Where Does it Say Complete?

I know there's "no such thing as a dumb question", but if there was, I've got it:

Where on the food label would I find it saying that it is a "complete" or "balanced" food?! I've been looking for a new wet food, and I don't seem to see it on any of the labels!

Well AAFCO is a regulatory organization. They have certain standards that the food has to be at to get their approval. You can look for their mark on the pet food. Good question! Not stupid at all. I don't know if that's what you were hoping for...

Here is a helpful article, it is referring to dogs but is still helpful.
http://m.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/jcoates/2012/apr/what_is_aafco_what_they_do-14547

There is a statement in teeny tiny print on the label that will say if the food is a complete balanced diet and / or meets AAFCO nutrient profiles or if it is a supplement / complement only. The exact wording may vary  between brands

Examples:






FF Broths is not a complete food. In the serving suggestion it says to feed as a complement to balanced cat food.

Pet food company web sites and even online sellers like Chewy.com and Amazon will usually have the product info and a statement if the food is supplement only or a complete balanced diet.

A general rule of thumb is if the ingredient list does not have any vitamins and minerals listed, then err on the side of caution and consider the food to be a supplement / treat type only food. If the ingredient list does contain vitamins and minerals, then it is a complete balanced diet. If you're unsure, check the pet food company web site or Google it.

This is super helpful thank you