There’s no such thing as “AAFCO approved dog food.” AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials) writes the nutrient standards and labeling rules that most US pet foods follow, but it doesn’t test, approve or certify any product. What you should look for instead is the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the bag. This guide shows how to find it, what each wording means, and how to use it to pick a complete food.
“AAFCO approved” and “AAFCO certified” are marketing shorthand, not real seals. A good dog food says it is “complete and balanced” for your dog’s life stage, either because it was formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles or because it passed AAFCO feeding trials. Treats and toppers usually aren’t complete. The statement is a minimum standard, so also consider who makes the food and how it suits your dog.
Table of Contents
What Is AAFCO, and Is There AAFCO Approved Dog Food?
AAFCO is a voluntary association of state and federal feed regulators. It creates model regulations, ingredient definitions and the Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, which list the minimum (and some maximum) nutrient levels for growing and adult dogs. States then adopt those rules, and the FDA oversees pet food safety at the federal level.
In AAFCO’s own words on its Understanding Pet Food page, it “does not regulate, test, approve or certify pet food.” So when a website or bag claims a food is “AAFCO approved,” “AAFCO certified” or “AAFCO recommended,” what it usually means is that the food meets AAFCO nutrient standards. That’s useful information, but it isn’t an official stamp.
How to Read the AAFCO Statement on Dog Food Labels
Look for the nutritional adequacy statement, usually near the guaranteed analysis or feeding guide. According to AAFCO’s label guide, it comes in a few formats:
| What the Label Says | What It Means |
|---|---|
| “Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for…” | The recipe was designed (on paper and by lab analysis) to meet AAFCO minimums. The most common statement. |
| “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that… provides complete and balanced nutrition for…” | The food was fed to dogs in a standardized feeding trial and they stayed healthy. |
| “…comparable to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests” | A “family” product, similar to one that passed a feeding trial. |
| “Intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only” | Not complete. Fine as a topper or treat, but not as the whole diet. |
| No statement at all | Usually a treat, chew or snack; not meant to be a full diet. |
Life Stage: Growth, Adult or All Life Stages?
The statement also names a life stage, which matters as much as the “complete and balanced” wording:
- Adult maintenance: for healthy adult dogs. Not enough for puppies or pregnant dogs.
- Growth and reproduction: for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
- All life stages: meets the growth profile, so it’s suitable for puppies and adults. For adults, it’s often richer than they need, so portions matter.
- Large-size puppies: foods for growth or all life stages must say whether they’re suitable for puppies expected to weigh 70 lb (32 kg) or more as adults. Large-breed puppies need controlled calcium and calories; see our how much to feed a puppy guide.
Formulated vs. Feeding Trials: Which Is Better?
| Formulated to Meet | Feeding Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| How it’s proven | Recipe calculations and lab nutrient analysis | Dogs eat the food for a set period under AAFCO protocols |
| Strength | Confirms nutrient levels on paper | Shows dogs actually do well on it, including digestibility |
| Limitation | Doesn’t test how well dogs absorb nutrients | Short, small trials; doesn’t prove long-term health |
| Bottom line | Acceptable for most foods | A plus, especially for newer or unusual recipes |
Both are acceptable. Feeding trials add confidence, but neither guarantees a food is right for your dog.
Beyond AAFCO: What Else to Check
Even food marketed as “AAFCO approved dog food” only meets a minimum standard, not a mark of quality. The WSAVA guide to selecting a pet food suggests asking the manufacturer a few questions:
- Do you employ a full-time, qualified nutritionist (PhD in animal nutrition or board-certified veterinary nutritionist)?
- Who formulates your foods, and what are their credentials?
- Which of your diets have gone through AAFCO feeding trials?
- Where are your foods made, and what quality-control steps do you use?
- Can you give me the calorie content and full nutrient analysis of a food?
A company that answers clearly is a good sign. Also look at your own dog: steady weight, a healthy coat, good energy and firm stools on a food are strong evidence it works.
How to Switch to a New Complete Food
Once you’ve chosen a complete and balanced food, change over gradually to avoid stomach upset:
| Days | Old Food | New Food |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3-4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5-6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7+ | 0% | 100% |
Use the calorie content (kcal per cup) on the new bag to set portions, not the old scoop. Our dog calorie calculator and dog feeding chart can help.
The first thing to check on a dog food label? The AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement and the life stage.
Are feeding trials better than 'formulated to meet'? Feeding trials add confidence, but both are acceptable for most healthy dogs.
What about homemade diets? Use a recipe from a board-certified veterinary nutritionist; most online recipes aren't complete.
— Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM
AAFCO Labels: Quick Guide
✓ Do
- Find the nutritional adequacy statement
- Match the life stage to your dog
- Check large-breed puppy suitability
- Ask brands who formulates their food
✕ Don’t
- Trust “AAFCO approved” as a seal
- Feed “supplemental” foods as the whole diet
- Assume all life stages fits every adult
- Rely on online homemade recipes long term
Every dog is different. Dogs with health conditions may need a therapeutic diet chosen with their vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AAFCO certified dog food better?
There’s no AAFCO certification. Look for a food that states it’s complete and balanced according to AAFCO profiles or feeding trials for your dog’s life stage.
What are AAFCO recommended dog foods?
AAFCO doesn’t recommend brands. Any food with a valid nutritional adequacy statement for your dog’s life stage meets its standards.
Do all dog foods have to meet AAFCO standards?
Foods sold as complete and balanced must back that claim using AAFCO methods in most states. Treats and supplemental foods don’t need to be complete.
Are European dog foods AAFCO compliant?
Not necessarily. Europe uses FEDIAF nutrient guidelines, which are similar. Imported foods sold in the US should still carry a US-style statement.
Do AAFCO standards apply to fresh or raw dog food?
Yes. Fresh, frozen and raw foods sold as complete should carry the same statement. See our fresh food for dogs and raw food diet guides.
Who regulates dog food in the US?
The FDA regulates pet food safety and labeling at the federal level, and state feed officials enforce rules, many based on AAFCO models.
Want the bigger picture? Our dog food guide covers choosing a food, portions and homemade meals.
The Bottom Line
“AAFCO approved dog food” doesn’t exist, but the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement is still the single most useful line on the bag. Choose a food labeled complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage, check large-breed puppy suitability, and ask the brand who formulates it. Find more guides in our Dog Food section. This article is general information, not veterinary advice; see our Veterinary Disclaimer.
References & Sources
Written by CPD Nutrition Desk using the sources below. We are not affiliated with these organizations, and this guide is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
- AAFCO — Understanding Pet Food
- AAFCO — AAFCO's label guide
- WSAVA — WSAVA guide to selecting a pet food
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Pet food