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One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet parent is choosing the right food for your dog. Fortunately, today’s market is bursting with good choices, so landing on a food that suits your particular pooch is well within reach. As you evaluate and compare your options, it’s helpful to read the dog food labels provided right on the packaging.
But if you’re confused by all the cryptic percentages and head-spinning terms, we get it—and we’re here to help.
Understanding how to read dog food labels is the key to selecting a food you feel good about—whether you’re picking out dog food for the first time or you’re switching formulas to manage a health issue. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of dog food labels, explaining how they’re regulated, the main components to focus on, and the meaning of some commonly used terms.
Remember, you’re not alone in your search—your veterinarian is always an excellent resource, and they can steer you in the right direction. Be sure to consult with them before making changes to your pet’s diet, especially if they have any medical conditions.
Why You Should Read the Guaranteed Analysis
Usually, the guaranteed analysis is located on the back or side of the package to represent the minimum or maximum amount of nutrients available. In other words, the guaranteed analysis tells you how much protein, fat, fiber, and water are in your dog’s food. It’s also important to point out that the percentages given in the guaranteed analysis do not express the exact nutrient levels in the food.
Some brands will list extra nutrients like calcium and phosphorous, but they’re only required to report guaranteed amounts for:
- Crude protein (minimum amount)
- Crude fat (minimum amount)
- Crude fiber (maximum amount)
- Moisture (maximum amount)
Note that when we use the term “crude” here, we’re not talking about the quality of the nutrient. Rather, this term refers to the method whereby nutrient amounts are determined. To calculate protein, the amount of nitrogen is multiplied by 6.25; for fat, we look at the amount of lipids present.
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Protein and fat are listed as “minimums,” while fiber and moisture are given as “maximums.” So while a label’s guaranteed analysis may state it has 12% protein, the actual amounts present in a batch of food might be higher or lower.
Another factor to consider is that these numbers are given “as fed” or as the food is poured into the bowl—without accounting for moisture levels. This is why the numbers on your dog food’s label may not match AAFCO recommended levels, which are expressed on a dry matter basis, or with the water removed.
What Does “On a Dry-Matter Basis” Mean?
Comparing foods on an “as-fed” basis isn’t always very helpful. That’s because moisture levels skew the percentages of other nutrients. Canned food, for example, will have a much higher percentage of water than dry food—which can make it look like it has a smaller ratio of protein than dry food.
When you’re comparing different types of dog food, it’s much more helpful to compare nutrients on a dry-matter basis, or without the water factored in.
Most pet food labels don’t include nutrient profiles on a dry-matter basis, so this requires a bit of math. Don’t worry—it’s not that complicated!
To calculate the percentage of a nutrient on a dry matter basis:
- Find the amount of moisture.
- Subtract this number from 100. This gives you the percentage of dry matter in the food.
- Divide the “as-fed” nutrient amount by the percentage of dry matter.
How Dog Food Labels are Regulated
When it comes to the information displayed on dog food labels, there are some standards that must be followed.
At the federal level, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to ensure dog foods are truthfully labeled. This includes cases where specific health claims are made, like “maintains urinary tract health” or “promotes healthy joints.” The FDA also establishes standards for identifying ingredients.
Additionally, individual states can have their own regulations, which are usually based on recommendations set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The AAFCO is a non-profit organization relied on by state and federal regulators to set nutritional guidelines for domestic animals.
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Jevtic via iStock
To display the guaranteed analysis on their product label, dog food manufacturers must have their product lab-tested. Per AAFCO recommendations, brands should test at least three batches to assess variability and determine a “guaranteed” amount. The FDA also requires dog food labels to include eight vital pieces of information, including:
- The product name
- Intended species (cat or dog)
- Name and address of manufacturer
- Net weight of product
- The guaranteed analysis
- Ingredients
- Feeding guidelines
- Nutritional adequacy statement indicating what life stage the food is suited for (e.g., puppies or adults)
Always look for the product’s nutritional adequacy statement. This will tell you if a food meets AAFCO minimum requirements for a certain life stage. It should describe the food as “complete and balanced,” which means it contains all the nutrients your dog needs.
Treats and toppers won’t include this phrase, as they’re intended for supplemental feeding and aren’t meant to make up your dog’s entire diet.
How to Decipher the Ingredients List
The ingredient list is often the first thing people look at. This is a helpful piece of information, but it’s important for pet parents to acknowledge its limitations.
For starters, the ingredients list says nothing about the quality of the ingredients included. For this information, you’ll have to look into a brand’s manufacturing and sourcing protocols.
Ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight, with the heaviest ingredients appearing first. However, this can be misleading because meat contains a lot of water, which makes it heavier. So even if beef is listed first, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the main source of a food’s protein.
Though it may sound unappealing to us, “meat meal” can actually contain far more protein than the equivalent weight of whole meat. This ingredient simply has its fat and water content extracted, so it appears further down the list.
“Animal byproduct” is another ingredient that tends to confuse consumers. Again, these sound unappetizing—but they’re not inherently bad for dogs or lacking in nutritional value. Meat byproduct just means most parts of an animal other than its muscle. This includes organs (liver, kidneys, brains, intestines), blood, and bones. It does not include hair, horns, teeth, or hoofs.
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Gennadiy Kravchenko via iStock
How To Identify Nutritious Dog Food
Understanding dog food labels is a great first step when it comes to choosing a healthy food for your pup. You’ll also want to consider the following:
- AAFCO standards. Look for the phrase “formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO” on the package—that will ensure your dog’s food contains all the nutrients they need in their regular diet.
- Life stage. Your dog’s dietary needs change as they age. For puppies, look for food designated for the “growth” stage, and for adults, prioritize “adult maintenance.” Foods formulated for “all life stages” are also acceptable.
- Size. You’ll want to match your dog’s food to their breed’s size, since different breeds have different nutritional priorities. If you’re opting for dry food, you’ll also want to get the right kibble size to minimize the risks of bloat or choking.
- Health considerations. If your dog has a health condition—anything from allergies to pancreatitis—it’s important to get them the food that manages it. Your vet should be your first stop.
In fact, even if you’re feeling confident, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about your dog’s food to make sure their diet is appropriate for their specific needs. Diet can have a huge impact on a dog’s health and happiness—and it’s always good to get an opinion from an expert who knows your dog inside and out.
