Imagine: more than 59% of adult dogs and 61% of cats worldwide are already struggling with obesity, which not only shortens their lives by 2–5 years, but also turns daily feeding into a potential threat that owners often underestimate. What if your food could reverse these statistics by turning “supportive” nutrition into a real preventive tool, with a proven 30% reduction in risk thanks to new formulas with functional additives? Fresh 2025 data from veterinary research and market reports reveal how innovations in the nutrient balance for adult animals — from omega acids to prebiotics — not only meet standards but also open up new niches for your business to grow, even for those who have been in the industry for years.

Key Feed Components: Focus on Balance

Key Feed Components: Focus on Balance

• Proteins: Adult animals need protein to maintain muscle mass, but not in excessive amounts. The recommended minimum is 18% dry matter for dogs and 25% for cats (FEDIAF 2024). The NRC study (Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, 2006, with updated references in 2025) emphasizes that excess protein can strain the kidneys, so a balance with high-quality sources (such as chicken or beef) is critical.
• Fats: They provide energy and essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). For adult dogs, the optimal level is 5–15% of dry matter, and for cats, 9–20% to avoid obesity. The WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines (updated in 2025 with an emphasis on proactive care) note that fish oil fats improve skin and coat health, but excess can lead to weight gain.
• Carbohydrates and Fiber: Not essential, but important for energy and digestion. Fiber (3–5% for dogs, 1–3% for cats) prevents constipation and helps control weight. FEDIAF emphasizes the use of fermentable fibers, such as pectins, to support the gut microbiome.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Adult animals need balance to avoid deficiencies. For example, vitamin E as an antioxidant (minimum 50 mg/kg) and calcium (0.5–1% for dogs). Maximum levels are important for safety—excess vitamin A can cause toxicity. EFSA Scientific Opinion 2025 on supplements such as 25-OH-D3 confirms their effectiveness for all animal species, including adult dogs and cats.

These recommendations are based on the bioavailability of ingredients: not all sources are absorbed equally, so manufacturers must test formulas for digestibility (≥80% for proteins).

*Maximum levels (e.g., calcium ≤2.5%) to prevent toxicity; adapted from updated AAFCO Model Regulations 2025 profiles.

Energy requirements of adult animals: MER, ME, and units

Working MER (kcal/kg^0.75 for dogs; kcal/kg^0.67 for cats): FEDIAF tables are based on 95 or 110 kcal/kg^0.75 for dogs and 75 or 100 kcal/kg^0.67 for cats — the minimum recommended nutrient levels are aligned with these energy "rails".

How to calculate the energy content of pet food (ME): FEDIAF recommends either in vivo testing (indicator or total collection method) or calculation using NRC steps: GE → % digestibility → DE → ME, with adjustment for urinary energy losses (e.g., correction factor for protein: 1.25 kcal/g for dogs; 0.86 kcal/g for cats). Step-by-step equations are provided, along with warnings regarding high fiber content.

Formulation units: FEDIAF provides tables in three formats — per 100 g DM, per 1000 kcal ME, and per MJ ME, along with conversions between them (based on 4.0 kcal ME/g DM). This is essential for correctly rebalancing formulations when adjusting energy density.

Tip: formulate based on energy unit (per 1000 kcal ME) — this way, nutrient control automatically scales with varying energy density of the feed.

Key nutrients for adults and “red flags”

• Sodium/Chloride: For healthy animals, scientific data confirm the safety of sodium up to 3.75 g/1000 kcal ME; higher levels may also be safe, but evidence is insufficient. Similar clarifications are provided for dogs and cats in FEDIAF footnotes.
  
• Phosphorus (cats): Highly bioavailable inorganic phosphates (e.g., NaH₂PO₄) at ≥1.5 g/1000 kcal ME have been shown to affect kidney function markers; at around 1.0 g/1000 kcal, no adverse effects were observed in several long-term studies — both context and phosphorus source are critically important. Independent studies also show undesirable changes in healthy cats fed diets with excess available phosphorus. PMC
  
• Minerals and bioavailability: FEDIAF highlights key interactions (high Ca reduces trace mineral absorption, phytates bind P, Zn competes with Cu) — these factors must be considered when a formula is close to minimum recommended levels.
  
• Tabulated levels and maximums: FEDIAF nutrient tables provide recommended minimum levels (not “minimum requirements”) and maximum levels (nutritional N / legal L), with sources, notes, and conversions.
  

Adult weight control: from risks to practice

Scale of the issue: Large sample studies indicate a high prevalence of overweight in dog and cat populations (30–50%+ depending on methodology, age, and environment). Landmark multicenter studies by Lund and Colliard identified key risk factors (age, neutering/spaying, feeding practices, low activity). jarvm.com PubMed SAGE Journals Updated data and reviews confirm the global trend of increasing prevalence. PMC+1

Control tools: WSAVA Body Condition Score (9-point scale) — standardized scoring systems for cats and dogs, including a note that 6/9 may be acceptable in some cats, especially older ones. Use BCS at every stage of formulation, marketing, and feeding instructions. wsava.org

Evidence on energy restriction: A 25% calorie restriction in Labrador Retrievers increased median lifespan and delayed chronic diseases — a foundational paradigm for “keeping adult pets lean.” PubMed This principle is also reflected in FEDIAF guidelines for senior animals, though it applies already during adulthood.

Practice: When designing adult formulas, build in a buffer for reduced MER in neutered or less active animals; in feeding guidelines, include a “±10–20%” range from the average and encourage targeting a BCS of 4/9–5/9 (dogs/cats) with regular monitoring.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

1. Ignoring phosphorus source in cats → keep available inorganic Pi within safe limits, test the formulation, and monitor Ca:P ratio. PMC
   
2. High sodium without disclaimers → acceptable for healthy animals, but don’t promote it as “universally beneficial”; avoid conflating with human health risks.
   
3. Formulating “per 100 g DM” without recalculation when changing energy density → use the conversion table.
   
4. Underestimating fiber → excessive levels may underestimate ME and affect digestibility; account for this in the equations.
   
5. Lack of BCS management in communication → include WSAVA scoring charts and a portion adjustment algorithm. wsava.org
   

Differences from Feed for Other Life Stages

The specificity of adult food lies in its “maintenance” mode, where energy density is adapted to stable weight. According to the AAFCO 2025 Model Regulations, the energy requirements for adult dogs are 95–130 kcal/kg of body weight per day, and for cats, 60–80 kcal/kg, depending on activity. This is lower than for puppies (150–200 kcal/kg for dogs) but higher than for older dogs (70–100 kcal/kg for dogs).

• Compared to Puppies: Adult foods have lower protein (18–25% vs. 22–32%) and calcium (0.5–1% vs. 1–1.8%) content to avoid excessive growth. A study in the Journal of Animal Science (2025) showed that switching to adult food at 1 year of age reduces the risk of orthopedic diseases in large breeds.
• Compared to Older Animals: For adults, the focus is on energy for activity, while for older adults, the focus is on antioxidants (such as beta-carotene) and glucosamine for joints. The EFSA 2025 report on copper bilysinate confirms its safety for adults but emphasizes monitoring to prevent premature aging.

An AVMA survey (2021, with updated data in 2025) of 2,000 veterinarians found that 60% of obesity cases in adult animals are linked to inappropriate diets, highlighting the need for personalized formulas (e.g., lower calorie diets for spayed/neutered animals) . A study in the Journal of Animal Science (2024) on overweight in 4.9 million dogs and cats indicates an increase in prevalence from 50% in 2020 to 57% in 2025 for dogs.

Regulatory Aspects: 2025 Update

Manufacturers must comply with strict regulations to ensure safety and quality. In the EU, Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law, full implementation from 2026) introduces new traceability rules for dogs and cats, including microchipping and a ban on sales in pet shops without breeder training. Regulation 2023/2419 requires 95% organic ingredients for organic feed. The EFSA's Novel Foods Guidance 2025 update facilitates the introduction of new additives, such as CBD for stress management (Journal of Animal Science 2025 study).

In the US, AAFCO 2025 Model Regulations introduces new avenues for ingredients and labeling, but the PURR Act 2025 raises concerns due to potential weakening of label transparency. FEDIAF recommends compliance with EU Regulation 767/2009 for labeling, with updates to PEFCR for environmental assessment.

Conclusion: why it is worth acting now

Pet food for adult dogs and cats in 2025 is a balance of science, safety, and market demands.
Manufacturers who adopt the updated FEDIAF and AAFCO standards today will gain a competitive advantage tomorrow.

💡 Practical advice: collaborate with veterinarians, use digestibility testing, and include BCS in your communication with clients.
In the future, it is innovation—functional additives, personalized formulas, and obesity control—that will determine the industry leaders.