Decode Pet Food Labels: Choose the Best for Your Furry Friend!

Choosing the right food for your furry friend can be overwhelming with the countless options available on the market. Understanding pet food labels is essential, and Manning's Feed and Seed is here to guide you in making the best choices for your dog or cat.

1. Start with the Ingredient List

The ingredient list is one of the most important parts of a pet food label. Ingredients are listed in order of weight, with the heaviest ingredients listed first. Look for real, whole foods at the top of the list, such as chicken, beef, turkey, fish, or lamb. These ingredients provide high-quality protein, which is essential for your pet's overall health. At Manning's Feed and Seed, we carry a wide variety of pet foods that feature real meat as the main ingredient.

Tip: Be cautious of labels that list "meat by-products" or "meat meal" as the primary ingredient, as these are often lower-quality sources of protein.

2. Check for Protein Sources

High-quality protein is crucial for your dog or cat's health, as it helps support their muscles, skin, coat, and overall well-being. Look for specific protein sources like "chicken," "salmon," or "beef" instead of vague terms like "meat" or "poultry." Ideally, the protein source should be one of the first ingredients on the label.

For Cats: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require more protein in their diet. Make sure their food has a high protein content with real meat as the primary ingredient.

For Dogs: Dogs are omnivores and need a balanced diet with both animal and plant-based proteins. However, the primary ingredient should still be a quality meat source.

3. Understand the Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis on a pet food label shows the minimum levels of crude protein and fat, as well as the maximum levels of crude fiber and moisture. Here's what you should look for:

• Crude Protein: Indicates the percentage of protein in the food. A good dog food should have at least 18-22% protein, while cat food should have at least 26-30% protein.

• Crude Fat: Provides energy and supports skin and coat health. Look for a minimum of 8-12% fat for dogs and 9-15% fat for cats.

• Crude Fiber: Fiber aids digestion, with ideal fiber content being 3-6% for dogs and 2-4% for cats.
  

4. Look for AAFCO Statements

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets nutritional standards for pet food. Look for a statement that reads something like, "This food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog (or Cat) Food Nutrient Profiles." This ensures that the food provides balanced and complete nutrition for your pet's specific life stage.

Life Stages: AAFCO defines life stages as:

• Growth: Puppies and kittens

• Maintenance: Adult dogs and cats

• All Life Stages: Suitable for pets of any age (but may be too calorie-dense for some adult pets)
  

5. Avoid Artificial Additives and Fillers

Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors offer no nutritional value and may even cause health issues over time. Look for foods that use natural preservatives like tocopherols (Vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Common fillers like corn, wheat, and soy are often used to bulk up pet food but provide little nutritional value, so it's best to avoid them if possible.

Key Additives to Watch Out For:

• BHA and BHT: Chemical preservatives that may be linked to health issues.

• Propylene Glycol: Often found in semi-moist pet foods but is not ideal for pets.
  

6. Understand the Meaning of "Natural," "Organic," and "Grain-Free"

Pet food labels often include buzzwords like "natural," "organic," or "grain-free," but what do they really mean?

• Natural: This term means the food contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. However, it doesn't guarantee high-quality ingredients.

• Organic: Organic pet food uses ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Look for the USDA organic seal to ensure authenticity.

• Grain-Free: Grain-free food doesn't contain corn, wheat, or other grains. While this might be beneficial for pets with grain allergies, it's not necessarily healthier for all pets. In fact, some grain-free diets may contain high amounts of peas, lentils, or potatoes as substitutes.
  

7. Evaluate the Calorie Content

Just like humans, pets can struggle with weight issues, so it's important to be aware of calorie content. Look for the "kcal per cup" or "kcal per can" information on the label, and follow the feeding guidelines provided. Adjust the portions based on your pet's activity level, age, and weight goals.

8. Pay Attention to the Feeding Guidelines

Feeding guidelines on pet food labels offer a starting point for how much to feed your dog or cat. However, these guidelines are often based on an average, so you may need to adjust the amount based on your pet’s size, age, activity level, and health status.

9. Beware of Marketing Claims

Pet food companies often use marketing terms that can be misleading. Phrases like "premium," "holistic," or "gourmet" have no regulated definitions and do not necessarily indicate higher quality. Focus on the actual ingredients and nutritional information instead of relying solely on marketing claims.

10. Consider Your Pet’s Unique Needs

Every pet is different, and their dietary needs may vary based on factors like age, breed, activity level, and health conditions. For example:

• Puppies and kittens need nutrient-dense food with higher protein and fat content to support growth.

• Senior pets may benefit from food with joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.

• Pets with allergies might need hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets.

With guidance from Manning's Feed and Seed, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the right food for your furry family member. We’ve also put together a free downloadable PDF that you can save on your phone or computer for quick and easy reference. Just click the box below to download it completely free!