With health-conscious decisions driving our lifestyle choices, we must extend the same level of vigilance to our pets' nutrition. To ensure your pet receives a well-balanced diet, it's crucial first to understand what's in the food they consume. This blog post is a comprehensive guide to deciphering confusing pet food labels, providing valuable insights into each section and what to consider when selecting the best diet for your pets.

What are AAFCO Guidelines?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a non-governmental organization comprising state and federal officials. It releases information that includes model feed laws, ingredient definitions, and guidelines for assessing the suitability of foods for various animals under different circumstances. Although AAFCO has no regulatory power to enforce specific food manufacturing procedures, state feed control officials can adopt and implement these model feed laws. 

According to AAFCO, a pet food label must have 9 necessary components:

1. The Product Name

This should state the type of food and species for which it is intended, e.g., Dog Food or Cat Food. Additionally, there are rules and guidelines around the ingredients within the food and how pet food manufacturers must list them.

  • If a product name is a single ingredient like "Beef Dog Food," then it implies that beef makes up at least 95% of the total weight of the product (not including water for processing). If water is considered, the named ingredients still need to constitute at least 70% of the product. These products are usually treats or toppings, as they do not offer complete and balanced nutrition.
  • Product names like "Beef Dinner," "Beef Platter," or "Beef Entree" fall under AAFCO's "25 percent" or "dinner" rule, meaning beef makes up at least 25% but less than 95% of the total product weight (10% excluding water for processing). The products can offer nutrition that is both complete and balanced.
  • The phrase "With Beef" is governed by the "3 percent" or "with" rule, meaning the product must contain at least 3% of the named ingredient, which in this case is beef. The manufacturer has the option to include the ingredients that meet the requirements in the product name. They may choose to include none, some, or all of them.
  • "When you see 'with,' such as 'with Sweet Potato,' it means that the mentioned ingredient makes up at least 3% of the food's weight (not counting water)."

It's important to note that these are rules established by AAFCO and may not be globally applicable or adhered to by all pet food manufacturers. Always check with local regulations and seek professional advice when choosing pet foods.

2. Ingredient List

Ingredients are listed in order of weight, with the heaviest ingredient listed first. This order can be misleading because meat or protein is often listed first, but its weight includes water content. After cooking, the meat might constitute a smaller percentage of the overall food content.

Please note that the list of ingredients in pet food does not specify their relative contributions to each nutrient. Additionally, it is important to understand that the definition of ingredients, as established by AAFCO, differs from those commonly used in human food. As an example, the ingredient "chicken" in pet food includes both flesh and skin and may also contain bone.

3. Guaranteed Analysis

This section provides minimum values for crude protein and fat, and maximum levels for water and crude fibre. This can be difficult to compare between dry and wet foods, as they have drastically different moisture levels. To make an accurate comparison, the values must be converted to a dry matter basis.

4. Nutritional Adequacy Statement

This is perhaps the most crucial part of the label, as it tells you whether the food provides complete and balanced nutrition. This statement indicates whether the product provides a complete and balanced diet and how that claim was verified. Additionally, it specifies which species and life stage the product is designed for.

This statement will include information on whether feeding trials were used or if the product has been formulated to meet a nutrient profile. Feeding trials are preferred, as they provide real-world evidence that the food meets the nutritional needs of animals.

5. Feeding Guidelines

These are typically based on the weight, activity level, and life stage of your dog (puppy, adult, senior). However, remember these are just guidelines and individual needs may vary. It’s always best to monitor your dog's weight and consult with your veterinarian to adjust portions if needed.

6. Species Designation

The product must be specifically formulated for the species named on the label, such as "dog food" or "cat food".

7. Manufacturer or Distributor Information

This includes the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. In case of any issues, consumers can contact the responsible party directly. This is a requirement to include this information on the label.

8. Calorie Content Statement

This part of the label tells you how much energy the food provides, and is usually listed in kilocalories (kcal) per kilogram or per can/cup.

9. Net Quantity Statement

For product information, the net weight or volume should be accurately expressed in the proper units and located on the lower third of the primary display panel.

FAQs About Pet Food Labels

What does it mean when the ingredient says "meal", such as "chicken meal" and what is the difference from "chicken by-product"?

"Chicken meal" in pet food refers to a high-quality, concentrated source of chicken protein. It is the product that remains after the water and fat have been removed from chicken flesh, and it consists mainly of ground, rendered clean parts of the chicken, such as bones, necks, and clean parts from the carcass.

"Chicken by-product" includes parts of the chicken not typically consumed by humans, such as necks, beaks, feet, intestines, and undeveloped eggs, but not feathers. While these parts might not sound appealing, they can still be a valuable source of protein, fat, and other nutrients for pets. 

What is the significance of the ingredient order on a pet food label?

Ingredients are listed by weight, starting with the heaviest. However, this can be tricky since ingredients with high water content (like fresh chicken) might be listed first but may contribute less to the overall nutritional content once the water is removed.

What does 'grain-free' really mean and is it healthier for my dog?

Grain-free means the product does not contain grains like corn, wheat, or rice. While some dogs might benefit from a grain-free diet due to allergies or sensitivities, it's not inherently healthier for all dogs. In fact, certain breeds may face increased heart risk with grain-free diets. Always consult with your veterinarian before switching to a grain-free diet.

Are "natural" and "organic" pet foods better for my pet?

"Natural" and "organic" have specific definitions in pet food labelling. Natural products can't contain any chemically synthetic ingredients except for vitamins and minerals. Organic products must meet USDA standards for human organic food. While they can be beneficial, they aren't always better for every pet. What's most important is that the food meets your pet's specific nutritional needs.

Pet owners need to be aware of the important information that is included on pet food labels. It’s essential to understand what, if any, requirements are in place for ingredients and nutritional analysis, as well as how these values are expressed. Additionally, it's important to look out for species designation and manufacturer or distributor contact information. Furthermore, you should pay attention to calorie content statements and feeding guidelines so that your pet can receive all the nutrients they require. Finally, always consult with a veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet plan. By taking note of all this valuable information found on a label and understanding its significance, you will be able to make an informed decision when choosing the best food for your beloved four-legged friend!