Understanding Pet Food Labels: What To Know
Pet food labels can sometimes feel like they’re written in code. Strange ingredient names, percentages, and health claims create confusion for many pet owners trying to make the best choices for their furry companions. So how do you cut through all the noise and get to the good stuff? Start by knowing that labels list ingredients by weight. The first few ingredients usually make up most of what’s inside.
Ingredients like ‘chicken’ or ‘beef’ must be 95% of the product if they stand alone on the label. It’s a tiny, but crucial, detail that lets you know how much of that tasty protein is really in the mix. When words like ‘dinner’, ‘platter’, or ‘entrée’ are used, the ingredient like chicken or beef only makes up about 25%. It’s not just cosmetics—it’s regulated lingo that tells you how much of the listed ingredient is present.
Ever seen ‘with’ on a label? If you buy a bag saying ‘with beef’, beef might make up as little as 3%. If you’re opting for quality, knowing these nuances helps. Then there’s the ‘flavor’ moniker. A pet food labeled as ‘beef flavor’ might not contain beef, only enough ingredient to give off that characteristic taste.
Labels also boast nutritional adequacy statements. These verify if the food meets the dietary needs of your pet as established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). If you see ‘complete and balanced’, you’re likely looking at food equipped to provide all nutritional elements required by your pet based on their life stage. Always align the food with your pet’s needs, whether they’re in the playful puppy or senior chill zone.
Pay attention to these labels and you’ll be much better equipped to feed the furry members of your family exactly what they need, without any surprises.