Our Approach to AAFCO Complete & Balanced Nutrition
How We Build a Complete & Balanced Meal With Organic Ingredients
What Complete & Balanced Actually Means
Dog food labels love using the phrase Complete and Balanced. It sounds reassuring, yet most pet parents are never told what it actually means or how it is measured. At New Tricks Dog Food, it is not a marketing phrase. It is the scientific foundation of every recipe we make.
The AAFCO Standard: A Real Nutritional Benchmark
Complete and Balanced is an official term defined by AAFCO. A recipe can only use it if it delivers every required nutrient for a dog’s life stage, including proteins, fats, amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It also includes critical ratios, such as calcium to phosphorus.
There are only two ways to qualify:
- Formulate on paper to match AAFCO nutrient profiles.
- Test in a lab to confirm the cooked food actually meets the standard.
We rely on laboratory testing because accuracy matters.
Why It Matters for Your Dog
A diet that is not Complete and Balanced can create slow, subtle issues over time: low energy, poor skin and coat quality, weaker bones, or digestive trouble. A balanced diet supports steady energy, strong muscles, a shiny coat, healthy digestion, and a reliable immune system. These benefits only happen when the nutrients are correct and in the right form.
Our Approach to Complete & Balanced
Every recipe starts with whole cuts of meat you recognize: sirloin beef roast, chicken breast and thigh, and pork loin. From there, we add our Organic New Tricks VeggieBlend, made from organic non-GMO vegetables. Alongside the VeggieBlend, we include organic grains and organic legumes, which we consider essential for digestion, steady energy, and nutrient density.
Once each batch is gently cooked and cooled, we blend in organic expeller-pressed canola oil. It complements the natural animal fats from the meats and helps us achieve the ideal balance of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids for healthy skin, coat, and immune support. Along with the oil, we mix in our New Tricks multivitamin to lock in the correct nutrient profile, including the precise calcium-to-phosphorus ratio that dogs need.
The result is food that is consistent, digestible, and naturally flavorful.
Independent Testing for Accuracy
Every recipe is:
✅ Independently lab tested
✅ Verified to meet or exceed AAFCO nutrient standards
✅ Adjusted with precision when needed to maintain accuracy
✅ Verified Pathogen Free
We test because pet parents deserve complete transparency.
Why Fresh Food Helps
Dogs respond to gently cooked meals made with clean, recognizable ingredients. Fresh meat tastes like real meat. Organic vegetables, grains, and legumes provide natural aroma and digestibility. Even picky eaters notice the difference right away.
The Takeaway
Complete and Balanced is not a slogan. It is a scientifically verified promise. High-quality ingredients make the meals taste incredible. Independent testing ensures every nutrient lands exactly where it should.
If you ever want to review our lab results, we are always happy to discuss them. Healthy dogs start with honest food, and your dog deserves nothing less.
