Copper levels in pet food have been an interesting topic for the past few years. An increasing number of pets are diagnosed with copper storage disease, an increasing number of veterinarians are not talking about the lack of maximum copper in pet food regulations.
The problem: the pet food regulations written by AAFCO have no maximum copper levels for dog and cat foods. Pet food manufacturers can add any level of copper (above the required minimum) to pet foods.
And pet food manufacturers want to keep it that way.
During the past several years of AAFCO’s discussion of copper levels in pet food, representatives of the pet food industry have not been shy in expressing their opposition to AAFCO establishing maximum levels of copper in pet food. animal The industry even opposes a voluntary option for pet food – allowing a controlled level of copper in some pet food (totally voluntary, not required). The industry has consistently opposed any attempt for a controlled level of copper in pet food to be established in regulation.
Hill’s Pet Food has even partnered with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) which states that copper levels in pet food should only be adjusted in collaboration with veterinarians and should only be available in prescription diets (such as those sold by Hill’s).
Contrary to Big Pet Feed, the American College of Veterinary Nutritionists (ACVN), the organization of veterinarians with the knowledge to fully understand the effects of high levels of copper on pets – favors low levels of copper/ regulated copper in pet foods. Dr. David Dzanis – a board certified veterinary nutritionist and past chair of ACVN encouraged AAFCO to approve low copper/controlled levels of copper in pet food.
But… AAFCO listened to what Big Pet Feed wanted. They ignored pet food consumers, they ignored veterinary nutritionists. Last week, the AAFCO Pet Food Committee vote against a low level of copper/controlled copper in pet food.
From an AAFCO public notice: “On May 30, 2024, the Pet Food Committee reviewed the findings and proposed voluntary language from the original expert panel, notes from the copper workgroup, and feedback from veterinarians, animal nutritionists, consumer groups , and general public but ultimately failed to reach a consensus and voted “no” on the proposed voluntary ‘Controlled Copper’ claim language. AAFCO will continue to monitor new scientific literature as it becomes available and may reconsider the topic in the future if additional data warrant another review..”
And to make matters worse…the FDA decided to abstain from voting on this very important issue. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine has at least two representatives on AAFCO’s Pet Food Committee with voting rights. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine has participated in all previous AAFCO discussions on copper levels in pet food, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine is the federal authority on pet foods/pet food safety animal But…when it came time to take a stand on an issue in favor of consumers and veterinary nutritionists…they refused to take a stand. Instead, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine chose to do nothing.
It’s embarrassing.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Buyer Beware of Author, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Become a member of our pet food consumer Association. The Association for Truth in Pet Food is a stakeholder organization that represents the voice of pet food consumers at AAFCO and the FDA. Your membership helps representatives attend meetings and raise consumer concerns with regulatory authorities. Click here to learn more.
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Does your dog or cat eat dangerous substances? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ in more than 5,000 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Click Here to preview the Petsumer Report. www.PetsumerReport.com
Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
The 2024 List
List of Susan’s trusted pet foods. Click here to learn more.
The 2023 Treat List
Susan’s list of trusted pet treat manufacturers. Click here to learn more.
