What’s In A (Dog Food) Label??

Don’t Stop at Just Reading the Ingredients!

Pet food labels are regulated on two levels. There are federal regulations and some states have their own regulations as well, usually matching those of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Federal regulations establish standards for all animal feeds, including proper identification (logo, brand, and name), net quantity listing, and proper ingredient listing.

State regulations are more specific in covering the product’s name, the guaranteed analysis and nutrition information as well as feeding directions.

• Natural and Holistic Pet Foods – When a pet food is labeled as “natural,” it means that according to FDA guidelines, food ingredients have not had any chemical alterations. Organic products must be marked with an official seal from the USDA to qualify. There is no legal definition, regarding pet food, for the term “holistic,” so it doesn’t necessarily mean anything on a pet food label.
• Protein Check – Pet food label ingredients are listed in order of weight, starting with the heaviest ingredient. Consumers should look for one or two quality proteins listed within the first few ingredients. Chicken meal (which is dehydrated and rendered down) actually packs more protein than fresh chicken, which is 80 percent water. Since chicken meal weighs less, a spot in the top three means the pet food is packing more protein. This same concept goes for animal proteins including beef, fish and lamb.
• Grain-Free Pet Foods – Just because a pet food is “grain-free” doesn’t mean that it’s carb-free. Grain-free products can be loaded with potatoes and veggies that will keep your pet consuming the same, if not more carbohydrates. Check the ingredients to see which ones take prominence and keep in mind that only an excessive level of carbohydrates is bad, as they provide an excellent source of energy and are an essential part of a balanced diet.
• Pet Allergy Concerns – If your pet has an allergy, do a quick scan of the ingredient list and packaging labels to see if the allergen is present. Beef and dairy are the most common allergies for cats and dogs, with canines more likely to develop wheat allergies and cats likely to have fish allergies. Corn, on the other hand, is a very useful protein and carb source, as well as one of the least allergenic foods.
• Things to Avoid – Meat by-products, digest, especially those not specified as a certain kind of meat (chicken, beef, turkey, etc.) contain unsavory ingredients (beaks, feathers, feet, or hooves) ground into the mix during processing. The exception would be by-products derived from organ meats like liver and kidney.

So what IS the best dog food on the market?

There is no one best food for all dogs. The fact that there are so many types and brands shows that there are hundreds of options and opinions. Some dogs need higher fat and protein than others; some prefer canned over dry. Do not switch brands every month, but do not be afraid to switch brands and find one that your pet does well on. Use the guaranteed analysis, ingredients listings and feeding guidelines to help guide your decision.

Renee Jones, CPDT-KSA rsjones@jefferspet.com 1-800-533-3377 ext. 381 Renee Jones is a certified professional dog trainer, having received instruction from canine behaviorist Dr. Pamela Reid, plus nationally acclaimed trainers: Patricia McConnell, Pia Silvani, and Jean Donaldson, to name a few. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Internation Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She serves as a Pet Marketing and Canine Specialist for JeffersPet and JeffersPet.com. about this article, training or non-emergent health concerns are welcome. Renee can be reached most days from 9am – 5pm Central Time (Mon-Fri) at 1-800-JEFFERS (533-3377) ext 381 or by email rsjones@jefferspet. com.

Information given here is meant to be helpful and/or educational. It is, in no way, intended to supersede, challenge or supplant the diagnosis, treatment or advice of a licensed veterinarian.