

(Credits:  Some of the following information was obtained from www.petfoodreport.com/#labels. ) Information provided by their website will be marked with a *. Please visit their website for further info.

General Information about Cat and Pet Food Labeling

According to the FDA, Pet food labeling is regulated at two levels. The federal regulations, enforced by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), establish standards applicable for all animal feeds: proper identification of product, net quantity statement, manufacturer's name and address, and proper listing of ingredients. Some states also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many states have adopted the model pet food regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These regulations are more specific in nature, covering aspects of labeling such as the product name, the guaranteed analysis, the nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and calorie statements.

   Click to learn more directly from the FDA

Proper Nutrition

*What does "complete and balanced" mean?

Unlike most foods for people, many pet food products are designed to be the sole source of nutrition for a pet dog or cat. Products that are labeled "complete and balanced," as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), have been tested to make sure they meet the complex nutritional requirements of a healthy dog or cat?

*What does it mean on a pet food label that a product has been tested using animal feeding trials?*

There are two ways a pet food company can test the nutrition of its products. One method is the use of standardized animal feeding trials, designed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), to make sure their products meet the complex nutritional requirements of dogs and cats. The animals in these tests are fed the food for six months and are closely monitored to make sure they stay healthy. A product using this test will have language similar to the following on the label - "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Nancy's Food for Dogs provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages."

*What other tests are done to make sure the pet food is good for my dog or cat?

In addition to feeding trials, many companies also use the nutritional profiles developed with the help of feeding trials to make sure their products meet the requirements of dogs and cats at their various stages in life. A product using this test would have language similar to this on the label - "Nancy's Food for Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages."

*Can I feed dog food to my cat?

Dogs and cats each have special dietary needs and should be fed the appropriate pet food. Cats should not eat dog food because it does not provide all the essential nutrients a healthy cat needs. In short, dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of a dog and cat food is designed to meet the needs of a cat.

*When a pet food label says it contains "beef" or "chicken" how much of the food is beef or chicken?

The ingredients in pet food are listed in descending order by weight from largest to smallest. For example, if chicken is the first ingredient on the label then the pet food contains more chicken than any other ingredient.

*What does the term "guaranteed analysis" mean?

"Guaranteed analysis" is a regulatory requirement for pet food that refers to minimum or maximum values of key nutrients, such as minimum protein and fat, as well as the maximum fiber and water content.

Pet Food Regulations

Pet food labeling is regulated at two levels. The federal regulations, enforced by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), establish standards applicable for all animal feeds: proper identification of product, net quantity statement, manufacturer's name and address, and proper listing of ingredients. Some states also enforce their own labeling regulations.

   Click to learn more directly from the FDA

Some states also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many states have adopted the model pet food regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These regulations are more specific in nature, covering aspects of labeling such as the product name, the guaranteed analysis, the nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and calorie statements.

   Click Here to learn more directly from AAFCO

*What is AAFCO and why is it listed on pet food labels?

"AAFCO" stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. AAFCO is a group of made up of state and federal officials who regulate pet food. For example, AAFCO defines the ingredients that can be used in pet food, establishes nutrition profiles for dogs and cats and sets the approved practices for conducting feeding trials.

Feeding Guidelines

*Why do I need to follow the feeding directions on a pet food package?

The feeding directions on pet food have been developed specifically for a particular food, taking into consideration a pet's breed, age and activity level. Feeding more or less based on experience with other products may not provide proper nutrition for your pet.

Pets, like some people, may eat too much if given the opportunity. Pet food feeding amounts are designed to prevent a pet dog or cat from eating too much food. Over consumption, like in people, can make a pet overweight and lead to health problems.

*Can I feed my dog table scraps?

Since pet food is designed to be the sole source of nutrition for a healthy dog or cat, supplementing a pet's diet with leftovers or with other foods for people is not necessary and may cause health problems. Many leftovers contain too much sugar, salt, fat or other ingredients that are not good for pets. Some foods, like chocolate for dogs and onions for cats, can actually make a pet very sick.

*What is the best way to change my pet's food?

If you decide to change your pet's diet, veterinarians recommend you do it slowly. Rapid changes in diet can cause upset stomach and other problems. When changing pet food, start by mixing some of the new food in with your pet's regular food. Over the next three to five days, gradually increase the amount of new pet food. After this transition, your pet should be more adjusted to the new food.

How do I know if my cat is overweight?  If my cat is overweight, should she go on a calorie restricted diet?

Your Vet will help you determine if your cat is overweight.  If your cat needs to lose weight, your veterinarian might advise a new cat food or your vet may recommend reducing the amount of cat food you feed.  Also, to avoid an overweight cat it is advisable to avoid feeding table scraps that might contain a lot of fat and sugar.

Pet Food Ingredients

Pet food manufacturers use a wide range of agricultural ingredients. These products include meat, poultry, seafood, feed grains and other agricultural products and products produced during food processing for human consumption.

Vitamins, minerals and preservatives are added as needed to assure that products provide total nutrition and remain wholesome during distribution and on the shelf. All ingredients used in pet food are approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the same agencies that regulate human foods.

*What are by-products?

By-products, simply put, are the parts of animals people do not normally eat.

Here's what the Animal Protection Institute has to say about by-products:

"The protein used in pet food comes from a variety of sources. When cattle, swine, chickens, lambs, or other animals are slaughtered, the choice cuts such as lean muscle tissue are trimmed away from the carcass for human consumption. However, about 50% of every food-producing animal does not get used in human foods. Whatever remains of the carcass -- bones, blood, intestines, lungs, ligaments, and almost all the other parts not generally consumed by humans -- is used in pet food, animal feed, and other products. These "other parts" are known as "by-products," "meat-and-bone-meal," or similar names on pet food labels."  Click Here Now for Full Report!

Keeping Felines Well-Nourished, Healthy and Happy.

Nutrition is an important step in keeping your cat healthy!   Healthy cats are happy cats!  It is a well known fact that well-nourished and well-cared for cats make less trips to the Vet. And, less vet trips to the vet saves you money.  Our precious four-legged friends depend upon the choices that we make for them.  They depend upon the choices we make for them to thrive and live a long, happy life. 

We hope that you will take this opportunity to check out our recommendation for a healthy cat food called Lifes Abundance Cat Food.  For example, each ingredient in Life's Abundance Cat Food is carefully selected to work in harmony with each of the other ingredients to give your cat the optimal nutrition it needs to live a longer, healthier life.  This is one food to seriously think about feeding your cat.