Page 188 - Raw Diet References Book 2019

Proposed Revisions Edited per Comments for 2014 Official Publication 21

achieved by simply multiplying each Profile value by the proportion of DM in the food
(0.9 in example A1). Such calculations yield the following:

Example A2: A Dry Dog Food Making a Growth Claim
Moisture-Adjusted Profile Values

Dog Food Guaranteed
Nutrient Moisture- Analysis vs.
Profile Adjusted Moisture-
Guaranteed Minimum Profile Adjusted
Analysis Values for Values for Profile
Nutrient Values Growth Growth Values
Crude Protein: min. 21% 22.5% 20.25% OK
Crude Fat: min. 8% 8.5% 7.65% OK
Crude Fiber: max. 4%
Moisture: max. 10% 0% 10%
Calcium: min. 1.1% 1.2% 1.08% OK
Phosphorus: min. 0.9% 1.0% 0.9% OK

Correcting for Energy Density

The values given in the Profiles presume an energy density of 4000 kcal ME/kg
DM. Some dog and cat foods will have energy densities close to this amount.
However, many products may have DM energy densities considerably greater than the
presumed values. When these more energy-dense products are fed, the dog or cat will
require less of the food to meet its caloric requirements. Under these circumstances,
the concentrations of the other nutrients in the food should be increased
proportionately, so that the dog or cat will receive the needed amount of each nutrient
in the smaller amount of food. Therefore, when the energy density of the dog or cat
food exceeds 4000 kcal ME/kg DM the nutrient concentrations should be corrected for
caloric content before valid comparisons to the appropriate AAFCO Nutrient Profile
are made.
Conversely, products could be much lower in energy density than 4000 kcal
ME/kg DM. Theoretically, a lower concentration of the other nutrients should be
required, assuming that the dog or cat is allowed, and able, to consume enough of the
product to meet its caloric needs and that those caloric needs are typical for the average
dog or cat of the specific life stage. Because this assumption does not always hold
true, the nutrient content should not be decreased in less energy-dense products, that is,
the nutrient concentrations in such products should not be corrected for energy density.
In fact, if the food is intended to supply significantly fewer calories in somewhat
smaller amounts of food than typically consumed by the average weight and specific
life stage of the animal, the concentrations of some nutrients per 1000 kcal ME may
need to be increased compared to amounts listed in the tables to ensure the animal is
provided adequate amounts of those essential nutrients in the quantity of food
containing the targeted consumption of daily calories. Furthermore, unless a product
meeting the definition for a “lite” or “low calorie” product as specified in Model
Regulation PF10 has successfully passed the appropriate AAFCO Feeding Protocols,
the product should not be considered adequate for growth or reproduction, regardless
of the concentrations of the other nutrients.
The first step in correcting for energy density is to determine the actual energy
density of the food. The determination should be done in accordance with Model