Choosing the best pet food isn’t just about the brand or price; it’s about understanding what you’re actually putting in their bowl. Food labels contain key information about ingredients, nutritional values, and the product’s overall quality. However, they can be a bit confusing if you don’t know how to read them.

Understanding this information helps ensure that your beloved pet gets the right nutrients for their age, size, and activity level. Plus, it helps you avoid low-quality by-products or unnecessary additives that can be unhealthy.

So, let’s break down each part of the label, so you can choose the best food for your companion!

Elements of a Pet Food Label

When choosing the ideal food for your dog, it’s essential to consider various factors that influence their nutritional needs. Not all dogs need the same type of food, so paying attention to these aspects will ensure they get a balanced and appropriate diet for their well-being.

One of the first factors to consider is their age or life stage. Puppies, for example, need food rich in protein and calories to support their growth and development. On the other hand, adult dogs require a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to maintain their energy and muscle mass. Senior dogs may benefit from foods with fewer calories, but with ingredients that support their joints and digestive system.

Breed size also plays an important role. Small dogs have a faster metabolism and may require more energy-dense food in small portions, while large breed dogs need formulas that support their joints and prevent excess weight, as they are more prone to bone problems.

Another key point is special needs. Some dogs may have allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients, like chicken, wheat, or dairy, which means looking for hypoallergenic options. There are also dogs with digestive issues who need easily digestible foods with prebiotics and probiotics. Very active dogs, like athletes or working dogs, need a more calorie-rich, high-protein diet, while less active or overweight dogs benefit from low-fat options.

Keeping these factors in mind, you can make a better decision when choosing a food that truly meets your furry friend’s needs. Now, let’s learn how to read those labels!

Ingredient List

Reading a dog food label can seem like a jumble of percentages, technical names, and endless lists of ingredients, but once you know how to interpret them, they become a key tool for choosing a quality food for your pup.

Ingredients in a nutritional label are listed in order of quantity, from most to least in the product. In other words, the first ingredient is present in the highest proportion. That’s why it’s ideal to see quality protein sources at the top, such as fresh or dehydrated meat, or meat meal from chicken, lamb, salmon, etc. If you see grains like corn or wheat in the first positions instead, it means the food contains more carbohydrates than protein, which isn’t ideal for a facultative carnivore like a dog.

Additives

If you keep reading the label, in addition to the main ingredients and nutritional values, you’ll also see a series of additives that serve specific functions. These are substances that are added to modify the product’s characteristics, improving quality, preservation, or even taste. However, not all additives are good, and it’s important to know which ones are actually beneficial for your furry friend.

• Nutritional Additives: The Beneficial Ones

These additives are added to supplement canine nutrition with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients. They are essential for a balanced diet that meets your pet’s nutritional needs. Some common examples include:

• Vitamins (A, D, E, C, B vitamins, etc.): Support the immune system, skin, coat, and overall health.
• Minerals (zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus, etc.): Needed for bone development, muscle function, and metabolism.
• Taurine: An essential amino acid for heart health, especially in some breeds.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Protect joints, very useful for large or senior dogs.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Improve skin, coat, and cardiovascular health.

It’s always a good sign when a food includes these types of additives, as they provide extra health and well-being for your four-legged friend.

• Technological Additives: Preservatives and Antioxidants

These are added to improve food preservation, preventing spoilage or oxidation of ingredients. This category includes preservatives, binders, emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, acidity regulators, antioxidants, etc.
Natural preservatives like Vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract are often used because they extend the shelf life of the product without negative health effects.

• Organoleptic Additives: Those That Improve Taste and Smell

These additives are used to make the food more appealing to the dog. This category includes natural flavorings like dehydrated meat broth or animal fat, which improve palatability. There are also synthetic flavorings that don’t provide nutritional value, and artificial colors.

Analytical Components

The analytical components are a key part of the label. They represent the nutritional values of the food and allow you to evaluate its quality and suitability for your pet’s needs. While they may seem like technical terms, understanding them will help you make a better decision when choosing the ideal food.

1. Crude Protein

This is the total amount of protein in the food, expressed as a percentage. Proteins provide the necessary amino acids for growth, tissue repair, and the production of enzymes and hormones. However, it’s not just about quantity; it’s also about the quality of the protein source. A good food should contain at least 25-30% protein for adult dogs and over 30-35% for puppies or very active dogs.

If the label mentions animal-based proteins (chicken, lamb, fish, etc.), that’s a good sign. But if it uses vague terms like “animal by-products” or “vegetable protein” (which could be from legumes, peas, or even soy), its dietary value may be lower.

2. Crude Fat

This is the total amount of fat, an essential energy source. Dogs need fat to absorb vitamins and maintain healthy skin and coat. A good fat level ranges between 10 and 20%, depending on your dog’s activity level.

It’s important to look at the source of the fat. If it comes from fish oil, chicken, or even (specified) poultry fat, it’s high quality. But if the label only says “animal fat” without specifying the source, it could be lower-value ingredients.

3. Crude Fiber

Fiber is key for digestive health, helping regulate intestinal transit. A good food usually contains between 2 and 5% fiber. Too much fiber can hinder nutrient absorption, while too little can cause digestive problems.

Quality fiber sources include beet pulp, carrot, apple, or brown rice. Avoid foods with large amounts of cellulose, as it can be a filler with low dietary value.

4. Crude Ash

Ash represents the amount of minerals left after incinerating the food in a lab. A level below 10% is ideal. Higher values may indicate an excess of ground bones or other lower-quality animal by-products.

Essential minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, which are fundamental for strong bones and a balanced metabolism.

5. Moisture

Moisture content indicates the amount of water in the food. Most dry foods have between 8 and 12% moisture. The drier the food, the higher its concentration of nutrients. On the other hand, if a food exceeds 70-80% moisture, it’s considered wet food.

Nutritional Quality of Pet Food

When choosing a food for your companion, you shouldn’t just look at the ingredients and percentages on the label, but also how their body uses those nutrients. It’s not enough for a food to have a lot of protein or vitamins; what’s important is that your dog’s body can digest and absorb them efficiently.

This is where three key concepts come into play: biological value, digestibility, and bioavailability. These terms help us understand how nutritious a food really is and whether your pet is getting the benefits the label promises.

• Biological Value: Measures the quality of a protein based on the amount of essential amino acids it provides and how much the body can use. Proteins from animal sources (chicken, salmon, lamb) have a higher biological value than vegetable proteins (soy, peas).
• Digestibility: Indicates what percentage of the food can be digested and absorbed. A food with quality ingredients will have high digestibility, meaning less waste and more compact stools.
• Bioavailability: Refers to how well the nutrients from the food are absorbed and used by the body. It’s not just about how many nutrients are in the food, but how many actually reach your pet’s cells to fulfill their function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by understanding how to read and interpret pet food labels, you are now equipped to make informed decisions about the food that best suits your pet.

From knowing the importance of ingredients and nutrient percentages to understanding concepts like biological value, digestibility, and bioavailability, each aspect discussed gives you a better understanding of what your companion really needs.

With this knowledge, you can ensure your pet receives a suitable and balanced diet, improving their quality of life and general well-being. Remember that a healthy diet is key to a happy and active dog, and knowing these terms empowers us as responsible caregivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the origin of the dog food matter?

Absolutely! It’s not the same to have food that uses quality fresh meat versus one that uses “animal by-products,” a term that can include bones, feathers, and tissues of lower nutritional value. The same goes for grains: rice or oats are more digestible options than corn or wheat, which can cause intolerances in the dog’s system.

Also, if a food indicates “chicken meat meal” instead of “chicken,” that’s a positive sign. Fresh meat can include a high percentage of water, which means there’s actually less real meat in the final product. In contrast, meat meal is a more concentrated version of animal protein, making it more nutritious.

What other information is important when choosing pet food?

When choosing dog food, it’s important to pay attention to the information on the bag, such as the feeding guidelines that indicate recommended portions based on your pet’s weight and age. You should also consider the expiration date to ensure the food remains fresh and of good nutritional quality. Additionally, it’s essential to differentiate between a “complete” food, which provides all the necessary nutrients, and a “complementary” food, which must be combined with other foods.

Another aspect to consider is whether the food is for intermittent use or specific needs, formulated to address particular issues such as weight control or digestive problems. Information about the origin of the ingredients and quality certifications on the package are also relevant to ensure you’re choosing a high-quality food for your dog.

What ingredients contain essential nutrients for my dog?

Considering their percentage of biological value, digestibility, and bioavailability, the most recommended ingredients include meats like chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish (such as salmon and sardines), which are rich in protein and essential amino acids. Other notable ingredients are eggs, which offer a complete protein, and healthy carbohydrates like brown rice, sweet potato, and peas, which are easily digestible and provide energy and nutrients.

Additionally, oats are another excellent source of carbohydrates and fiber, while healthy oils like fish oil and chicken oil provide essential fatty acids beneficial for coat and skin health. Finally, including vegetables like carrots and spinach is also recommended, as they contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals important for a balanced diet through your pet’s food.

How can I make sure my dog receives the right diet for their breed and size?

It’s essential that your dog’s diet is adapted to their specific needs, which depend on factors like their breed, size, age, and activity level. A quality food should not only contain the right ingredients but also be suitable for your pet’s unique profile.

To assist you in this process, we recommend using the NutriPetDog App. This tool allows you to calculate the ideal food ration for your dog, considering their breed, size, age, and activity level. Simply enter the relevant information, and the app will provide you with the recommended amount of food, ensuring your companion receives the appropriate nutrition to maintain a healthy and active life.