Natural flavors are ingredients added to pet food to increase palatability rather than provide meaningful nutrition. Under AAFCO terminology, they may be derived from plant or animal tissues. One of the most common natural flavor sources is animal digest, a hydrolyzed coating material used to improve aroma and taste acceptance.
| AAFCO Term | Natural Flavor / Animal Digest |
| Source | Animal or plant tissue |
| Function | Palatability enhancer |
| Nutritional Value | Minimal |
| Use Rate | <2% |
| Debate Level | Moderate |
Natural flavors are usually acceptable when they are used only for taste and the raw material source is transparent. The practical concern is that the label wording is broad, which may make exact origin tracking difficult for elimination diets.
What Is Animal Digest?
Animal digest is a liquid or dry flavor concentrate produced by chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of animal tissues. According to AAFCO, many tissues may be used except hair, horns, teeth, and hooves. It is commonly sprayed onto kibble after processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between natural flavor and artificial flavor?
Natural flavor is derived from plant or animal material through physical, enzymatic, or fermentation processes. Artificial flavor is created synthetically in a laboratory. Premium pet foods usually prefer the natural form.
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References
- AAFCO. (2024). Official Publication. Ingredient definitions.
- NRC. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press.