NASC’s scope focuses on products for dogs, cats, and horses (non-humanfood-chain animals). NASC does not cover complete and balanced diets. NASC member companies may have products in one or more categories:
- Health Supplements (non-food)
• Products similar to human dietary supplements • Intended for non-nutritional health benefits • Not regulated as food
- Food Supplements (food)
• Nutritional products (vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, etc.) • Intended to contribute nutritionally as part of a complete and balanced diet • Regulated as food
- Treats (food)
• Regulated as food • Defined by the term “treat”
The Single Most Important Rule: “Treat” = Food
Core takeaway: One word can change how a product is regulated. Using the word “treat” (or other food terms) classifies the product as food. Other food-trigger words include: • Snack • Cookie • Biscuit • Jerky • Peanut Butter
How Treats are Defined (AAFCO-aligned) A) Dogs & Cats (pets) Treats are intended to be given occasionally for: • Enjoyment • Training • Entertainment • Other limited purposes (example: dental treat, pill pocket, maybe nutrition) Treats are not generally intended to be: • A complete food • A food supplement B) Horses AAFCO does not provide a “horse treat” definition as it does for pets, but: • Horse treats are still regulated as food • Purpose statements should include “treat” or “snack”