Labeling of pet foods must following a slew of regulations. Everything from font size of the name of the pet food to particulars of how the product is named. One regulation in particular could be being ignored by some Purina Pet Foods.
AAFCO (Association of Feed Control Officials) Regulation PF4 Expression of Guarantees, section (f), states “The maximum moisture declared on a pet food or specialty pet food label shall not exceed 78.00% or the natural moisture content of the ingredients, whichever is higher. However, pet food and specialty pet food such as, but not limited to, those consisting principally of stew, gravy, sauce, broth, aspic, juice, or a milk replacer, and which are so labeled, may contain moisture in excess of 78.00%.”
In pet owner language, this means that if a pet food contains more than 78% moisture – as stated in the Guaranteed Analysis – the pet food must be labeled as ‘in gravy’, or ‘stew’, or ‘with sauce’.
As example…(bold added)
Purina ProPlan Chicken, Tomato & Pasta Entree in Gravy Cat Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%. This pet food includes ‘in Gravy’ in the product title because the moisture content is above 78%.
However, below is a list of numerous other Purina ProPlan pet foods that are above 78% moisture that do not include ‘in Gravy’ in the product title…
1. Beef & Chicken Entree Cat Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 80%
2. Chicken & Rice Entree Cat Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 80%
3. Salmon & Rice Entree Cat Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: 80% Moisture
4. Tuna Entree Cat Food Can
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 80%
5. Turkey & Rice Entree
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 80%
6. Weight Management Turkey & Rice Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
7. Weight Management Turkey & Vegetables Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
8. Beef & Potato Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
9. Beef & Vegetables Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
10. Chicken & Potato Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
11. Chicken & Vegetables Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
12. Lamb & Vegetables Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
13. Large Breed Beef & Rice Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
14. Large Breed Chicken & Rice Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
15. Turkey & Vegetables Entree Dog Food
The Guaranteed Analysis states: Moisture 82%
I have reported this possible out of compliance issue to AAFCO’s Compliance Specialist Liz Higgins, and Feed Labeling Committee Chair Ricky Shroeder. Mr Shroeder promptly responded stating that his state (Texas) will “review the information and take appropriate action.” When I asked if as a state Feed Control Official he finds that these foods are out of compliance, he shared “We are limited to what information we can distribute. I will provide what I can.”
As well, this information was shared with Eric Nelson of FDA. Mr. Nelson responded almost immediately and advised me to report the issue to my Florida Feed Control Official. Which has been done; I am waiting to hear from my Florida pet food official.
Many, many thanks to Eric Nelson and Ricky Shroeder for their assistance and responding so quickly.
Again, it has not been confirmed that these pet food labels are out of compliance. It could be that the actual product on store shelves include the gravy/stew/sauce statement (though product images on the Purina website do not). I will update this when/if I learn more information.
Should you see a canned pet food, with a moisture level above 78% (in the Guaranteed Analysis) but the name of the food does not include stew, gravy, or sauce – please report this to your State Department of Agriculture Feed Control Official. Together we can help to make sure at least some of pet foods regulations are abided by.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
PetsumerReport.com
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