Dog Food Nutrients

Below is the profiles of nutrients that dogs need from daily meals,
reported by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
You can also find the same chart on the package of commercial dog food.

AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profilesa

Nutrient Units
DM Basis
Growth and Reproduction
Minimum
Adult Maintenance
Minimum
Maximum

Protein

% 22.0 18.0 -

Arginine

% 0.62 0.51 -

Histidine

% 0.22 0.18 -

Isoleucine

% 0.45 0.37 -

Leucine

% 0.72 0.59 -

Lysine

% 0.77 0.63 -

Methionine-cystine

% 0.53 0.43 -

Phenylalanine-tyrosine

% 0.89 0.73 -

Threonine

% 0.58 0.48 -

Tryptophan

% 0.20 0.16 -

Valine

% 0.48 0.39 -

Fatb

% 8.0 5.0 -

Linoleic acid

% 1.0 1.0 -

Minerals

Calcium

% 1.0 0.6 2.5

Phosphorous

% 0.8 0.5 1.6

Ca:P ratio

1:1 1:1 2:1

Potassium

% 0.6 0.6 -

Sodium

% 0.3 0.06 -

Chloride (Cl)

% 0.45 0.09 -

Magnesium

% 0.04 0.04 0.3

Ironc

mg/kg 80.0 80.0 3,000.0

Copperd

mg/kg 7.3 7.3 250.0

Manganese

mg/kg 5.0 5.0 -

Zinc

mg/kg 120.0 120.0 1,000.0

Iodine

mg/kg 1.5 1.5 50.0

Selenium

mg/kg 0.11 0.11 2.0

Vitamins

Vitamin A

IU/kg 5,000.0 5,000.0 250,000.0

Vitamin D

IU/kg 500.0 500.0 5,000.0

Vitamin E

IU/kg 50.0 50.0 1,000.0

Vitamin B1 (thiamin)e

mg/kg 1.0 1.0 -

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

mg/kg 2.2 2.2 -

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

mg/kg 10.0 10.0 -

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

mg/kg 11.4 11.4 -

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

mg/kg 1.0 1.0 -

Folic Acid

mg/kg 0.18 0.18 -

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

µg/kg 22.0 22.0 -

Choline

g/kg 1.2 1.2 -
Note

a Presumes an energy density of 3.5 kcal ME/g DM (metabolizable energy/gram dry matter), as determined in accordance with Regulation PF9, which is based on the 'modified Atwater' values of 3.5, 8.5, and 3.5 kcal/g for protein, fat, and carbohydrate (nitrogen-free extract, NFE), respectively.

Rations greater than 4.0 kcal/g should be corrected for energy density; rations less than 3.5 kcal/g should not be corrected for energy.

Rations of low-energy density should not be considered adequate for growth or reproductive needs based on comparison to the Profiles alone.

b Although a true requirement for fat per se has not been established, the minimum level was based on recognition of fat as a source of essential fatty acids, as a carrier of fat-soluble vitamins, to enhance palatability, and to supply an adequate caloric density.

c Because of very poor bioavailability, iron from carbonate or oxide sources that are added to the diet should not be considered as components in meeting the minimum nutrient level.

d Because of very poor bioavailability, copper from oxide sources that are added to the diet should not be considered as components in meeting the minimum nutrient level.

e Because processing may destroy up to 90 percent of the thiamin in the diet, allowance in formulation should be made to ensure the minimum nutrient level is met after processing.


(Revised in 1995 by the AAFCO's Canine Nutrition Expert Subcommittee)

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