UNDERSTANDING DOG FOOD LABELS
Just as you read the nutrition labels on food packaging for your own food at the grocery store, you should be reading the nutrition information on dog food labels. While dog food labels may look more complex that your food in comparison, this guide will help you determine what the best dog food option is for your pet.
COMPOSITION LIST ON DOG FOOD LABELS
For human food, ingredients on the labels are arranged in descending order according to the percentage of weight they account for in the product; for example, if the first ingredient listed is chicken, you know that a significant portion of the food consists of chicken. The same is true for the nutrition information on dog food labels. On dog food labels ingredients can be listed either by category names, or by single ingredient names. For minerals, in order to avoid a long list of names, pet food manufacturers have agreed on using the category name, minerals, rather than listing the single ingredient names.
When you're shopping for dog food, look for foods with animal proteins; like chicken and beef. This way, you know your dog is getting wholesome, high quality dog food that will include the proteins and amino acids they needs to stay healthy.
ANALYTICAL CONSTITUENTS ON DOG FOOD LABELS
This is similar to the nutritional information that is found on human food packaging and includes for dog food:
- protein
- fat content
- crude fibre
- for products containing more than 14% moisture, the moisture level
