What is the minimum protein requirement for Aafco?

December 19, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the minimum protein requirement for an adult dog is 18% on a dry matter basis. Understanding this guideline is crucial for ensuring the pet food you purchase meets the basic nutritional needs for your dog or cat, especially since requirements vary based on life stage.

Quick Summary

AAFCO establishes minimum protein requirements for pet food, with different standards for dogs and cats depending on their life stage. The figures are calculated on a dry matter basis, which accounts for moisture content in the food. Key figures include minimums for adult maintenance and for growth and reproduction.

Key Points

AAFCO Minimums: The minimum crude protein for adult dogs is 18% DM, while puppies need 22.5% DM.
Cat's Higher Needs: Cats, as obligate carnivores, require a higher minimum protein of 26% DM for adults and 30% DM for kittens.
Dry Matter Basis: Protein levels must be converted to a dry matter basis (DM) to compare different food types accurately, like canned vs. dry food.
Beyond the Minimum: AAFCO standards are minimums, not optimal levels. Higher-quality or life-stage-specific foods may exceed these percentages.
Protein Quality Matters: The source of protein affects its bioavailability. Animal-based proteins are generally more digestible and usable by pets than plant-based ones.
Labeling and Life Stages: A food labeled for "All Life Stages" must meet the higher, more stringent standards for growth and reproduction.

AAFCO Nutrient Profiles: The Foundation of Pet Food Regulation

AAFCO, the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is a voluntary membership organization that regulates animal feeds and medications. They set the nutritional standards for pet food to be labeled as "complete and balanced". Understanding these profiles helps pet owners make informed decisions about their pet's diet, as they ensure appropriate nutrient levels, including protein, for different species and life stages.

Minimum Protein Requirements for Dogs

AAFCO guidelines specify minimum crude protein levels for dogs on a dry matter basis (DM). Adult dogs require a minimum of 18% DM, while puppies and dogs in the growth and reproduction stages need a minimum of 22.5% DM. Food labeled for "All Life Stages" must meet the higher standard for growth and reproduction.

Minimum Protein Requirements for Cats

Cats, as obligate carnivores, have higher protein needs than dogs. AAFCO's minimum crude protein for adult cats is 26% DM. For kittens and pregnant or lactating cats, the minimum requirement is 30% DM.

Understanding Dry Matter Basis vs. "As-Fed"

To compare protein levels across different types of pet food (like wet vs. dry), it's essential to use a dry matter basis calculation, as the guaranteed analysis on labels shows "as-fed" values that include moisture. You can convert by subtracting the moisture percentage from 100 to get the dry matter percentage, then dividing the crude protein percentage by the dry matter percentage and multiplying by 100.

Comparison Table: AAFCO Minimum Protein Requirements (Dry Matter)


Nutrient Profile	Dogs	Cats
Adult Maintenance	18%	26%
Growth and Reproduction	22.5%	30%

Protein Quality and Other Factors

While AAFCO sets minimum protein levels, it does not regulate the quality or source of the protein. The bioavailability of protein, or how well a pet can use it, is generally better from animal-based sources. Factors like a pet's life stage, activity level, and the digestibility of the food also influence their actual protein needs.

Conclusion

The minimum protein requirements set by AAFCO depend on whether the food is for a dog or a cat and its intended life stage, calculated on a dry matter basis. These minimums are 18% DM for adult dogs, 22.5% DM for puppies and reproductive stages, 26% DM for adult cats, and 30% DM for kittens and reproductive stages. Meeting these minimums allows food to be labeled "complete and balanced," but the quality of the protein and individual pet needs are also important considerations. For more on pet nutrition, the Merck Veterinary Manual is a helpful resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum crude protein requirement for adult dogs is 18% on a dry matter (DM) basis, which is the percentage of protein after all the moisture has been removed.

For puppies and pregnant or lactating females, the AAFCO minimum crude protein is 22.5% on a dry matter basis to support growth and reproduction.

Adult cats require a minimum of 26% crude protein on a dry matter basis, while growing kittens and reproducing cats need a minimum of 30%.

As obligate carnivores, cats have a metabolic need for higher protein levels compared to dogs, which are omnivores. Cats also require the amino acid taurine, primarily found in animal protein.

To calculate protein on a dry matter basis, subtract the food's maximum moisture percentage from 100. Then, divide the crude protein percentage by the result, and multiply by 100.

No, AAFCO only sets the minimum amounts of nutrients, not the quality or source of the ingredients. A food can meet the minimum protein percentage using lower-quality, less digestible protein sources.

A pet food labeled for "All Life Stages" must meet the more rigorous AAFCO nutrient profile for growth and reproduction, making it suitable for puppies, kittens, and adult pets.