Breaking down pet food modernization

WASHINGTON — Pet owners and industry may soon notice some important changes to the labels on dog and cat food packages. In the coming months and years, the US pet food industry will undergo a significant transition to updated labeling standards. These new standards are designed to enhance transparency, improve the accuracy of the information presented, and help pet owners better understand the nutritional content of the food they are purchasing.

Ultimately, the goal is to bring pet food labeling more closely in line with the well-established practices used in the human food industry, ensuring pet owners have access to clearer and more meaningful data to continue making informed dietary choices for their pets.

Pat Tovey, vice president of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the Pet Food Institute.

| Source: Pet Food Institute

The updated pet food labels will include a variety of changes intended to make the information easier to understand and more scientifically accurate, including:

• One of the most noticeable updates is the use of more direct language regarding the intended use of the food, such as whether it is meant to maintain the health of adult pets, promote growth in kittens and puppies, or is suitable for pets in all life stages.
• The ingredient statement will also be revised to improve clarity, which will provide pet owners with a clearer understanding of exactly what is in the product.
• A modernized nutrition facts panel will be introduced, designed to resemble the format commonly used on human food packaging, making it more familiar and user-friendly for consumers.
• Among the most significant changes is the replacement of “crude fiber” with “total dietary fiber” on the label. Crude fiber is a method that measures only a portion of the insoluble fiber in pet food, without accounting for the soluble fiber that also plays an important role in digestive health. By switching to total dietary fiber, which includes both soluble and insoluble fiber, the new labels will offer a much more complete and scientifically accurate picture of a product’s fiber content. This update aligns pet food with current human nutrition standards and reflects a more modern understanding of fiber’s role in overall health.
• The revised labels will now include specific information about the levels of protein, fat and carbohydrates in the pet food. Importantly, total dietary fiber will be clearly indicated as a component of total carbohydrates, providing more comprehensive nutritional information. These additions will help pet owners more effectively evaluate the macronutrient profile of the food and choose products that best meet the unique dietary needs of their pets.

To support this transition, the Pet Food Institute (PFI), through its Nutrition Subcommittee, has developed a detailed white paper that outlines and explains the upcoming changes. This resource offers valuable context and background information to help industry professionals and consumers alike understand the reasons behind the new labeling standards and what to expect on new labels.

For more information, please visit PFI’s comprehensive resource page on the Pet Food Label Modernization initiative. It features the full Industry White Paper on “Understanding the Importance of Total Dietary Fiber,” along with additional resources, including a handout displaying the new label formats and recordings of informational webinars.