I apologize for disabling all comments here but I was forced to take this measure as the person addessed in Douchebagville, is a predator and would fill up my comment box with monosyllabic expletives and drunken idiocy.  I am forced to to disable comments because of her.
I know this particular post will generate "feelings" from both sides.  Remember, opinion is what you cant back it up with science.   And, Opinion doesnt mean jack, except to you.

I was told by a well meaning person that my cat Mona had a urinary tract infection because of what I feed her.  It is fact, that Mona has an oddly shaped bladder, she was born this way, and therefore, will have urinary tract problems for her entire life.  

Its always better to get the facts before making assumptions.  Sort of like the debate regarding "natural", "organic" or "regular" pet foods.  It is my opinion that there is nothing left on this planet that can be truly or legally termed as "organic".  Im sure most people reading this post have at least heard about "body load".  There was an experiement where a man had himself tested for the chemicals and other toxic elements in his body, and the results were astounding. 

It is a fact, that I can not find any article relating to this mans experiement that is authored by a university anywhere, or even a government agency.  I expected that, but I should have found something at least from Harvard, as the pre-emenent anti chemical doctor not only published from there, but teaches there.  Google Dr. Mark Cullen.

It is important to note, that opinions, blog posts, other peoples "feelings" or "experiences" are not scientific, and therefore can be challenged as these feelings or concerns have not been tested, and can not be proved.   that said, the only article I came across that might be considered appropriate for the "total body burden" is from the Huffington Post.  A blog I would not normally rely upon for anything, but heres the link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/autoimmune-disease-how-to_b_283707.html

Let it be noted that I do not agree with most of what is written in the Huffington article, except that I am familiar with and have witnessed the explosion of autoimmune disease since the first Persian Gulf War.  thats a wholly different post, I will address that later.

Introduction:When it comes to trends in food, both human and pet, the focus continues to shift to natural, holistic and organic options. These terms are becoming a part of our everyday vernacular but what do they really mean when referring to the food we choose to feed our pets?
Many pet food manufacturers have been jumping on the natural and organic bandwagon, but much of the terminology used to define these diets isn't actually defined by law. Cutting through the clutter of jargon can help pet owners make an educated and informed decision about what they are feeding their pets while also knowing what is safe and governed by standards and regulations.
First and foremost it is important to note that the terms "natural" and "organic" are not interchangeable nor do they mean the same thing. In order for pet foods to be deemed "organic" they must follow USDA rules and regulations and will have the USDA organic seal on the packaging. "Natural" pet foods are also legally defined and, according to Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, if a pet food is deemed "natural" all the ingredients must be natural and without any chemical alterations.
When it comes to terms like "holistic" and "human grade" both are not legally defined. "Holistic" regulations and standards have not been formalized with regards to pet food and any manufacturer can make that claim on their labels or packaging. A claim the food is "human grade" is also misleading unless the entire product is edible by humans, in accordance to USDA and FDA standards.

I was told that the pet food industry is "not regulated".  I knew this to be untrue, so I am posting the Maryland results here.  As these are Federal  agencies, this applies to all states.

Information on Marketing a Pet Food Product
There is no requirement that pet food products have premarket approval by FDA. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does require that pet foods, like human foods, be pure and wholesome, contain no harmful or deleterious substances, and be truthfully labeled. Canned pet foods must be processed in conformance with low acid canned food (LACF) regulations designed to ensure that the finished product is free of any viable microorganisms. Producers must file acceptable processing methods with the Agency. These LACF regulations are listed in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 113.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act states that foods intended for man or animals are adulterated if they contain color additives that have not been proven safe to the satisfaction of FDA for that particular use. Title 21 of the CFR, Parts 73, 74, and 81 list the approved color additives and the conditions under which they may be safely used in food, including the amounts that may be used.

Regulations which apply specifically to food additives in animal pet foods are published in Title 21, Part 573 of the CFR. Additives in pet food must be approved by FDA based on scientific evidence that supports their safety and utility. If FDA has reason to believe there is a problem with the safety of a particular food additive, the Agency can take action to have it removed from the market.

There are also Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substances which are permitted to be used in pet foods, because of their long history of safe use in foods. These are published in Title 21, Part 582 of the CFR.

Regulations concerning the labeling of pet food are published in Title 21, Part 501 of the CFR. Copies of the CFR may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

Pet food labeling is regulated at two levels. The Federal regulations, enforced by FDA, establish standards for all animal feeds: proper identification of the product as a pet food; net quantity statement (weight, volume, or count); name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; and proper listing of all ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight and identified by their common or usual names. Some States also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many of these follow the pet food regulations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO includes officials from all States and the Federal government who are responsible for enforcing the laws regulating the production, labeling, distribution, and/or sale of animal feeds. One of AAFCO's main goals is to provide a mechanism for developing and implementing uniform and equitable laws, regulations, standards, definitions, and enforcement policies for animal feeds.
December 1998

The Association of American Feed Control Officials has issued a series of pet food regulations that has served as a model for State laws and regulations. These include more specific requirements regarding product names, flavor designations, guaranteed analysis, nutritional adequacy statements, proper ingredient names, and other aspects of labeling. The organization also provides test requirements or protocols for manufacturers so that they can meet State requirements of proof of safety and nutritional quality before a pet food is marketed. A product clearly identified as a "snack" or "treat" does not require a nutritional adequacy statement, but it must meet the other pet food regulations.

To order a copy of its official publication, you may write to:

Sharon Krebs
Assistant Secretary, AAFCO
P.O. Box 478
Oxford, Indiana 47971
(765) 385-1029
Although not explicitly addressed in FDA or AAFCO regulations, there are also policies or procedures regarding other aspects of labeling, such as health claims, use of the term "natural," etc. For further information or clarification of these issues or FDA pet food regulations, you may contact:

Center for Veterinary Medicine
Division of Animal Feeds (HFV-220)
Office of Surveillance and Compliance
7519 Standish Place
Rockville, Maryland 20855
(240) 453-6849
Revised August 2002
Contact information updated April 2006

FDA and the Veterinarian

To the Veterinarian:

The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) helps to ensure the safety of the food supply and assists in providing for the health care needs of animals through the approval and post-approval monitoring of safe and effective animal drugs, medical devices for animals, and oversight of animal feeds. Veterinarians also help to ensure food safety and provide for the health care needs of animals through appropriate and responsible use of FDA-regulated products. Because of the similarities of mission between FDA and veterinarians, this booklet was written to provide a source of information on CVM activities which may be of interest to veterinarians. Our success at CVM depends on the knowledge, abilities and ethics of veterinarians to use FDA-regulated products responsibly within their practice. We hope this booklet will serve as a catalyst for greater communication between CVM and the veterinary profession.

Bernadette M. Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine



Regulatory Information Center 

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is responsible for a number of laws and regulations relating to environmental and consumer protection as well as the promotion of agriculture.

MDA's Regulatory Information Center is designed to provide information to the public about enforcement actions the department takes in response to violations of state laws or regulations. This information includes administrative, civil and criminal enforcement actions. We invite you to learn more about the enforcement process that MDA follows.

For more than 30 years, MDA has worked to ensure compliance with agricultural laws and regulations and to initiate enforcement action when warranted. Enforcement is one of the tools MDA uses - usually following education, technical and financial assistance if appropriate - to carry out its mission to assure consumer confidence, protect the environment and promote agriculture. Agricultural laws and regulations are established to protect and foster a healthy and sustainable future for agriculture while protecting and preserving the environment.

MDA's enforcement options may include: fines and penalties; administrative actions, which are heard before the Office of Administrative Hearings; and judicial actions, which are civil or criminal proceedings heard in court. Administrative and civil actions can result in orders and/or penalties. Criminal proceedings can result in fines and/or imprisonment.


A Harvard Law Student write this abstract for a class project.    He has some points, unfortunately, they dont ONLY apply to pet food.

Pet Food Abstract