Natural (AAFCO Definition)

AAFCO defines 'natural' specifically for pet food: an ingredient is natural if it is derived solely from plant, animal, or mined sources and has not been chemically synthesized. Most pet food vitamins and minerals are NOT natural under this definition because they are synthesized. AAFCO allows brands to label products 'natural' if the only synthesized additions are vitamins and minerals, with the qualifier 'with added vitamins and minerals.' The word 'natural' on a dog food bag is meaningful, just not as meaningful as buyers think. Natural does not equal organic and does not equal high-quality.