The Truth About Pet Food Labels: What Should You Really Look For?

1. Understanding the Ingredients List

The ingredients list gives insight into the composition of the food. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye:

• Listed by Weight: Pet food ingredients are listed in descending order based on their pre-cooked weight. This means moisture-rich ingredients like fresh chicken, fish, or beef—composed of 70-80% water—often appear at the top of the list. While these are excellent primary protein sources, their actual contribution to the food’s nutritional profile may diminish after cooking, as much of the water content is lost during processing.

  For example, "chicken" listed as the first ingredient might initially weigh more than other components but could end up contributing less protein compared to "chicken meal," a concentrated source of protein made by removing water and fat. To ensure your pet gets sufficient high-quality protein, look for a combination of whole protein sources (e.g., fresh chicken) and also check the overall protein amount!

• Named Proteins Matter: Look for specific terms like “chicken,” “beef,” or “salmon,” instead of vague ones like “meat meal” or “animal by-products.” Which meat? Which animal? We need to know what is in the food! High-quality protein sources are crucial for your pet’s health.

• Carbohydrates and Fillers: Carbohydrates provide pets with energy and can be a beneficial part of their diet when used appropriately. High-quality carbohydrates like brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, and barley offer fiber, vitamins, and essential nutrients. These ingredients support digestive health and provide sustained energy without compromising the overall nutritional value of the food.

However, many pet foods include low-cost fillers—ingredients that add bulk but offer minimal nutritional benefits. Examples of fillers include:

• Corn Gluten Meal: A by-product of corn processing that contains some protein but lacks the essential amino acids found in animal protein sources.

• Soybean Meal: Often used as an inexpensive protein substitute, it’s harder for pets to digest and may lead to food sensitivities.

• Wheat Middlings (Mids): A milling by-product of processed wheat, often considered “floor sweepings” in the industry, providing little nutritional value.

• Brewer's Rice: Fragments of rice kernels left over after milling, which lack the nutritional density of whole rice.

• Pea Protein or Potato Protein: While not inherently bad, these are often used to inflate the protein content on labels without providing the same benefits as meat-based proteins.

Why Avoid Fillers?
Fillers are primarily included to reduce manufacturing costs. While they make the food more affordable, they dilute the nutritional content, leading to:

1. Less Digestible Food: Pets absorb fewer nutrients, which can result in larger stools and less overall benefit from their meals.

2. Potential Allergies and Sensitivities: Fillers like corn and soy are common allergens for pets.

3. Weight Management Issues: Low-nutrient fillers can contribute to weight gain without providing satiety.

Pro Tip: Look for foods where high-quality proteins and whole carbohydrates appear at the top of the ingredients list, with minimal or no reliance on these fillers.

2. Cracking the Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis is a quick snapshot of the food's nutrient breakdown. It includes percentages for protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. To better understand:

• Protein Sources: Higher protein percentages are good, but the source is just as important. Animal-based proteins are more bioavailable than plant-based ones.

• Moisture Content: Wet and raw foods have higher moisture levels, which is beneficial for hydration, but ensure protein and fat meet your pet’s dietary needs.

• Dry Matter Basis: Compare nutrients across different food types (dry, wet, or raw) by removing water content from the equation.

3. Decoding Nutritional Adequacy Statements

Check for the phrase "complete and balanced," certified by organizations like AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). This means the food provides essential nutrients for a specific life stage, such as:

• Growth (Puppies/Kittens): High in protein and fat for energy and development.

• Maintenance (Adults): Balanced for sustaining energy without promoting weight gain.

• All Life Stages: Suitable for both growing and adult pets but may have unnecessary nutrients for older pets.

4. The Truth Behind Marketing Claims

The pet food industry uses enticing buzzwords, but they can be misleading:

• “Natural” and “Organic”: Natural means no artificial additives, but “organic” requires strict adherence to farming and processing regulations. Verify certifications for organic claims.

• “Grain-Free” or “High-Protein”  Diets: While suitable for pets with grain allergies, grain-free isn’t inherently healthier. Some grain-free foods substitute with high levels of peas or potatoes, which can still be hard to digest.  Similarly, "high-protein" foods may include non-meat sources of protein, which might not be as beneficial.

• “Veterinarian-Recommended”: This often means the brand has partnered with vets for endorsement, not necessarily that it's the best for your pet.

• “Premium” or “Gourmet”

  These are marketing terms with no legal definition. Always verify the ingredients and nutritional adequacy.

5. Watch Out for Red Flags

Even the most beautifully designed packaging can hide subpar ingredients or practices:

• Non-Specific Terms: Ingredients like “animal fat” or “poultry meal” don’t specify the source, making it hard to assess quality.

• Chemical Preservatives: Look for natural preservatives like tocopherols (vitamin E) or or rosemary extract instead of synthetic ones like BHA or BHT.

• Overloaded Ingredient Lists: Foods with lengthy, complex ingredient lists often include unnecessary additives or fillers.

• Lack of Transparency

  Brands that don’t disclose sourcing or processing methods should raise concerns.  

6. Choosing the Right Food for Your Pet

Every pet is unique, and their food should reflect their needs. Consider these factors:

• Age and Life Stage: Puppies and kittens need more energy and nutrients than adult pets, while seniors may benefit from specialized formulas.

• Breed and Size: Larger breeds often require different nutrient balances than smaller ones.

• Health Conditions: Pets with conditions like obesity, diabetes, or kidney issues may require specific diets.

Pet Pantry’s Tips for Pet Parents

• Read Beyond the Front Label: The front of the bag is for marketing; the back is where the facts lie.

• Rotate Protein Sources: Offering a variety of proteins can prevent food sensitivities and boredom.

• Consult Your Veterinarian and a Nutritionist: While a vet can help with health concerns and provide general nutritional advice, a pet nutritionist is better equipped to offer a specialized, tailored diet plan for your pet’s unique needs. Working with both professionals ensures that your pet receives optimal health care and a diet that supports their specific nutritional requirements.  

At Pet Pantry, we’re committed to transparency and quality. Our range of pet foods is carefully selected to support your furry companion’s well-being, whether they’re fans of kibble, wet food, or raw diets. Feel free to contact us to get more information about your pet's nutrition! 

Navigating pet food labels doesn’t have to be daunting. With this guide, you’re armed with the knowledge to make informed, confident choices for your beloved pet.

Visit Pet Pantry in-store or online to discover high-quality pet food options today!