The Rural Development Administration (RDA) on April 8 said nutritional standards for pet food developed by its affiliate National Institute of Animal Science were incorporated into the official notice on related standards and specifications. (RDA)

By Lee Dasom

Verification of pet food meeting certain nutritional standards has become easier through a "complete food" label.

The Rural Development Administration on April 8 said such standards developed by its affiliate National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) were incorporated into an official notice of related standards and specifications.

Pet food nutritional standards are guidelines that systematically outline the recommended amounts of essential nutrients and energy requirements for pets at each life stage, and are customized for domestic conditions.

The standards are used as key criteria when adopting a complete system of pet food labeling. Items labeled as "complete pet food" meet all necessary nutritional requirements without the need for additional supplements.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs revised and released the relevant notice to allow feed meeting nutritional standards for each growth stage to be labeled "complete."

The system will take full effect in 2028 after a three-year grace period to allow preparation.

NIAS said, "With the launch of these nutritional standards for pets, consumers who previously struggled to choose feed due to the lack of clear regulatory standards now have clearer criteria for their selections."

dlektha0319@korea.kr