Choosing the right food for your pet can be overwhelming with so many options available. The key to making informed decisions lies in understanding how to read and interpret pet food labels. At Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale, we are dedicated to helping pet owners make the best nutritional choices for their pets. In this article, we’ll walk you through the major components of a pet food label and provide guidance on what to look for to ensure your pet gets the nutrition they need.

Key Components of a Pet Food Label:

1. Ingredient List

The ingredient list on a pet food label offers a breakdown of the ingredients in descending order by weight. The first few ingredients are therefore the heaviest ingredients, not necessarily the ones in highest abundance. 

  • What to Look For: 
    • High-quality pet food should list a named protein like “chicken” or “salmon” as the first ingredient whenever possible. 
    • Vegetables
  • What to Avoid: Artificial colors and flavors

2. Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis section provides information on the minimum and maximum percentages of nutrients like protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in the food. Unfortunately that means you won’t get an exact value, but it does provide some information. 

  • Protein: Protein is essential for muscle development, energy and overall health. Ensure the food you select provides adequate levels of protein based on your pet’s age and activity level.
  • Fat: Healthy fats provide energy, support skin and coat health and help your pet absorb important vitamins from their diet. Look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and beneficial for overall wellness.
  • Fiber: Fiber is important for digestion but should be balanced to avoid gastrointestinal issues. 

3. Nutritional Adequacy Statement

This statement indicates whether the pet food meets the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It also specifies the appropriate life stage for the food, such as growth (for puppies and kittens), maintenance (for adult pets), or all life stages.

  • What to Look For: Ensure the pet food is labeled as “complete and balanced” for your pet’s current life stage. For instance, a growing puppy requires different nutrition than an adult dog.

4. Feeding Guidelines

Feeding guidelines suggest the amount of food your pet should consume based on their weight. However, these are general recommendations, and the actual amount your pet needs may vary based on their activity level, age, and metabolism.

  • Adjust Portions: Consider the number of calories your pet is currently consuming including treats. If your veterinarian indicates they are maintaining a healthy weight, then you can feed your pet the same number of calories of the new food. If you’re unsure about how many calories your pet needs, and how that translates into quantity to put in the bowl, reach out to us for advice.

Misleading Marketing Terms:

Some words used on pet food packaging may sound appealing, but they are not regulated and don’t necessarily mean the diet as a whole is better for your pet. Use of these words and other similar words is also an excuse to charge more for a diet.

1. “Natural”

“Natural” means the food doesn’t contain artificial ingredients. 

2. “Holistic”

“Holistic” is more of a marketing term with no legal definition.

3. “Grain-Free”

Grain-free diets are popular, but they are not necessary for all pets. A very small percentage of dogs with allergies have an allergy to a grain. So, for the average dog, it’s not necessary to avoid them.

4. “Organic”

If there is no “USDA Organic” symbol on the bag of food, then the simple use of the term “organic” has no legal meaning or requirement. 

Conclusion:

Understanding how to read a pet food label is an important step in providing your pet with balanced nutrition. By focusing on high-quality ingredients, analyzing the guaranteed analysis, and considering your pet’s specific needs, you can make informed decisions that support your pet’s overall health. If you have questions about choosing the right food for your pet, schedule a consultation at Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale and we will be happy to help.