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Pet Food Labels Explained

Many of us will stand for hours in the supermarket aisles trying to understand what is packaged in the food we’re about to consume, however, very few of us will do the same for our furkids when purchasing their packaged food. Here are some handy tips to look out for when shopping for your pet’s next meal.

Note: The below only serves as a guide of what is best recommended for optimal pet nutrition.

Ingredients are Listed in Order of Weight

First of all, ingredients are listed predominantly in order of weight. One should always want to see a specific meat within the top two lines, which will serve as the source of protein for your pet (beef, chicken, tuna etc.).

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Check for Manipulation

One should also check for manipulation of ingredients. This appears where an ingredient is broken down into components and could mean that there is more of this ingredient than actual meat in the food. For example, whole corn and corn gluten are all components of the same ingredient but are broken down to make it seem like it does not weigh more than the protein source, when this could be the opposite.

 

Specific Meats

Look for specific meats in the ingredients label like “chicken” or “tuna”, for example. Words like “meat,” or “poultry,” could mean that animal off-cuts have been included. Pet food should also be free from artificial colorants and preservatives. Avoid feeding cats Propylene Glycol – it has been associated with anaemia in cats.

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Omega 3 & 6

Most pet food has sufficient Omega 6 content – however, you should actively look for a pet food with added Omega 3 from a high quality fish source. Dogs and cats cannot process vegetable based Omega 3, such as, sunflower, coconut and canola oil, like humans can. Omega 3 acts as an anti-inflammatory and can bring aid to a variety of things your furkid could be suffering from, such as: skin conditions, kidney function, heart disease, arthritis and much more.

 

Guaranteed analysis

Guaranteed Analysis  is another phrase one should always keep an eye out for on pet food packaging. Most regulations require companies to guarantee minimum percentages of crude protein, crude fat and maximum percentages of crude fibre and moisture. Crude represents a chemical analysis, and is not the actual nutritional percentage that is in the food.

Depending on the company, they usually guarantee a certain amount of nutrients. For dogs, this could include a minimum percentage of calcium and sodium, and for cats this could include a minimum of taurine and magnesium. Declared guarantees are the amounts present in a product. However, declared guarantees cannot be transferred or compared between canned and dry food, as they contain different crude values. Comparisons should only be done between two similar products. Guarantee analysis indicates minimum or maximum levels of nutrients in the food, but does not provide the exact levels and does not guarantee that the food is of nutritional quality for your furkid. Further research should always be undertaken by you to see which is the best option on the market.

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Feeding directions

Feeding directions at the back of food products should be seen as rough guidelines when it comes to feeding your furkid. Breed, temperament, activity and environment all influence your furkids consumption. Always speak to your vet about how much you should be feeding your animal to suit their needs. For example, if your pet needs to lose weight, before you cut their portions in half, speak to your vet and perhaps seek weight loss food before making any drastic decisions.

The food guideline should be adjusted to either a bit more or less, depending on how much you see your furkid wanting to eat in one sitting and how they are adapted to their environment. For instance, indoor cats should not be getting as much food as outdoor cats, as they usually get less exercise.

Any type of food labelled as “premium” or “gourmet” is not required to contain any different ingredients or nutritional values than any other product that does not have this label.

 

Don’t be afraid to change

Finally, there is no perfect brand out there on the market, don’t be afraid to switch your furkids food if you notice a change in their behaviour. Some animals will need higher fat and protein content than others. Always consult your vet before making any drastic changes to your furkids diet that may negatively affect their wellbeing.  If your pet suffers from any allergies, checking the ingredient lists on their food is crucial before any purchase.

 

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Sources:
Hill's Pet Nutrition
Pet Health Care
FDA

 


 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

tamsyn_halm

 

Tamsyn Halm

Tamsyn Halm is a proud academic, who is currently focused on her Masters in History. She grew up surrounded by her two favourite things - books and cats. While she loves her dog, Honey, Tamsyn has a special place in her heart for every cat that crosses her path.

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