Decoding Pet Food Labels: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

As a responsible pet owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend gets the best possible nutrition. With countless pet food options available, it can be challenging to make the right choice. A crucial aspect of selecting the ideal food for your pet is understanding the information provided on pet food labels. In this article, we'll help you decode pet food labels so you can make informed decisions about your cat's or dog's diet.

• Name and Brand:
  • When choosing pet food, it's essential to consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Look for brands with a history of providing high-quality, consistent products. A quick online search can reveal customer reviews, news articles, or recalls related to the brand.
  • Check out some great diet options for dogs and cats at Life’s Abundance at and Hill’s Pet Nutrition at hillspet.com .
• Ingredient List
  • Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. This means that the first few ingredients make up the majority of the pet food. High-quality pet food should have a named protein source (e.g., chicken, beef, or salmon) listed as the first ingredient. Avoid products that list unspecified "meat" or "meat by-products" as these can be of lower quality and don’t give you any idea of the type of animal protein included in the food.
• Guaranteed Analysis 
  • The guaranteed analysis provides information about the minimum or maximum amounts of certain nutrients in the pet food. This typically includes crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture. Comparing the guaranteed analysis between different pet foods can help you make an informed decision, but keep in mind that factors like moisture content can affect the actual nutrient ratios. Chicken, for example, weighs more than chicken meal because of the water weight.
• AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement
  • The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets nutritional standards for pet food. Look for an AAFCO statement on the label, indicating that the food meets the organization's guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. This statement may also specify the life stage (e.g., growth, maintenance, all life stages) for which the food is appropriate. Veterinarians prefer foods that have been formulated via feeding trial, as feeding trials are the most accurate way to formulate food.
• Feeding Guidelines
  • Feeding guidelines provide a starting point for determining the appropriate serving size for your pet. These recommendations are usually based on your pet's weight, but remember that individual factors like age, activity level, and health status can affect your pet's dietary needs. Consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance on feeding your pet. Personally, I always feed 10-15% less than what is on the food label to keep my pet at a healthy weight.
• Net Weight 
  • The net weight indicates the total weight of the pet food inside the package. This information can be helpful when comparing prices between different products or calculating the cost per serving. 
• Expiration or "Best By" Date 
  • Checking the expiration or "best by" date is crucial to ensure that you're feeding your pet fresh food. Expired pet food may lose nutritional value or, in some cases, become unsafe to feed your pet. Here is a blog article about how to store dog food to maintain safety and freshness.
• Special Claims 
  • Be cautious of marketing claims on pet food labels. Terms like "natural," "organic," or "grain-free" might sound appealing, but they don't necessarily guarantee a better product. Always prioritize the ingredient list and nutritional information over marketing claims when choosing pet food.

​Decoding pet food labels can seem overwhelming, but with a little knowledge and practice, you'll become a pro at selecting the right food for your furry friend. Remember that your veterinarian is an invaluable resource for guidance on your pet's specific dietary needs. By understanding pet food labels and consulting with your vet, you can ensure that your cat or dog receives the balanced and complete nutrition they need for a long, healthy life.

Author-​About Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ

Dr. Sarah Wooten is a renowned international influencer in the veterinary and animal health care spaces, with over 16 years of private practice experience and a decade in veterinary media work as a certified veterinary journalist. Passionate about educating pet parents, Dr. Wooten has written thousands of articles, created hundreds of videos, and made numerous media appearances as a veterinary expert. In addition to being a sought-after speaker for continuing education events, she is also a co-creator of the popular card game 'Vets Against Insanity'. In her free time, Dr. Wooten enjoys various outdoor activities and encourages everyone to live life to the fullest. Through her affiliate partnerships, she shares trusted recommendations to support her mission of empowering pet owners and veterinary professionals while providing reliable resources for pet health care.