Notes from a Nutrition Seminar presentation

+What is nutrition?
     -Refers to the study of nutrients and their functions.

+Ingredients:
     -Ingredients are the sources that supply nutrients.

+What do ingredients contribute?
     -Nutrients:  Ex. Corn provides starch and linoleic acid.
     -Taste:  ex. Chicken provides nutrients and taste.
     -Health benefits:  ex. Fish provides omega fatty acids that benefit immune system, skin and coat.

+Ingredients:  3 sources:
     -Natural
          -Ingredients derived DIRECTLY from plant or animal.
     -Organic
          -Produced strictly to regulated standards.  Grown without pesticides and artificial fertilizers.
     -Synthetic
          -Compounds made artificially through chemical reactions.  Can be natural substances modified to be different than the original.

+Nutrient:
     -Any food component that supports life.
     -Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals, Water.

+Chicken Products:
     -Chicken:  Flesh without internal organs.  Can be with or without bones.
     -Chicken Meal:  Flesh with or without bones that is cooked, dried, and ground.
     -Chicken By-Product Meal:  Neck, Feet, Internal Organs, Bones that are cooked, dried, and ground.

+Poultry By-Product Meal:
     -Often a misunderstood ingredient.
          -Consists of ground, rendered, clean parts of the chicken such as neck, feet and intestines.
          -NO BEAKS OR FEATHERS.

+Common Marketing terms:
     -Natural and Organic.
          -Defined by AAFCO and USDA.
     -Human Grade, Premium, Ultra, Holistic
          -NOT defined by AAFCO and USDA.  Industry created terms.

+Organic terms:
     -100% Organic:  Everything except water and salt.  Some pet treats are eligible.
     -Organic:  95% organic ingredients.  Vitamins and minerals must be on national list.
     -"Made with Organic ___.:  70% organic ingredients.  Vitamins and minerals must be on national list.

+"Natural Terms"
     -Cannot say "All Natural" despite disclaimer.
     -May be used on pet food label AS LONG as it is in reference to one specific ingredient.  Ex. "Natural Cheese Flavor"
     -No Synthetic ingredients or preservatives (except vitamins and minerals).
     -Natural is NOT the same as organic.

+Human Grade Ingredients:
     -FDA and AAFCO consider this term misleading.
     -Poses Public Health Concerns.
     -ANY use of this term is done so at own risk.

+Who Makes Pet Food Regulations:
     -FDA:  Identification, Quantity, Ingredients and Address.
     -AAFCO:  Product Name, Adequacy, Feeding Guidelines, Caloric Statements.
     -Individual US States:  Have own authority to enforce as they would like.

+Why are Pet Foods Regulated?
     -Consumer protection
     -Industry Protection
     -Pets Health Protection

+What is a "Label"?
     -Display of written, printed or graphic matter upon an immediate container.
     -It IS a LEGAL document.
     -Contains 2 parts:
          -Principle display panel
          -Information panel

+Guaranteed Analysis:
     -ALWAYS given on an "as fed" basis.
     -Shows the difference between Bag food vs. Canned food.

+Nutritional Adequacy Statement:
     -Mandatory:
          -Dry food
          -Canned food
     -Optional:
          -Treats
          -Snacks

+Ingredient Listing:
     -Items listed are ALWAYS in descending order.
     -Exact % of ingredient will NOT be on the label.  (It will show min and max.)
     -Quality of ingredients used are NOT listed.