Focus on nutrition--U.S. pet food regulation: hot topics.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Amendments Act of 2007 mandates promulgation of new federal regulations regarding processing, ingredient, and labeling standards for pet foods. Veterinary organizations have submitted comments to assist FDA in this matter. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is also considering changes that will affect state regulation of pet foods, including revision of the AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles and feeding trial protocols, an American College of Veterinary Nutrition proposal to mandate calorie content statements on all dog and cat food labels, and new Good Manufacturing Practices regulations for all animal feeds.