The truth about pet food labels: What you need to know

Shopping for pet food doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By learning how to decode labels, you can make smarter, healthier choices for your furry friend. Here are 15 tips that will help.

Why pet food labels are important

Just like you’d read the nutrition labels on human food to understand what’s in it for you, you should learn to decipher the details on the side of your pet’s food packaging. You’ll get to know everything about how the item will keep them healthy and ensure they aren’t overdoing it on one or two nutrients.

Where regulations come from

There are several organizations that contribute to the regulations that dictate what goes into your pet’s food. Globally, there’s the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). For the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, there’s the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These organizations have websites packed with info on how to keep your pet healthy and sometimes give their stamp of approval to food producers and organizations that will benefit your pet.

The weight of the matter

Did you know that the ingredients listed on a pet food label are listed in descending order by weight? That means the ingredients listed first make up most of the food within a can or bag. This is also where pet food manufacturers can get tricky. Pay attention to each ingredient listed and Google whatever you don’t know. This will help you gauge a product’s quality.

Deciphering “complete and balanced”

This is an important phrase and label to pay attention to because it comes directly from the regulatory bodies that are responsible for ensuring your pet’s food is healthy. “Complete and balanced” means a product meets certain nutritional and ratio standards based on the averages required to keep a cat or dog healthy. Basically, it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that the product will provide your furry friend with the vitamins they need.

What’s the GA?

The Guaranteed Analysis (or GA) of pet food lists the levels of at least four nutrients in a packaged good: protein, fat, fibre, and moisture. If a product also claims it can “build strong bones and teeth,” the GA will highlight its calcium quotient too. Why is this important? Because each plays a part in ensuring your dog or cat enjoys a balanced diet.

Count the calories

Calories aren’t just critical for humans, they can make or break the well-being of your pet. They provide them with the energy they need to do everything, from playing to growing. The exact number of calories your pet needs varies based on their age, gender, size, activity level, and overall health. Not all pet food labels include calorie information, though, which can make it tricky to get feeding right. To ensure you’re giving your pooch or feline the amount they need, consult your vet.

Break through buzzwords

“Natural,” “holistic,” and “premium” are all buzzwords that marketers and food manufacturers add to the labels of pet foods to make them seem more appealing or nutritionally sound than another. What’s more, none of these words are regulated, so what “holistic” means to one company is likely unique. Reach for items that have well-rounded nutrition labels instead of products that pack a powerful marketing punch.

The meat of “meat” and “meat meal”

It's important to understand the difference between “meat” and “meat meal” because they’re not the same. “Meat” is a form of, well, meat - similar to what we’d eat as humans. While “meat” is moist, “meat meal” is a dehydrated, often concentrated protein source. Depending on your pet’s nutritional needs, either can be good. You just need to know the difference and chat with your veterinarian about what’s best for your dog or cat.

Busting the by-product myth

It turns out by-products aren’t all that bad. They may even mimic what your dog or cat would eat in the wild (think of things like organs, skin, bones, or corn meal). The Pet Nutrition Alliance even notes that by-products can be “excellent sources of protein and other nutrients.” So don’t be scared of buying a specific item just because the label uses this often unfairly controversial term.

Consider carbohydrates

Carbohydrates receive a bad rap, regardless of whether they’re tied to human or pet food. In the case of the latter, they’re often labelled “fillers” because they’re used to increase the shelf stability and bulk of an item - not necessarily to up its nutritional quotient. When reviewing a pet food label, see what kind of carbohydrate is used. Popular high-nutrient ones include sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oats.

Focus on fillers

While some fillers (like carbs) can give your pet energy, others - like corn, wheat, and soy - may cause allergies or digestive issues. They may also be used to add bulk to a product, meaning they’re used at the expense of other nutritionally powerful ingredients. That doesn’t mean any of these are bad. It just means you should chat with your vet to get their thoughts on whether specific fillers could impact your pooch or feline.

Snacks versus meals

There may be a difference between the nutritional content of treats and food. To make treats palatable, for example, they’re often made with sweeteners. The same can’t be said for food. Both are held to the same regulatory standards. The trick is to think of treats as snacks, not staples, and to look for options that use all-natural sweeteners instead of artificial ones.

Portion control

The feeding guidelines attached to a pet food label will tell you how much, how often, and (sometimes) when to feed your furry friend. Why does this matter? For one, if you feed your dog or cat portions that are too large or small, they could wind up overweight or malnourished. Second, if you overfeed your pet once or twice, they may get used to larger portions then beg for more when you scale things back. Keep an eye on this info. Also note that these guidelines aren’t always listed on treats, so give snacks in moderation.

Terms you can’t trust

Unlike for human food, claims like “reduces inflammation” or “improves joint function” can’t be made on pet products. If you see the intended use of an ingredient listed as anything other than improving taste, smell, or nutrition, that means it isn’t regulated and shouldn't be trusted. Other claims, like “human grade,” aren't regulated either.

Consult your veterinarian

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Your veterinarian is your best resource for navigating the complex world of pet nutrition. They can help you choose the right food for your furry friend and even interpret labels. The next time you have a routine check-up, bring along the items you feed your pet, so they can give them a once-over.