Growth (AAFCO Life Stage)

Growth is one of two AAFCO-recognized life stages (the other is adult maintenance). Growth covers puppies from weaning through skeletal maturity, plus pregnant and lactating females. The growth nutrient profile requires higher protein, higher fat, more calcium, and tighter calcium-to-phosphorus ratios than adult maintenance. For dogs that will mature over 70 pounds, the bag must also specify 'including the growth of large size dogs' to confirm the calcium content is controlled enough to prevent skeletal problems. There is no AAFCO senior life stage. Senior is a marketing classification.