Decoding Pet Food Labels

Few things are more overwhelming than heading to your nearest pet supply store and trying to pick the perfect food for your furry friends. Shelves are absolutely packed with options. Worse, they all seem to be clamoring for the title of healthiest pet food ever. It’s no wonder choosing pet food can be downright daunting.

Your goal as a pet parent is to look past the flashy claims and get down to business: reading pet food labels. These are overwhelming too, but with this guide from the team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital, you’ll be ready to pick a nutritious food brand for your pet. 

The Basics of Pet Food Labels

Here in the US, regulatory agencies require pet food labels to include specific details about the product. These include things like ingredients, nutritional content, and feeding guidelines. Let’s take a closer look at each one: 

• Ingredients list: Ingredients are listed by weight on pet food labels, and the heaviest items are listed first. Look for high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, or fish at the top of the list. Avoid foods that don’t have these and only include generic terms like “beef meal” or “chicken by-products.” These types of ingredients usually mean the company used lower-quality protein sources for the food, which often don’t provide the same nutritional benefits as whole, named proteins.
• Guaranteed analysis: This section of a label gives you the percentages of crude protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in the entire bag of food at the time of packaging. These numbers are helpful for seeing the food’s general makeup, but they don’t tell you much else. 
• AAFCO Statement: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes nutritional standards for pet foods in the United States. The standards help make sure all pet food meets the minimum health requirements for pets at various stages of life. You’ve probably noticed, for example, that some dog food is formulated for puppies, some for adult dogs, and some for senior dogs. A product labeled “complete and balanced” has been formulated to meet these standards.

Pet Nutrition Tips

Keep in mind that every pet is different. Dietary needs can vary based on things like your pet’s age, breed, size, and health conditions. But here are some pet nutrition tips to guide your choices: 

• Protein: Choose high-quality proteins like salmon, chicken, and lamb instead of generic terms like “by-product” or “meat.” That last one always gets us when we see it on labels. Like, what type of meat?!  There’s more than one, isn’t there?!
• Carbs: Avoid filler carbs like corn or wheat, especially if it’s not whole wheat. Instead,  look for whole grains, sweet potatoes, and brown rice as your pet’s carb sources.
• Fats: To help your pet’s coat stay shiny and healthy, make sure the food you choose has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These usually come from sources like flaxseed or fish oil. 

High-quality pet foods can cost a little more than lower-quality foods, but your pet can benefit a ton from having nutritious ingredients in her food. Keep in mind, though, that just because a food is expensive does not mean it is also high-quality. Always, always check the label to make sure you’re picking the most adventure-fueling food for Fido or Kitty!

Avoiding Harmful Additives

Additives come in all sorts of different stripes. 

Some additives are preservatives that help the food stay fresh. Others are vitamins and minerals that boost the food’s nutrient content. Some of these are safe for pets, like natural tocopherols (vitamin E) or citric acid.

But others aren’t so safe. Additives like BHA, BHT, or artificial dyes can have negative consequences for your furry pal. We encourage our pet parents to look for foods with natural preservatives and avoid those with synthetic chemicals or unnecessary fillers.

If you aren’t sure what something is, do a quick Google search to find out! 

You can also reach out to our knowledgeable team of veterinarians at Bowman Veterinary Hospital for support. Once we meet your pet and get to know the ins and outs of his health, we can help you choose the best possible pet food for your beloved furry family member. 

Call us today at (530) 823‑6306 to set up your pet’s appointment!