Reading pet food labels

How to choose the right one for your pet?

Pet foods in the market today are increasingly becoming more specialized, offering wide array of varieties that are based on the life stage, size, breed, or health condition of the dog or cat. However, the numerous terms and information plastered on the packaging might be overwhelming for a pet parent who is looking for the perfect food for their furry friend.

In an effort to help pet owners make more informed decisions on selecting the best food for their dogs and cats, Pet Food Institute (PFI), shares some tips in deciphering the different components that make up the pet food label. PFI is committed to educating the growing Filipino pet community on responsible pet ownership through its initiative, the Well Fed, Well Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines.

Know your pet’s health status

A visit to the pet doctor is always the first step. The expert guidance of the vet will help pet parents know what nutrients their pet may be lacking, or identify any special medical needs. Through this, pet owners will be able to narrow down their list of pet foods to choose from.

Look for the important labels

In other countries such as the US, pet food labels are governed by laws and regulations. Pet food makers comply with these laws, guaranteeing pet owners that the ingredients in the products are safe and have

undergone appropriate methods to certify its nutritional adequacy. When choosing the perfect pet food, make sure the pet food package has the following labels:

* Guaranteed Analysis

This information panel is usually found at the bottom of the packaging. The Guaranteed Analysis lists the levels of crude protein and fat, and the maximum levels of fiber and moisture. It is important to note that the standard levels between dry food and wet food are different. For instance, wet foods have a lower percentage level of protein because it contains more moisture (75-78%) compared to dry foods (10-12%). For a comprehensive comparison, wet food levels are converted into dry food levels. This can be done with the help of the veterinarian.

* Ingredients List

Pet food manufacturers must clearly indicate the list of ingredients used in the pet food. Reading the list provides the opportunity for the pet owner to look for the ingredients that may be potentially cause allergies to their pets. By the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, ingredients are listed in descending order by its pre-cooked weight, which is helpful when you are comparing moisture levels of different products. On a pet food label, ingredients are listed by their technical names which include not only the source of the nutrient but also can include information about a process, if used, to make the ingredient. Some examples of protein listed on a pet food label include poultry byproduct meal, corn gluten meal, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, and whole grain like corn, barley and oats. All can be excellent sources of protein for your pet. If you suspect that your pet has food allergy, save the dog food packaging and take it to the vet with you. The vet can help you determine if your pet is sensitive or allergic to a specific ingredient.

* Nutritional Adequacy Statement

One of the most important aspects of a pet food label is the Nutritional Adequacy Statement which confirms that the food has met the minimum dietary requirements. When the product claims to be “complete and balanced” or “nutritionally adequate”, you can expect that the pet food was formulated to meet the established AAFCO Food Nutrient Profiles and was tested using the appropriate AAFCO Feeding Trial Protocols.

Additionally, the Nutritional Adequacy Statement should specify which pet life stage or condition the product is suitable for: gestation/lactation (pregnant and nursing), growth (includes kittens and puppies), maintenance or all life stages.

* Daily Feeding Instructions

The feeding instructions provide the recommended feeding amount that should be served to pets. It is measured in specific units such as cups and grams. Some pet food products will include the calorie content – also an important label requirement – which is dependent on the amount of feeding suggestion indicated.

The wealth of information on pet nutrition can truly be a great advantage for pet owners in providing long and happy lives for pets. To know more about pet care and pet nutrition, visit www.petfoodinstitute.org and follow PFI on Twitter @USPetFood.