What is AAFCO?

AAFCO is the American Association of Feed Control Officials. AAFCO is a private, nonprofit corporation that puts forward a process for determining ingredient definitions and nutrient requirements in pet food and animal feed across the United States.

What are AAFCO Guidelines?

AAFCO guidelines include a set of nutrient profiles that pet food companies are advised to follow based on the animal's life stage. The macronutrient and micronutrients below have required minimum nutrient levels that dog food should meet for adult maintenance diets. Another set of guidelines exist for dogs who require reproduction and growth diets.

AAFCO Guidelines for Adult Maintenance Diets (Based on Dry Matter)

• Protein 18% (minimum)
• Sources of protein must contain all 10 essential amino acids
• Fat 5.5% (minimum)
• Regulated Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium

Regulated Vitamins: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin B12, choline

What does it mean to be AAFCO approved?

This term is slightly misleading as AAFCO doesn’t directly test products to issue a stamp of approval. For dogs, meals should be formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance, Growth (puppies), and Reproduction (breeding). Pet food companies are responsible for utilizing outside parties to test their products and ensure they meet AAFCO’s guidelines. This is done through laboratory analysis and/or feeding trials. Chippin lab tests each batch of food to ensure that it complies with AAFCO guidelines. Although there are no guidelines set forth for treats by AAFCO, Chippin also lab tests each batch of treats to ensure they hit the proper nutritional requirements and are free from harmful heavy metals and microbial contaminants. We work with our Board Certified Veterinarian to check each treat nutritional levels too!

Does your Cricket Daily Food meet AAFCO nutrition guidelines?

Our human-grade Cricket Daily Food meets AAFCO’s protein requirements and contains all 10 essential amino acids that dogs need. When combined with other natural ingredients like whole fruits, grains, and vegetables, as well as necessary vitamins and minerals, Chippin Cricket Daily Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance. It is one of the most environmentally friendly pet foods on the market, while also being easy to digest, delicious, and free of common allergens.