How to Read Pet Food Labels – Uncover Hidden Truths behind Dog Food Labels
Much like caring for your children, we are sure that as pet parents you always strive to do the same for your furry companions at home.We all want the best care for our dogs, and that includes nutrition. This is where understanding pet food labels becomes pivotal.
However, pet owners often struggle to pick appropriate food for their furry pals. This is initially because the pet food market exposes you to hundreds of brands.
Pet parents need to choose from a large variety of ingredients. Moreover, there are all sorts of marketing and advertising claims to interpret & decode.
So, let us head this comprehensive guide by understanding the dog food label format.
Pet food labels share information on the dietary regulations of each pet food. Reading and interpreting pet food labels and deciphering the right ingredients can be a bit confusing to meet the pets requirement for a balanced diet. Here’s all the information you need to make the right selection for your pet!
As a pet owner, you want to ensure your furry friend gets the best nutrition possible. One way to ensure this is by reading and interpreting pet food labels. But deciphering what’s on the label can be a bit confusing with so many different brands and types of pet food available. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to read and interpret pet food labels, including what to look for and what to avoid.
Dog Food Label Requirements
Understanding pet food labels begins with demystifying pet food labels format. It is roughly the same across all brands.
- Unique identifier or brand and product name
- Product quantity – based on the food formulation
- Ingredients – usually listed in terms of weight
- Guaranteed Analysis aka Analytical Constituents – mentioning the percentage of each nutrient component
- Statement of nutritional adequacy – backed by testing to prove the product provides the said amount and level of nutrients
- Feeding Guide
- The name & address of the manufacturer
- Net content statement
Pet Food Labeling Guide
Label analysis of pet foods begins right at the top, with the name:
- Product Name: Hints the main ingredient or the kind of food or treat.
Pet owners often buy food for their pets based on a specific ingredient. So, pet food market brands tend to highlight the main component in the product name itself, for example, Salmon Dog Food .
- Product Quantity: Do not go by looks
The quantity on the label informs you about the amount of food the dog food container or pack contains.Dog food products can differ in density – especially for dry vs. wet pet food.
The product quantity is measured by weight, count, or liquid measure. So, do a cost-per-pound or ounce comparison, and get an idea of how much the product costs.
- Ingredients: Listed by order of weight
You must focus on the most vital part of the dog food label, i.e., the ingredients in dog food. Ingredients are listed on the basis of their weight, in descending order. A few things to know while reading this part of the label are:
- Ingredients with higher water content, such as chicken or lamb, weigh more than the dry ingredients (vitamins, grains, meals, etc.). So, in most cases, you will find the wet ingredients listed first.
- Collective ingredient listing, like animal proteins, is not allowed. Each ingredient must be listed individually and by its common name.
- Are all by-products bad? It depends. While the liver as a by-product can add to the nutritional value of the dog food, you would want to avoid empty by-products, containing stomach, bones, cleaned intestines, etc. It is best to opt for dog food with minimum to no by-products.
- Nutrients and ingredients are two different things. Ingredients provide the nutrients – food components that are metabolically useful and support life. For instance, lamb is the ingredient. It provides your furry pals with nutrients like protein, vitamins, and fatty acids.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Eye on the basic 4- Protein, fiber, fat, and water.
- Here you will find the maximum amount of protein & fat content, and the minimum amount of moisture & fiber. The numbers are regulated.
- It is also known as nutritional analysis or proximate analysis. Look for this information near the ingredients list.
- Guaranteed analysis can tell you whether or not your dog will get the correct nutrients from the pet food.
- Unfortunately, comparing the percentages between dry and wet food is tricky due to the difference in moisture levels.
- To calculate the adjusted protein level, subtract the moisture percentage from 100 – divide the protein percentage by the result and finally multiply the answer by 100.
- Nutritional Adequacy: Search for a fine print at the back or side of the package
The statement of nutritional adequacy is also an important dog treat label requirement. Brands ensure the nutritional adequacy of pet foods via government-regulated feeding trials.
They can also mention various pet life stages that the food is appropriate for and certify that it meets the nutritional requirements of a pet.
Since the nutritional needs of older dogs depend highly on their health condition, there is no nutritional adequacy standard for them.
- Feeding Guide or Directions: These are not rules, but recommendations. Consult your veterinarian.
This label is straightforward. It gives pet parents an idea about how and when to feed their
dogs the food. It also informs about the recommended dosage.
Temperament, breed, environment, and more factors influence your furry pal’s food intake.
Also, take note of the “best-used-by” date or statement since food can get rancid after the specified period due to the nature of ingredients used in pet foods. Expired pet food is harmful and can make your dog sick.
Deciphering Common Claims & Terms
Regulatory standards do not back marketing claims. The objective of these claims is to make the product appealing to consumers.
So, even though terms like “natural” or “organic” indicate no artificial colour or flavours included, there is no telling what they actually mean. Watch out for other terms, such as gourmet, premium, and wholesome.
Do not allow marketing claims to lure you. Whenever you are buying pet food, remember that nutrition always wins. So, read up on the nutritional value bit of the label before anything else.
Why is reading pet food labels important?
Reading and interpreting pet food labels is important for a few reasons. First, it can help you select a food that meets your pet’s specific nutritional needs. Second, it can help you avoid foods that may contain harmful ingredients or additives. And third, it can help you determine if the food you’re considering is appropriate for your pet based on their age, weight and activity level.
What to look for in pet food labels?
Here are some of the most important things to look for when reading and interpreting pet food labels.
- Ingredient list
The ingredient list is perhaps the most important part of the pet food label. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the first ingredient listed is the most abundant in the food. Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef or fish. These should be the first ingredient listed, as they provide essential amino acids that are important for your pet’s overall health.
Avoid foods that contain by-products, fillers and artificial preservatives. By-products are low-quality sources of protein that are made from chicken beaks, feet and residual organs. Fillers are ingredients that have little nutritional value and are added to pet food to bulk it up. Common fillers include corn, wheat and soya. Artificial preservatives are often added to pet food to extend its shelf life and can be harmful to your pet’s health.
Look for food nutrients that contain fruits and vegetables, as these can provide essential vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants that can support your pet’s immune system. Whole grains can also be a good source of fiber, B vitamins and other essential nutrients.
- Guaranteed analysis
The guaranteed analysis is a statement that provides information about the nutrient content of the food. It includes information on the minimum and maximum percentages of protein, fat, fibre and moisture in the food. Ensure that the protein and fat levels are appropriate for your pet’s age, weight and activity level. For example, puppies and active dogs may need higher levels of protein and fat to support their growth and energy needs.
- Here’s what to look for in the guaranteed analysis:
Protein: Look for a food that has a high-quality protein source listed as the first ingredient and ensure that the protein level is appropriate for your pet’s needs.
Fat: Fat is an essential source of energy for your pet. Also, it can provide essential fatty acids that are important for the skin and coat health.
Fibre: Fibre can help support your pet’s digestive health. It can also help keep them feeling full and satisfied.
Moisture: Moisture is an essential component of any pet’s diet, and it can help prevent dehydration and support healthy kidney function.
- Quality statement
Look for a statement on the packaging that indicates the food meets nutrient profiles or has undergone feeding trials. This indicates that the food has been formulated to meet the nutritional needs of pets.
- Feeding guidelines
The feeding guidelines on the packaging provide information on how much food to feed your pet based on their weight and age. However, these guidelines are just a starting point, and you may need to adjust the amount based on your pet’s activity level and individual needs.
- Consider special needs
When your dog is sick, their nutritional needs may change and it’s important to consider special nutrition to help them recover. Certain health conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues, liver or kidney disease, cancer, may require specific dietary considerations.
In conclusion, reading and interpreting pet food labels can help you choose high-quality food that meets your pet’s nutritional requirements and maintain their health.
DEBUNKING PET FOOD MYTHS
Myth: Grains are bad for cats and dogs.
Fact: Animals can have allergies to grains just as they can to chicken or dairy, but grain allergies are not common. Both cats and dogs can metabolize carbohydrates, and “grain free” does not mean carbohydrate free. Dogs that have no known allergy to grains can easily metabolize these carbohydrates and use them as a source of energy.
Myth: Foods labeled “premium” or “gourmet” are better for your pet.
Fact: Products with these labels are not required to contain any different or higher-quality ingredients, nor are they held to any higher nutritional standards than any other complete and balanced product.
Myth: Cat and dog foods are interchangeable.
Fact: Feeding your pet a food not intended for its species could be harmful, because cats and dogs require different nutrients to thrive. Dogs are omnivores and can derive nutrients from grains, fruits and vegetables. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivores and require specific nutrients that are only present in animal sources.
Myth: Products with the ingredient “meat meal” should be avoided.
Fact: The word “meal” simply means that water has been extracted from the product. However, meat meal is not as nutritionally sound as chicken meal, lamb meal, and other hand, are carnivores and require specific nutrients that are only present in animal sources.
What Is the AAFCO?
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the organization that develops the standards, regulations, policies, and definitions for pet food. This organization does NOT, however, certify, approve, test, or regulate pet food. There is NO such thing as an “AAFCO Approved Diet.” The regulation of pet food is generally left up to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and each individual state.
Dog Food Label Format
All pet food labels follow roughly the same format:
- Product and brand name or unique identifier.
- Quantity in terms of product weight, liquid measure, or count, depending on the formulation of the food.
- Guaranteed analysis, which specifies the amount of specific nutrients.
- Ingredients, which must be listed in descending order by weight.
- Nutritional adequacy statement, which must be backed up by testing that proves the food provides a certain level of nutrients. It may also include the life stages the food is appropriate for.
- Feeding directions.
- Manufacturer’s name and address
- Calorie statement
Now that you know what is listed, what does it all mean? Let’s take them one at a time.
Product Name
Quick Tip: It’s all in the wording.
There’s more to the product name than clever marketing. The name will actually give you your first clue about the ingredients. Because so many pet owners base their buying decision on a specific ingredient, brands will try to highlight that ingredient in the product name. But it’s all in the wording. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has four rules:
- The 95 Percent Rule: At least 95 percent of the product must be the named ingredient, for example, “Chicken for Dogs,” or “Salmon Dog Food,” must include at least 95 percent of chicken or salmon, respectively. In addition, this main product must be at least 70 percent of the total product when counting the added water. According to AAFCO regulations, the remaining five percent of ingredients will be those required for nutritional reasons, such as vitamins and minerals, and small amounts of any other ingredients.
- The 25 Percent Rule: When you see products named “Beef Dinner for Dogs,” “Chicken and Sweet Potato Entrée,” or “Lamb Platter,” for example, this is the 25 percent rule in action. If the named ingredients comprise at least 25 percent of the product (not counting the water for processing), but less than 95 percent, the product name must include a qualifying term, such as dinner, entrée, or platter. Counting the added water, the named ingredients still must comprise 10 percent of the product. If more than one ingredient is included in a “dinner,” the combination of the named ingredients must total 25 percent of the product and be listed in the same order as found on the ingredient list.
- The “With” Rule: When you see a dog food label, such as “Doggie Dinner With Beef,” the “With . . .” ingredient need only be at least 3 percent of the product. Just the addition of that one word — “with” — dramatically changes the percentage requirement of the ingredient in the food and is a good reason to pay attention to the product name.
- The Flavor Rule: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), if the label says “Beef Flavor Dog Food,” then “a specific percentage (of the beef) is not required, but a product must contain an amount sufficient to be able to be detected.” In this example, the word “flavor” must appear on the label in the same size, style, and color as the word “beef.
