Choosing the correct diet for your pet relies heavily on how to read and interpret a pet food label. Pet food labels can be confusing with myriad terms, ingredients, and nutritional claims. Attempting to decipher this information can be a lesson in frustration. That’s why our All Breed Pet Care team breaks down pet food labels’ components to help you make informed decisions about your furry friend’s diet.

Pet food label key elements

If you’ve tried deciphering the ingredient lists on your own foods’ labels, you may have shrugged your shoulders, wondering what some of the strange names were. Likewise, understanding the information on your pet’s food label requires interpretation. Our team explains the following key elements of pet food labeling:

  • Product name — The product name provides insight into the primary ingredients. Terms such as “beef dog food” must contain at least 95% beef, while “beef dinner” or “beef platter” must contain at least 25% beef. If the name says “with beef,” the product only needs 3% beef. “Beef flavor” indicates that beef may not be a primary ingredient but should be detectable.

  • Net weight  — The net weight tells you the package’s product amount. This information is important for cost comparisons and feeding calculations when planning for the length of time the food will last.

  • Guaranteed analysis — This section lists the nutrients’ minimum or maximum levels, including crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture content. The term “crude” denotes the minimum percentage allowed in the total diet.

  • Ingredients list — Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The first few ingredients are the most important. Look for specific protein sources, such as chicken or beef, as the first ingredient. Avoid products with unidentifiable filler or artificial additive names listed early in the ingredients list.

  • Nutritional adequacy statement — This statement verifies that the food meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This statement guarantees the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage such as growth, maintenance, or all life stages. The AAFCO statement lets you know that the food meets minimum percentages but does not denote higher quality.

  • Feeding guidelines — These guidelines offer a starting point for the appropriate amount to feed your four-legged friend based on their weight and activity level. However, feeding guidelines vary depending on your pet’s needs, age, energy level, and health. Discuss your pet’s nutritional needs, including feeding amounts, with our All Breed Pet Care veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount your four-legged friend should eat at each meal.

  • Manufacturer information — This section details the manufacturer or distributor, including the company’s name and contact information. A reputable manufacturer will also offer a phone number for customer inquiries.

  • Caloric content — This is the food’s energy content, usually measured in kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg) or per cup/can. This information is critical for managing your pet’s weight and ensuring they receive the proper energy.

  • Special claims and terms — Terms, including “natural,” “organic,” or “holistic,” can be misleading. “Natural” typically means no artificial preservatives or ingredients, while “organic” means the ingredients meet US Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. “Holistic” has no regulatory definition and has various meanings. However, while the USDA sets standards for identifying food as being organic, special terms and claims are loosely regulated. Our team recommends doing your research to verify these claims before purchasing pet food based on marketing jargon alone. 

Tips for choosing the best food for your pet

The sheer number of pet food brands can be overwhelming. Even if you understand a pet food label’s information, you need to take other considerations into account to choose the correct diet for your furry friend. Consider the following suggestions:

  • Know your pet’s needs — Each life stage and health condition requires unique nutrient profiles. Puppies and kittens require additional nutrients for their rapid growth, while senior dogs and cats have their own unique nutritional needs.
  • Research brands — Look for companies that have good reputations and transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices. Customer reviews can also be helpful.
  • Avoid major changes — If you are considering changing brands or food types, be aware that sudden changes in pet food or nutrition can have negative health effects on your four-legged friend. Gradually introduce your furry friend to another food by mixing a little of the new food with the old food and then increasing the amount of the new food until your pet has acclimated to it.
  • Consult our veterinarian — Our team can provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your pet’s health, age, sex, and health status.

Understanding a pet food label’s information can help you make the best dietary choices for your four-legged friend, promoting their overall health and wellness. With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the pet food aisle and select high-quality, nutritious options for your beloved companion. Contact our All Breed Pet Care team for a nutrition consultation.