The FDA is the government agency responsible for regulating pet food in the United States. Their role includes ensuring that pet foods are safe, produced under sanitary conditions, and truthfully labeled. Unlike human food or drugs, pet food does not require pre-market approval—but it must meet the same standards for safety and labeling accuracy. The FDA can issue recalls, inspect facilities, and enforce compliance when pet food is found to be harmful or mislabeled.
However, the FDA does not evaluate the nutritional quality of pet food beyond basic safety standards. This means a food can meet FDA requirements and still vary greatly in quality. In practice, the FDA’s role is more about preventing harm than ensuring optimal health. Always look beyond regulatory approval and consider ingredient quality, formulation, and brand transparency when choosing food for your pet.