There are seemingly endless options out there when it comes to pet food for your dog or cat, but do you understand what pet food labels are really telling you?
Let’s dive into understanding exactly what pet food labels are telling you, and what to look out for.
Why should you read pet food labels?
Unlike humans who eat a wide variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs, our pets generally receive all their nutrition from the pet food we buy for them. That is why it’s important to make sure that the food you choose meets all their nutritional needs and contain quality ingredients.
By reading the labels on your pet’s food, you can know what the food contains and have a better indication of the nutritional make-up.
Understanding Pet Food Labels
The Basics
All pet foods will state on the packaging the manufacturer’s name and the product name, as well as what species the food is for (for example, dog or cat), as well as the net weight of the product. Packaging will generally indicate what life stage this food is intended for, such as puppy/kitten, adult and senior.
Additionally, the label should have a list of all the ingredients. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.
Ensure that the food you choose lists a specific meat or meat meal as one of the top two components in the ingredients list.
The label must also provide a guaranteed analysis. This indicates the minimum or maximum levels of nutrients such as protein, fat, fibre and moisture in the food.
It is important to note that the guaranteed analysis is not a guarantee of the nutritional quality of the food, only a guarantee of the percentage of each nutrient included.
Dogs and cats require more than 40 essential nutrients in their diets. If a pet food is labelled as “complete and balanced” or “100% Nutritious”, this means that it contains all their essential nutrients at levels required for a pet’s healthy diet.
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How much real meat is in your pet’s food:
Now we will take a look at what the wording on your pet’s food means, using chicken as an example:
- “With chicken flavour” – this food only needs to contain traces of the flavour substance, essence or extract and contains less than 4 % chicken meat. Some will only contain chicken flavour/essence and therefore no real chicken.
- “With chicken” – this food contains more than 4% real chicken.
- “High or rich or with extra chicken” means that there is at least 14% real chicken present.
- “Chicken dinner or Chicken recipe or Chicken menu” should contain at least 26% real chicken
- “All chicken” is supposed to contain more than 65% real chicken.
What does this mean for the nutritional value of your pet’s food? Well, both cats and dogs need protein in their diet, and the more real meat is in their food, the more quality protein they are getting.
With that being said, the source of the protein is more important than the percentage of protein. Make sure your pet’s food lists a specific meat like chicken, beef etc. instead of just “meat”, “animal” or “poultry”.
A good quality pet food contains a higher ratio of good quality, bio-available protein than carbohydrates.
Other Ingredients
A misleading way that ingredients can be listed is by breaking up one ingredient into its components. For example, the label could state whole corn towards the top of the list, and lower down on the list mention corn gluten meal. In this case, it is possible that the total amount of corn may be more than the meat ingredient listed first.
Some pet foods will use “filler” ingredients to add volume, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that the ingredients are nutritious.
Common filler ingredients include corn, wheat, soy, and various by-products. While not all fillers are harmful, they often add bulk without contributing much nutritional value.
Feeding Guidelines
Most pet food labels include feeding guidelines based on your pet’s weight and age. These are helpful starting points but remember that each pet is different. Your pet’s activity level, metabolism, and health status all influence how much food they actually need. Monitor your pet’s weight and adjust portions accordingly.
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Final Thoughts
Reading a pet food label can feel overwhelming at first, but once you know what to look out for, it becomes second nature. Prioritize products with clear ingredient lists, named animal proteins, and minimal fillers or artificial additives. Don’t be fooled by marketing buzzwords! Always refer to the ingredients list and nutritional analysis for the real story.
Feeding your pet is one of the most important ways you care for them. By choosing food that is truly nutritious, you’re investing in their long-term health, happiness, and vitality. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best diet for your pet’s unique needs.
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