Dog food types
How do I know if a dog food is AAFCO approved?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
AAFCO does not actually approve or certify individual dog foods, it sets nutrient profiles that manufacturers can formulate against or test through feeding trials, so what you are really checking for is a statement on the label saying the food meets AAFCO nutrient profiles or was tested through AAFCO feeding trial protocols for a specific life stage.
Why AAFCO approved is a myth on packaging
AAFCO, the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is a standard-setting body, not a certification agency, so no legitimate label will say AAFCO approved, and any product claiming this should raise a question about its labeling accuracy.
What the real statement looks like
Look for wording such as this food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for a named life stage, or that it has undergone AAFCO feeding trials, which is a stronger validation since it tests the food in actual dogs rather than only by nutrient calculation.
What to do if the statement is missing
A food with no nutritional adequacy statement at all, or one labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, is not intended as a complete diet, and this should factor into whether it is appropriate as your dog's primary food.
Key takeaways
- AAFCO sets nutrient standards but does not certify or approve individual products.
- Look for a specific adequacy statement naming the life stage the food is formulated or tested for.
- A feeding trial statement is a stronger validation than formulation by calculation alone.