David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

Are you ready for FSMA?

The final rule has been published—is your company prepared for the changes?

October 12, 2015

The final rule from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for implementation of preventive controls for animal feed (including pet food) under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was published in the Federal Register in September 2015.

How to file an Animal Food Additive Petition

FDA offers helpful advice to pet food industry

September 9, 2015

David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

In June 2015, the Center for Veterinary Medicine in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of Guidance for Industry #221.

AAFCO accepts revised Dog and Cat Nutrient Profiles

Definitions, ingredients, available educational resources discussed during Denver meeting

September 1, 2015

David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

Definitions, ingredients, available educational resources discussed during Denver meeting

American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition meets in Indianapolis

Annual meeting discusses vitamin D research, regulatory issues, animal nutrition

June 17, 2015

David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

The American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (AAVN) held its 15th Annual Clinical Nutrition and Research Symposium on June 3, 2015, in conjunction with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

Does your pet product label comply with the new AAFCO calorie statement regulations?

The grace period has ended for amendments enacted in 2013, and now is the time to ensure compliance.

May 19, 2015

David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

In January 2013, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) enacted amendments to Model Regulation PF9 regarding calorie content statements on dog and cat food labels. While AAFCO recommended a grace period for state enforcement, as of June 2015 that period has ended for any newly marketed products. In either case, though, it is prudent to take steps now to ensure labels conform to the new labeling requirements.

The revised AAFCO dog and cat food nutrient profiles, part 2

Other nutrients

April 15, 2015

David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

The revisions to the AAFCO dog and cat food nutrient profiles are almost complete, and assuming its final form is approved by AAFCO in August 2015, it should appear in the 2016 Official Publication.

The revised AAFCO dog and cat food nutrient profiles

Part 1: Calcium and phosphorous

March 11, 2015

David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

After eight years of deliberation and somewhat contentious debate, the revisions to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles have almost made it through all the hoops.

AAFCO holds ‘mid-year’ meeting

New regulations, guidance and ingredient definitions on their way

February 12, 2015

David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) held its "mid-year" meeting on January 13–15, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Although the issues on the table appear to have been less contentious than in recent meetings, there was still room for lively discussion.

Is it AAFCO, or is it just me?

Recent changes make reading the Official Publication more challenging

January 10, 2015

David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

Recent changes to AAFCO's Official Publication makes reading it more challenging.

Petfood vignettes, graphics and pictorial representations

Visual elements on petfood packaging is good marketing—but can also get unwary manufacturers into regulatory trouble.

December 9, 2014

David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

Petfood packaging illustrations can be especially helpful in reaching those potential customers with language or reading issues. However, improper use of graphics, not just words, also can get a company in trouble with regulators.