Your pet’s food package label may seem ambiguous, but it provides important information about nutrition and other factors you should consider when evaluating your four-legged friend’s diet. By understanding the information provided on pet food labels, you can decipher your pet’s food components. Our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team explains pet food label information so you can gain insight into what you’re putting in your furry pal’s bowl. 

Pet food product name 

The product name states the pet food’s primary ingredients. However, product names can be misleading. For example, a food with chicken dinner or beef flavored in its name may include little chicken or beef. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has requirements about pet food product naming, including:

  • The 95% rule — This rule states that when a diet is named after a specific protein or other ingredient, such as chicken cat food, chicken must make up 95% of the total ingredient weight.
  • The 25% rule — This rule is sneaky. Many manufacturers include the terms dinner, entree, or platter along with the chosen protein. These products must only have 10% of the named ingredient as part of the total diet by weight.
  • The “with” rule — The “with” rule states that when the word with is included in the product name, such as with chicken, the listed ingredient must make up a mere 3% of the total diet.
  • The flavor rule — The flavor rule only stipulates that the diet is flavored to mimic the named ingredients. A chicken-flavored pet food, for example, must taste like chicken. 

Pet food ingredients list

The ingredient list is a pet food label’s most essential part. Ingredients are presented in descending order by weight, with the heaviest ingredient listed first. Look for proteins, such as chicken, beef, or salmon, as the first ingredient. This ensures that your pet is getting a high-quality protein. 

Some pet owners are dismayed when they see the terms by-product or meal beside the protein source. These essential by-products are sanitized organ meats, excluding muscle meat. They provide vital nutrients that muscle meat alone cannot. 

Pet food nutritional adequacy statement

Ensure your pet’s food label has a statement that indicates the food is complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards. This statement is typically worded similarly to the following: “This food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog (or Cat) Food Nutrient Profiles for (specific life stage).” If your pet’s food label has a statement similar to this, the AAFCO has determined that the diet provides all the essential nutrients your four-legged friend needs for their life stage and species.

Pet food guaranteed analysis

A pet food label guaranteed analysis section provides information on the minimum and maximum percentages of the food’s crude protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. Understand that these are not exact values but rather estimates. Consider this information as a general guideline when comparing different diets.

Pet food feeding guidelines

The feeding guidelines are based on your pet’s weight and age and are designed so they receive the appropriate amount to fulfill their nutritional needs. Be aware that these guidelines are ambiguous and do not account for activity level, health, or metabolism. If your pet is involved in competitive sports or is extremely active, they may require additional food to account for their caloric output. Pets who are overweight may need fewer calories than the label recommends. Discuss your pet’s daily food requirements with our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team. 

Pet food marketing claims

Be wary of marketing claims on pet food labels that entice you to buy. Marketing terms that are commonly used include:

  • Natural
  • Organic
  • Grain-free
  • Fresh
  • Gourmet
  • Wild

While these terms may sound appealing, they are loosely regulated. Always verify these claims by checking the ingredients list and ensuring they align with your pet’s dietary needs.

Understanding a pet food label’s information is a valuable skill that helps you provide the best nutrition for your four-legged family member. By knowing what you’re putting in your pet’s bowl, you can make better decisions regarding their food and optimal wellness. Consult with our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team about your pet’s nutritional needs.