What Is Natural Flavoring in Dog Food?

According to the U.S. Food &Drug Administration (FDA), there is no official definition for the term "natural." However, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), in its "Guidelines for Natural Claims," attempted to define how the word "natural" can be applied to pet food and its flavoring.

  1. The Definition of "Natural"

    • The AAFCO states that "natural" refers to pet foods containing no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

    Natural Flavoring

    • Natural flavoring in dog food is what the FDA calls "digests." These digests are composed of "materials treated with heat, enzymes and/or acids to form concentrated natural flavors." To provide additional meat flavor, broth might be added. Whey is used for milk flavoring.

    Artificial Flavoring

    • Artificial flavoring is used rarely in pet food. When it is used, it is primarily to add a smoke or bacon flavor.

    The "Flavor" Rule

    • According to the AAFCO's "Flavor" Rule, dog food can be called "beef flavored" if that flavor is "sufficiently detectable." This can be accomplished by using actual beef or a combination of "meals, by-products, or various parts from the animal listed on the label."

    Proprietary Ingredients

    • Several pet food manufacturers do not disclose what the phrase "Natural flavoring" on their labels means because that information is proprietary.