The information on a pet food label can be confusing. What’s actually in your pet’s bag of food? Understanding pet food labels’ information is essential for ensuring your furry friend receives the nutrition they need to thrive. With so many options available, deciphering pet food labels can be challenging. However, when you understand the information, you can make informed decisions about your pet’s diet. Our Peak City Veterinary Hospital team breaks down pet food labels’ critical components to teach you how to select the most nutritious food for your furry companion.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials and pet food labels

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary, nonprofit organization of state and federal representatives and animal food manufacturers. This group’s job is to evaluate and establish livestock and pet food standards. AAFCO pet food standards determine how nutrition information is provided on pet food labels. Keep in mind, however, that AAFCO is not responsible for determining which are the most nutritious pet foods but rather the minimum nutritional requirements. 

Pet food ingredients list

The ingredients list is where you’ll find the most valuable information about what your pet’s food contains. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, with the heaviest ingredients listed first. Look for whole proteins as the primary ingredient such as: 

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Turkey
  • Lamb
  • Duck
  • Salmon
  • Wild game such as bison or elk

The primary ingredients are listed at the top. These provide the greatest amount of proteins and nutrients. Are you confused about the terms “meal” or “byproduct?” According to AAFCO, the term meal refers to a “dry, rendered product from a combination of clean flesh and skin…derived from the parts of whole carcasses.” While this sounds unappetizing, these byproducts provide valuable nutrients to pets that they cannot obtain through muscle meat alone. 

Pet food guaranteed analysis

The pet food label’s guaranteed analysis section provides information about the food’s nutrient content. This typically includes crude protein, fat, fiber, and moisture percentages. When evaluating these values, consider your pet’s individual needs. For example, active dogs may require a high protein content, while cats may benefit from diets high in fat for energy. Remember that the guaranteed analysis represents minimum or maximum values and may not accurately reflect the pet food’s exact nutrient content.

Pet food nutritional adequacy statement

The nutritional adequacy statement indicates whether the pet food is suitable for a specific life stage such as growth and maintenance or adult. Choose foods labeled “complete and balanced” for your pet’s life stage to ensure your furry pal receives all the essential nutrients they need.

Feeding guidelines for pets

The feeding guidelines present the food amount your pet should eat based on their weight. These guidelines do not consider factors such as a pet’s age, weight management, health conditions, and activity level. The feeding guidelines are usually generous, so you should discuss your pet’s optimal daily calorie amount with our Peak City Veterinary Hospital veterinarian to determine an accurate amount for your four-legged friend’s food intake. 

Pet food claims 

Many pet food manufacturers make claims and present certifications about their brands. Keep in mind that some claims are more about wording than about truth. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set some standards for labeling pet food, but room for additional regulation exists. Popular terms on pet food packaging include:

  • Natural
  • Organic
  • Wild
  • Grain-free
  • Homemade
  • Unprocessed
  • Gourmet

While these terms appeal to discriminating pet owners, keep in mind that these claims are not regulated as strictly as nutritional adequacy statements. Researching the brand and ingredients is essential to ensure they align with your pet’s nutritional needs.

Manufacturer information on pet food labels

Manufacturer information provides you with the producer’s contact information, which you can use to address information or ask questions about the product. This label directs you to the company’s name, address, and phone number. 

Being able to understand your pet’s food label may seem overwhelming initially, but you can decipher the information after considering the information we have presented here. If you’re unsure which pet food fulfills your furry pal’s nutritional needs, contact our Peak City Veterinary Hospital team. We can address any questions or concerns about your pet’s diet.