{"topic_id":"ECFR_aafco_state_modernization_2024","category":"ecfr","context":"The AAFCO 2024 Model Regulations (the product of AAFCO's Pet Food Label Modernization work begun in 2015) modernize pet food labeling around the new \"Pet Nutrition Facts\" box rather than the old guaranteed-analysis panel: Regulation PF5 requires the boxed panel on every pet food label, displaying (1) the familiar household unit (e.g., can, measuring cup, treat, piece) with its weight in grams, (2) a calorie content statement per familiar household unit (\"Calories per [familiar household unit]: [#]\", marked \"†\" when calculated or \"(fed)\" when determined by feeding test), with calories from protein, fat and carbohydrate broken out underneath, and (3) ordered nutrient guarantees (protein min, fat min, calculated total carbohydrate max, dietary fiber max, moisture max, and ash max when listed). Regulation PF9 determines calorie content by the Modified Atwater calculation (ME kcal/kg = 10[(3.5 × CP) + (8.5 × CF) + (3.5 × NFE)]) or by AAFCO feeding-test procedures, and PF10 sets \"light\"/\"reduced calorie\" thresholds (e.g., dog food ≤3,100 kcal ME/kg at <20% moisture; cat food ≤3,250 kcal ME/kg). Nutritional adequacy statements keep the recognized life stages (gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance, all life stages), with the mandatory \"including/except for growth of large size dogs (70 lb or more as an adult)\" qualifier for growth claims. These Model Regulations take effect state by state as each feed control official adopts them; FDA has not adopted an equivalent federal pet-food nutrition-facts format, so AAFCO's model remains the de facto standard.\n","sources":["generated from .md only"],"tokens_estimated":154,"generated_at":"2026-07-16","tip":"Use /api/v1/topics to discover more topics. /api/v1/nutrient for precise single-point queries. /api/v1/cross_compare for 2-3 standard comparisons."}