Pet Food Labels: As pet owners, we want to make sure our furry companions are getting the best nutrition possible. One way to ensure that is to carefully read and understand the labels on their food. However, pet food labels can be confusing and even misleading, making it difficult to know what to look for and what to avoid. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to read and understand pet food labels, so you can make informed decisions about your pet’s diet.
First, it’s important to know that pet food labels are regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which sets guidelines for the ingredients and nutritional content that must be listed on the label. The AAFCO requires that pet food labels include the following information:
Pet Food Labels categories
- The name of the product: The name of the product should accurately reflect the ingredients inside. For example, if the label says “beef and rice dog food,” then beef and rice should be the main ingredients.
- Guaranteed analysis: This section lists the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture in the food.
- Ingredients: The ingredients should be listed in order of weight, with the heaviest ingredient listed first. It’s important to note that ingredients such as meat, poultry, and fish can contain up to 70% water, which is included in the weight. This means that a dry kibble with chicken as the first ingredient may actually contain less chicken than a wet food with chicken as the second or third ingredient.
- Feeding guidelines: This section provides recommended feeding amounts based on the weight and age of your pet.
Now that we know what information to look for, let’s talk about what to avoid. Here are some things to watch out for when reading pet food labels:
- By-products: By-products are the leftover parts of an animal after the meat has been removed, such as organs and bones. While some by-products can be nutritious, others may be of low quality or even unsafe for consumption. Look for specific named by-products, such as chicken liver, rather than generic by-products.
- Fillers: Fillers are ingredients that have little to no nutritional value but are added to bulk up the food and make it more affordable. Common fillers include corn, wheat, and soy, which can cause allergies and digestive issues in some pets.
- Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors: These ingredients are added to make the food look and taste more appealing, but they have no nutritional value and can be harmful to your pet’s health.
- Undefined terms: Terms such as “natural” and “organic” are not regulated by the AAFCO, so they can be used on labels without any specific requirements. Be cautious of foods that use vague or undefined terms.
In conclusion, understanding pet food labels is crucial to providing your pet with a healthy and nutritious diet. Look for named ingredients, avoid fillers and artificial additives, and be wary of undefined terms. As always, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your pet’s individual needs.