Here’s a step-by-step guide to reading a dog food label. Bookmark or print this list for future reference:
- Product Name: To differentiate from other products on the market.
- Species Specific: Ensure the species is easily seen or noted.
- Guaranteed Analysis: The amount of specific nutrients in the food.
- Ingredient Statement: AAFCO states (1) all ingredients must be listed in descending order (highest to lowest) of predominance by weight.
- Quantity: How much food is in the container.
- Feeding Instructions: Required for foods that are ‘complete and balanced.’
- Nutritional Adequacy Statement: The type of pet and what life stage.
- Name and Address: Manufacturer or distributor.
It can be overwhelming to try and decipher every ingredient in dog food. A dog food ingredient checker can help, as well as avoiding certain ingredients such as:
- By-products: There may be consistency in the quality of the by-product
- Sweeteners: Look for sugar or corn syrup on the label. They enhance the taste but can, over time, contribute to weight gain and diabetes.
- Artificial colors and flavors: They don’t belong in dog food without nutritional value.
- Fillers: These add bulk but serve no nutritional value (i.e., wheat gluten, corn, peanut hulls).
Here’s a pet food label from Elevate Pet Provisions with a breakdown of ingredients: