Founded in 1909, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a non-profit voluntary organization composed of representatives from government agencies in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It plays a pivotal role in the pet food sector.

While AAFCO does not have enforcement authority, it establishes uniform standards for pet food, including definitions of ingredients, nutritional requirements, and labeling guidelines. Its canine and feline nutrient profiles—covering growth/reproduction and adult maintenance stages—specify both minimum nutritional levels and upper limits for certain nutrients. These standards serve as the industry benchmark, guiding pet food manufacturers and providing a reference for FDA and USDA enforcement, thus ensuring the quality and safety of pet food products.