{"topic_id":"nasc-treat_007","category":"us-2026","context":"---\ntopic_id: nasc-treat_007\ncategory: NASC-TREAT\ntitle: Important Clarification from NASC\nlang: en\nsource: nasc_treat_program_guide.pdf\ndate_parsed: 2026-07-18\ntokens_estimated: 926\n---\n\nImportant Clarification from NASC\n\n• Dual category products are prohibited because it violates state/federal\nlaw (the product must be “clean” in its regulatory category).\n• NASC treat labeling guidance aligns with AAFCO (no separate\napproach).\n• “Cookie” is considered a food term (as well as treat, snack, biscuit,\njerky, peanut butter, etc.).\n• Structure/function-type statements may be allowed for animal food if\nthey are truthful, substantiated, and nutritionally linked (example:\ncalcium/phosphorous supporting bones/teeth).\n• It’s the intended use/claim—not the ingredient alone—that primarily\ndrives the regulatory pathway.\no Example: Vitamin E as a nutrient source vs. positioning vitamin E\nas an anti-aging antioxidant/free radical neutralizer.\n• NASC audits are company/process oriented, not a certification of each\nindividual product. Auditors may sample a subset of products/labels.\n• The NASC Quality Seal does not change state registration\nrequirements, and compliance with approved ingredients/uses still\napplies.\n• Treat labels generally do not require the same detailed feeding\ndirections as complete and balanced diets; directions can be simple\n(e.g., “Feeding Directions: Give as a treat.”), unless a claim triggers\nadditional requirements for guarantees.\n\nReady to Move\nForward?\nClick Here to Apply for\nthe NASC Treat Program\n\nClick Here to Ask the\nNASC Team a Question\n","sources":[],"tokens_estimated":926,"generated_at":null,"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."}