The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes guidelines for selecting pet foods. These guidelines have become the gold standard reference for veterinary nutrition recommendations — and a source of controversy in the pet food community. Understanding what WSAVA actually recommends (and doesn't recommend) helps you make informed feeding decisions.
The WSAVA Criteria
WSAVA recommends that pet food manufacturers meet these standards:
- Employ at least one full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN or ECVCN) — someone with 4+ years of post-veterinary-degree training specifically in nutrition
- Conduct AAFCO (or equivalent) feeding trials — not just formulation analysis
- Own and operate manufacturing facilities — not contract manufacturing
- Implement comprehensive quality control — testing raw ingredients and finished products
- Provide full nutrient analysis beyond the minimum guaranteed analysis
- Engage in published research — contributing to nutritional science
Which Brands Meet WSAVA Guidelines?
| Brand | DACVN | Feeding Trials | Own Manufacturing | Published Research |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purina (Pro Plan) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Extensive |
| Royal Canin | Yes | Yes | Yes | Extensive |
| Hill's Science Diet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Extensive |
| Eukanuba/Iams | Yes | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
Common Misconceptions
"WSAVA recommends specific brands"
False. WSAVA provides criteria for evaluating manufacturers — it does not endorse or recommend specific brands. The brands that consistently meet the criteria are identified by the veterinary community, not by WSAVA itself.
"Non-WSAVA brands are bad"
Oversimplification. Many non-WSAVA brands produce adequate nutrition. The WSAVA criteria identify the highest level of manufacturer accountability — meeting all criteria means the company has invested significantly in nutritional science. Not meeting all criteria doesn't automatically mean the food is harmful, but it does mean there's less scientific oversight.
"WSAVA criteria are just marketing for big companies"
The criteria require genuine investment — employing a DACVN costs $150,000-$250,000/year, feeding trials cost $50,000-$100,000 per formula, and owning manufacturing facilities requires tens of millions in capital. These aren't arbitrary barriers — they represent real accountability measures that smaller companies choose not to invest in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I only feed WSAVA-compliant brands?
It's the safest default recommendation. If you choose a non-WSAVA brand, verify that it at minimum: meets AAFCO nutritional adequacy standards, uses named protein sources, has a clean recall history, and can provide nutritional details when contacted.
