Pet Nutrition

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has issued a final position recommending that states align enforcement of revised feline calcium and phosphorus nutritional profiles with the existing Pet Food Label Modernization implementation period. The guidance aims to give cat food manufacturers time to reformulate products, verify nutritional compliance and update manufacturing processes without creating overlapping regulatory deadlines.

Nestlé Purina PetCare has opened a $550 million pet food manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ohio, marking its first new U.S. factory built from the ground up since 1975. The facility currently employs more than 430 people and is expected to help feed approximately 8 million pets annually when operating at scale.

Revival Animal Health is voluntarily recalling multiple lots of Breeder’s Edge and Shelter’s Choice feline milk replacers after testing identified low levels of several vitamins and minerals. No illnesses have been confirmed, but the company is investigating nine complaints involving potential gastrointestinal and bone development issues.

Royal Canin has named healthcare executive Jennifer Cullen as General Manager of its U.S. Veterinary Business Unit, bringing decades of commercial leadership experience to the company’s therapeutic nutrition portfolio. The appointment underscores Royal Canin’s continued investment in veterinary partnerships, product innovation, and expanding access to science-based nutrition for companion animals.

The pet food industry is preparing for its most significant labeling overhaul in more than 40 years as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) implements its Pet Food Label Modernization initiative. The new Pet Nutrition Facts panel will create a dramatically different look on pet food packaging while requiring manufacturers to conduct additional testing, redesign labels, and update regulatory documentation. The changes are expected to have far-reaching implications for pet food manufacturers, private-label brands, veterinary diet companies, and retailers.

Royal Canin has introduced its first fresh, fully cooked veterinary therapeutic diets for dogs in the U.S., giving veterinarians a new option to manage gastrointestinal disease, food sensitivities and reduced appetite through prescription nutrition.