Why AAFCO Nutrient Recommendations Are Higher for Kibble and Canned Foods Compared to Raw

When considering switching from kibble or canned food to a raw, whole-food diet for your pet, it’s common to encounter concerns about meeting AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient guidelines. Many pet owners worry that raw diets don’t meet AAFCO’s recommendations and fear nutritional imbalances. However, it’s essential to understand that AAFCO’s guidelines have been developed specifically and solely for processed pet foods—products that are often exposed to high heat, utilize synthetic nutrients, and poor-quality ingredients. Here, we’ll explore the reasons behind the discrepancies in nutrient recommendations between raw foods and processed diets, and why raw diets may not need to “match” AAFCO standards to provide optimal nutrition.

 

Raw Milk alone provides more of the following nutrients than the AAFCO suggested profile*, when fed correctly:

 

(AAFCO Puppy/Pregnant/Lactating Profile compared to exclusively Solutions TEXsauce Raw Goat Milk for a 25# dog)

 

– Crude Protein – milk contains 1.2% more than AAFCO suggests

– Histidine – milk contains 1.5% more than AAFCO suggests

– Isoleucine (Branched Chain Amino Acid) – milk contains 2.1% more than AAFCO suggests

– Leucine (Branched Chain Amino Acid) – milk contains 1.8% more than AAFCO suggests

– Lysine – milk contains 2.4% more than AAFCO suggests

– Methionine – milk contains 1.7% more than AAFCO suggests

– Methionine + Cystine – milk contains 1.3% more than AAFCO suggests

– Phenylalanine – milk contains 1.3% more than AAFCO suggests

– Phenylalanine + Tyrosine – milk contains 1.8% more than AAFCO suggests

– Threonine – milk contains 1.2% more than AAFCO suggests

– Valine (Branched Chain Amino Acid) – milk contains 2.6% more than AAFCO suggests

– Crude Fat – milk contains 3.3% more than AAFCO suggests

– Linoleic Acid – milk contains 0.6% more than AAFCO suggests

– Alpha-linoleic Acid – milk contains 3.4% more than AAFCO suggests

– Potassium – milk contains 2.4% more than AAFCO suggests

– Sodium – milk contains 1.7% more than AAFCO suggests

– Magnesium – milk contains 2.2% more than AAFCO suggests

– Manganese – milk contains 1.5% more than AAFCO suggests

– Iodine – milk contains 3.6% more than AAFCO suggests

– Vitamin A – milk contains 2.6% more than AAFCO suggests

– Vitamin D – milk contains 3.9% more than AAFCO suggests

– Thiamine – milk contains 2.1% more than AAFCO suggests

– Riboflavin – milk contains 2.6% more than AAFCO suggests

– Pantothenic Acid – milk contains 2.7% more than AAFCO suggests

– Niacin – milk contains 1.6% more than AAFCO suggests

– Pyridoxine – milk contains 2.8% more than AAFCO suggests

– Choline – milk contains 1.1% more than AAFCO suggests

 

AAFCO minimum suggested nutrient values exceed the following nutrient levels in raw milk to compensate for issues associated with high-heat processing and poor nutrient absorption in high-carb, low-moisture foods:

 

 

–Arginine – milk contains 10% more than AAFCO suggest

– EPA + DHA – milk contains 60% more than AAFCO suggest

– Calcium – milk contains 10% more than AAFCO suggest

– Phosphorus – milk contains 10% more than AAFCO suggest

– Iron – milk contains 70% more than AAFCO suggest

– Copper – milk contains 80% more than AAFCO suggest

– Zinc – milk contains  70% more than AAFCO suggest

– Selenium – milk contains 30% more than AAFCO suggest

– Vitamin E – milk contains 10% more than AAFCO suggest

– Folic Acid – milk contains 60% more than AAFCO suggest

– Vitamin B12 – milk contains 70% more than AAFCO suggest

 

1. Lower Bioavailability of Synthetic Nutrients in Processed Foods

Many commercial pet foods rely on synthetic or inorganic forms of nutrients, such as synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Synthetics are less bioavailable than the natural versions found in whole foods. For instance, synthetic forms of vitamins like vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) or vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) must be converted into their active forms in the body, which is not always efficient. As a result, AAFCO recommends 90% higher Vitamin E and 70% higher Vitamin B12 in processed foods than nature’s perfect, complete diet for a demanding body – raw milk. By increasing the minimum requirements, AAFCO strives to compensate for the lower absorption and utilization rates of high-heat processed diets.

In raw, whole-food diets, the nutrients are provided in their natural, bioactive forms. For example, the vitamin B12 in raw meat or milk is already in its active form (methylcobalamin), so the body can absorb and use it more efficiently. This means raw foods often need less of the same nutrient to achieve the same health benefits.

 

2. Nutrient Losses During Processing

High-heat processing methods like extrusion (used to make kibble) and canning can significantly degrade nutrients in pet food. Vitamins like B12, folate, vitamin E, and even amino acids can be lost or damaged during these processes. Additionally, minerals like zinc and selenium may become less bioavailable when exposed to heat. AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines account for these losses by recommending higher levels to ensure that even after processing, enough nutrients remain to meet the pet’s needs. AAFCO suggests 70% more Vitamin B12, 60% more folic acid, and 10% more vitamin E than raw milk provides.

In contrast, raw diets that are unprocessed, preserving the integrity of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Fresh, whole foods retain their full nutrient content, meaning there’s no need to artificially boost nutrient levels to compensate for processing losses.

 

3. Oxidized Fats and Increased Antioxidant Needs

Many commercial pet foods use poor-quality fats, including used restaurant grease, yellow grease, or seed oils that are prone to oxidation. Oxidized fats generate free radicals, which can damage cells and increase the pet’s need for antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium. AAFCO suggests higher levels of these antioxidants in processed foods to combat the oxidative stress caused by degraded fats. AAFCO suggests 10% more vitamin E and 30% more selenium than raw milk provides.

Raw diets, on the other hand, contain fresh, unoxidized fats from whole sources like raw meat, fish, and eggs. These fats are more stable and don’t create the same oxidative burden, meaning pets on raw diets don’t require as much additional antioxidant support.

 

4. Interactions with Other Nutrients in Processed Diets

In processed foods, nutrients often interact in ways that inhibit their absorption. For example, high levels of synthetic minerals like iron or zinc can interfere with the absorption of copper or calcium, creating imbalances. Phytates and fiber from grains and legumes, commonly found in kibble, can also bind to minerals like zinc and selenium, reducing their bioavailability. AAFCO compensates for these interactions by recommending higher levels of certain nutrients, particularly minerals and trace elements, to ensure pets still absorb enough of them. AAFCO suggests 70% more iron, 70% more zinc, 80% more copper, and 30% more selenium than raw milk provides.

Raw foods, especially animal-based proteins and organs, provide nutrients in a natural balance that minimizes these competitive interactions. For instance, the calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium found in raw bones and meats are readily absorbed without the need for excessive supplementation.

 

5. Nutrient Depletion in Poor-Quality Ingredients

Many commercial pet foods are formulated with low-quality ingredients, such as grain fillers, plant-based proteins, or meat by-products. These ingredients are often naturally low in essential nutrients like folate, vitamin B12, or zinc. To ensure that pets get enough nutrients, AAFCO guidelines suggest higher levels of synthetic or fortified nutrients to make up for the deficiencies inherent in these low-quality ingredients.

Raw diets typically use high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients such as fresh meat, organs, and bones, which naturally provide these nutrients in bioavailable forms. The richer nutrient content of whole, raw ingredients reduces the need for synthetic fortification.

6. Gut Health and Nutrient Absorption

Pets on processed diets may suffer from compromised gut health due to a lack of natural enzymes and probiotics, leading to poorer absorption of nutrients. Raw diets are rich in natural enzymes, probiotics, and nutrients that support a healthy gut microbiome. This healthy gut environment aids in the digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals, such as B12, folate, and calcium, reducing the need for artificially high nutrient levels. AAFCO suggests 70% more vitamin B12, 60% more folic acid, and 10% more calcium than raw milk provides.

Processed diets, especially those high in carbohydrates or synthetic ingredients, may inhibit gut function and decrease nutrient absorption, prompting AAFCO to recommend higher nutrient levels to ensure sufficient intake.

 

7. Preservation of Nutrient Synergy in Raw Foods

In raw, whole foods, nutrients exist in a synergistic balance, where they work together to enhance each other’s absorption and effectiveness. For example, vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, while folate and vitamin B12 work together in DNA synthesis and red blood cell production. In processed pet foods, this natural synergy is often lost due to the isolated, synthetic forms of nutrients that are added back after processing.

Raw diets preserve the natural relationships between nutrients, ensuring they work harmoniously to promote optimal health. As a result, pets on raw diets don’t require the inflated nutrient levels seen in processed foods.

 

8. Addressing Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Processed Diets

Many processed pet foods contribute to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress due to poor-quality fats, high carbohydrate content, and synthetic additives. This inflammation increases the demand for certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), vitamin E, and selenium, which help to manage oxidative stress and promote anti-inflammatory effects. AAFCO recommends higher levels of these nutrients in processed diets to help offset the inflammatory load.

Raw diets, by contrast, are naturally anti-inflammatory, especially when they include high-quality fats like fish oil, eggs, or fresh meat. This reduces the need for additional supplementation with anti-inflammatory nutrients, as the diet itself supports healthy inflammation levels. AAFCO suggests 60% more EPA and DHA than raw milk provides.

 

Unique Scenarios Explaining Specific Nutrient Discrepancies Between AAFCO Guidelines and Raw Foods

While many of the reasons for higher AAFCO nutrient recommendations apply across multiple nutrients, there are also unique scenarios that apply to specific nutrients based on their functions, interactions, and the challenges associated with their inclusion in processed pet foods. Below is a summary of these unique scenarios:

 

1. Vitamin E – Oxidized Fats and Antioxidant Requirements

• • Used Restaurant Grease and Yellow Grease: One of the most unique aspects of vitamin E is its critical role in protecting against oxidative damage from poor-quality fats. Commercial pet foods often use highly oxidized fats like used restaurant grease or yellow grease, which produce free radicals and increase oxidative stress in the body. Vitamin E acts as a key antioxidant that neutralizes these free radicals, preventing cellular damage. Raw diets, which use fresh, unoxidized fats, don’t place the same oxidative burden on pets, meaning they require less vitamin E for antioxidant protection. AAFCO recommends higher levels of vitamin E in processed foods to compensate for the presence of degraded fats.
  • Lipid Peroxidation: Processed fats in commercial pet foods are prone to lipid peroxidation, where fats break down and create harmful by-products. Vitamin E prevents lipid peroxidation, but in diets high in poor-quality fats, more vitamin E is required to offset the damage. Raw diets, by contrast, do not create the same oxidative stress from lipid peroxidation.

2. Vitamin B12 – Cyanocobalamin vs. Methylcobalamin

• • Synthetic Form (Cyanocobalamin): The unique challenge with vitamin B12 is that most commercial pet foods use cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of B12, rather than methylcobalamin, the active form found in natural foods. Cyanocobalamin must be converted by the body into its active form, but this process can be inefficient, especially in pets with compromised liver function. As a result, AAFCO recommends 70% more B12 in processed diets to ensure that enough B12 is available even after conversion losses. In raw diets, methylcobalamin is provided directly from animal products like meat and organs, so less is needed to meet the same biological needs.
  • Gut Health and Absorption: Vitamin B12 absorption relies on a healthy gut and the production of intrinsic factor, a protein required for B12 uptake. Processed diets, which may compromise gut health, can reduce the efficiency of B12 absorption, necessitating higher levels to compensate for poor gut function. Raw diets, which support a healthier gut microbiome, don’t require the same excess in B12 supplementation.

3. Folic Acid – Synthetic Form and Methylation

• • Synthetic Folic Acid vs. Natural Folate: Similar to vitamin B12, folic acid in commercial pet foods is usually synthetic, while raw foods contain natural folate. Synthetic folic acid must be converted into its active form (5-MTHF) for use in the body, a process that can be inefficient in some pets. This conversion issue is particularly important for pets with genetic variations affecting methylation pathways (such as MTHFR mutations). AAFCO recommends higher levels of synthetic folic acid to ensure enough is converted into its active form, whereas raw diets provide bioavailable folate, reducing the need for such high levels.
  • Methylation Demand: Folic acid plays a key role in methylation, which regulates DNA synthesis and detoxification. Processed diets, which often contain more toxins and synthetic chemicals, increase the body’s demand for methylation and detoxification, necessitating higher levels of folic acid. Raw diets naturally support methylation processes through whole-food sources of folate and other methyl donors.

4. EPA & DHA (Omega-3 Fatty Acids) – Compensating for Omega-6 Imbalances

• • Imbalanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratios: In processed pet foods, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is often skewed in favor of omega-6s due to the use of cheap oils like soybean or corn oil. High levels of omega-6 increase inflammation in the body, necessitating more anti-inflammatory omega-3s (EPA and DHA) to balance the ratio. AAFCO recommends higher levels of EPA and DHA in processed foods to counteract the inflammatory effects of excess omega-6s. In raw diets, the balance of omega-3 to omega-6 is typically more natural and requires less adjustment.
  • Oxidation of Fish Oils: Many commercial pet foods use highly processed fish oils or omega-3 supplements, which are prone to oxidation and degradation. These oxidized oils lose their efficacy, meaning that more EPA and DHA are needed to ensure anti-inflammatory benefits. Raw diets often include fresh, high-quality sources of omega-3s from whole fish or fish oil supplements, preserving their integrity and reducing the need for excessive supplementation.

5. Iron – Synthetic Forms and Poor Absorption

• • Synthetic Iron and Oxidation: Iron is often added to commercial pet foods in synthetic forms like iron sulfate, which can be poorly absorbed. Additionally, synthetic iron can contribute to oxidative stress if it accumulates in tissues in its non-bioavailable form. To ensure that enough iron is absorbed to prevent anemia, AAFCO recommends higher levels in processed diets. Raw diets, which provide heme iron from animal sources like meat and organs, deliver more bioavailable iron that is readily absorbed and doesn’t require excessive amounts.
  • Inhibition by Other Nutrients: In processed foods, iron absorption can be inhibited by other nutrients, such as calcium or phytates from plant-based ingredients. AAFCO compensates for these inhibitory effects by recommending more iron in processed diets. Raw diets naturally balance these minerals, minimizing the competition for absorption and reducing the need for high iron levels.

6. Zinc – Binding by Phytates and Competition with Other Minerals

• • Phytates in Grain-Based Diets: Zinc absorption is particularly affected by the presence of phytates, which are found in grains and legumes commonly used in processed pet foods. Phytates bind to zinc and make it less bioavailable, so AAFCO recommends higher levels of zinc in processed diets to compensate for this inhibition. Raw diets, which are typically grain-free and don’t contain phytates, allow for better zinc absorption from animal-based sources like meat and organs.
  • Competition with Other Minerals: Zinc can also compete with other minerals like calcium and iron for absorption. In processed diets, where synthetic minerals are added in large quantities, this competition can reduce the absorption of zinc. AAFCO recommends higher levels of zinc to ensure enough is absorbed despite these interactions. In raw diets, minerals are naturally balanced, minimizing these competitive interactions.

7. Selenium – Synthetic Forms and Soil Depletion

• • Sodium Selenite vs. Natural Selenium: Commercial pet foods often use sodium selenite, a less bioavailable form of selenium, whereas raw foods provide selenium in organic forms like selenomethionine, which is more easily absorbed. To ensure adequate selenium intake, AAFCO recommends higher levels in processed diets. Raw diets, which include selenium-rich foods like meat, organs, and seafood, provide selenium in its natural form, requiring less supplementation.
  • Soil Depletion: Modern agricultural practices have depleted selenium levels in soils, meaning that plant-based ingredients in commercial pet foods may be lower in selenium. AAFCO recommends more selenium in processed diets to account for this variability. Raw diets, which focus on animal products, typically provide selenium from more reliable, bioavailable sources.

Conclusion:

While many of the differences between AAFCO’s nutrient recommendations and those found in raw diets are due to common factors like bioavailability and processing losses, certain nutrients face unique challenges. Vitamin E’s role in combating oxidized fats, the inefficiency of synthetic forms of B12 and folic acid, and the nutrient-binding effects of phytates on zinc are just a few examples where raw foods, by providing natural, bioavailable nutrients, offer a significant advantage over processed foods. Understanding these unique scenarios helps clarify why raw diets, despite not meeting all AAFCO recommendations on paper, can often provide superior nutrition.

 

AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines for kibble and canned foods are designed to compensate for the many shortcomings of processed pet diets. These include the use of low-quality, oxidized fats; nutrient degradation during high-heat processing; poor bioavailability of synthetic nutrients; and the negative effects of ingredient interactions and compromised gut health. Because raw, whole-food diets provide nutrients in their natural, bioavailable forms and preserve the natural balance and synergy of those nutrients, they often don’t need to “match” AAFCO’s higher nutrient recommendations to provide complete and balanced nutrition.

 

For pet owners considering a switch to raw feeding, it’s essential to recognize that whole foods offer superior nutrient absorption and health benefits compared to processed pet foods. Understanding why AAFCO’s guidelines are inflated for processed diets helps clarify why raw diets can meet your pet’s nutritional needs—even if they don’t align precisely with AAFCO’s recommendations.

 

 

This article shows a comparison of the AAFCO nutrient profile for puppies/lactating senior, compared to the intake of an average puppy.

 

Here are facts that are not listed in the document so there is clarity on how I came up with these numbers:

 

1. Based on a K Factor of 85 (what experts say is the standard), the As Fed (per 1,000kcals) AAFCO Nutritional Profile is designed for the minimum that a 25lb dog should consume. 

 

2. I found that a human baby between 1 and 6 months old consumes 10-12% of their body weight per day. From 6 to 12 months of age they consume 12-15% of their body weight per day. (Side note, we generally suggest 1 cup per 10lbs of body weight per day which, for a 25lb dog, would be 5% of body weight. 

 

3. If calculating with TEXsauce (which has the fewest modifications so it’s the closest to actual plain milk), 1,000kcals is equal to 50oz. 15% of the body weight of a 25lb dog is 60 ounces. So I took the nutrient profile that we published for TEXsauce and on each line I divided that by 50 then multiplied by 60. This calculates total daily intake and that was compared to the AAFCO nutrient profile for puppies. 

 

I then created this document to explain why the things that AAFCO suggests to be higher have those suggestions. 

 

The goal is not only to validate that raw milk is, in fact, a complete diet, but also to validate that a raw diet doesn’t NEED to have those overly inflated values to be nutritionally complete.