You may routinely check the labels on the food you eat, but do you do the same when you’re buying food for your pet? Dogs and cats need the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients for good health, without excess calories that add unwanted pounds or chemicals that might harm your furry pal.

The next time you shop, look over the pet food selection and notice which brands appeal to you. If you compare bags’ and cans’ labels, you might find that the most attractive ones fall short of providing complete nutrition. Pet food companies market their products to influence you rather than your pet since you’re the one who holds the wallet. If you’re not sure which food is best for your cat or dog, our south Austin vet at Oliver Animal Hospital can make feeding recommendations based on your pet’s species, breed, weight, and life stage.

Regulations and standards for pet food labeling

Two standard types apply to pet food labels. U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations require the following information:

  • Proper product identification
  • Net quantity statement
  • Manufacturer or distributor name and location
  • Accurate ingredients listing from most to least, based on weight

Some states enforce their own regulations, many of which follow the model created by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). While the AAFCO Model Pet Food Regulations are not official, they have become the industry standard. Unlike statutes and regulations applying to animal feed in general, the AAFCO model addresses unique pet food labeling aspects. The association recommends checking pet food labels for specifics such as:

  • Nutritional Adequacy Claims — Perhaps the most important label part, Nutritional Adequacy Claims help you choose the product that best matches your pet’s dietary needs. The food must be complete and balanced, with all necessary ingredients in the correct ratios. The label must say if the food is for gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance, or all life stages. 
  • Label format — This must include the amount of certain specific nutrients, an ingredient list in descending order by weight, and Nutritional Adequacy Claims for the pet and their life stage. Most “complete and balanced” pet food products must include feeding directions.
  • Product name — Brand and product requirements aim to prevent false or misleading claims. The 100% rule requires that, for example, a treat labeled “100% beef jerky” contains only beef, water for processing, and a few trace ingredients. The 95% rule requires that named ingredients account for at least 70% of the total product by weight and at least 95% of the product by weight, not including water added for processing.
  • Nutrient guarantees — The labeled pet food must guarantee minimum crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber percentages and a maximum moisture percentage. The ingredient list must appear in letters of the same type, size, style, and color to prevent misleading emphasis on certain ingredients.
  • Additives — These must be harmless to pets, with a recognized due process vouching for their safety and utility.
  • Ingredients — Pet food labels must present each ingredient individually, not collectively as “animal protein products,” “grain products,” and so on.
  • Calories — Foods labeled as being light, lite or low-calorie; less or reduced calorie; or less or reduced fat must meet certain requirements.

The AAFCO examines pet food labels to ensure your dog or cat is getting what they need for proper nutrition. To learn more about the AAFCO’s pet food label model, visit the association’s website.

The most important information to check on a pet food label

To save you some time reading labels on your next pet food shopping trip, the Clinical Nutrition Team at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine advises starting with the two most important information components: the Nutritional Adequacy Claims and the manufacturer’s information. 

All pet foods sold across state lines must offer a statement confirming that the diet contains all the essential nutrients a pet needs, the testing used to confirm adequate nutrition, and the pet ages or life stages for which the product is appropriate. Pet food labels must include an address to contact the manufacturer or distributor. A postal address meets the requirement but isn’t user-friendly. Companies that want to stay in touch with customers provide a telephone number, email address, or website address, if not all three. 

The Tufts team cautions, “Beware of foods that simply list the store as the manufacturer. Big box stores, chain pet stores, and grocery stores do not make their own pet food. Rather, they contract out the manufacturing to other companies, in a practice known as ‘co-packing.’” You need to be able to reach the people who made the food if you have a question about an ingredient or a problem such as a pet’s allergic reaction.

Being able to understand the information your pet’s food label provides is key to helping ensure that your furry pal’s nutrition is adequate. Contact our Oliver Animal Hospital team to make an appointment and discuss your pet’s unique nutritional needs.