How to Read a Dog Food Label

When it comes to choosing the best food for your four legged family member (or even yourself), navigating a food label can be a bit like deciphering a secret code. With so many options on the market, how do you know which food will give your dog the nourishment they need? Fear not! We’re here to break down how to read a dog food label like a pro, so you can make the best choices for your pup’s health and happiness.

1. The First Ingredient is Key

When it comes to dog food ingredients, the order matters! The ingredients are listed by weight, so the first ingredient is what makes up the majority of the food. Ideally, the first ingredient should be a high-quality source of protein like chicken, beef, or salmon. Watch out for vague terms like “meat” or “poultry”,  this can sometimes mean lower-quality cuts, or a mix of anything!

Pro Tip: If the first ingredient is a by-product or filler like corn or soy, consider looking for another brand. High-quality protein should always come first!

2. Check the Protein and Fat Content

Dogs are omnivores, but they thrive on high-quality protein and fat to maintain muscle mass, energy, and healthy skin. Check the guaranteed analysis on the bag to see how much protein and fat are in the food. Generally, adult dogs need at least 18-25% protein in their diet, depending on their size and activity level. For fat, 8-15% is typical for most adult dogs.

Pro Tip: High-fat recipes are often used as a marketing tool because they pack in a lot of calories, making the food seem more appealing for weight gain or energy. However, just because a food is calorie-dense doesn’t mean it’s the healthiest option. Adding extra fat is a cheap way for manufacturers to boost the calorie count without improving the overall quality of the food. While high-fat diets can be beneficial for some active or underweight dogs, they’re not ideal for most pets and can lead to obesity or digestive issues. Always make sure the fat content is balanced with other essential nutrients to ensure a well-rounded, healthy diet.

3. Watch Out for Fillers

Filler ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy are commonly used in dog food to bulk up the product. While they’re not inherently harmful, they don’t provide much nutritional value. Dogs don’t digest grains as efficiently as meat-based ingredients, so too many fillers can lead to digestive issues, larger stools or allergic reactions.

Pro Tip: If your dog has food sensitivities or allergies, avoid foods with corn, wheat, or soy in the first few ingredients.

4. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are crucial for your dog’s overall health. They help with immune function, bone health, and much more. Look for foods that list essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, and phosphorus.

Pro Tip: The right balance of vitamins and minerals is essential for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs, so make sure the food is age-appropriate. 

5. Understand the AAFCO Statement

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides guidelines for pet food labelling. An AAFCO statement on the label indicates that the food meets the minimum nutritional requirements to be complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage. Look for statements like, “Exceed the minimum standards set by AAFCO” 

Pro Tip: If you see an AAFCO statement on the label, it means the food has met some nutritional standards. If there’s no such statement, it’s worth doing some more research on the brand’s quality. 

6. Special Additives to Look For

Certain additives in dog food can provide extra benefits for your dog. For example:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (often from fish oil) can promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.

• Probiotics help with digestion and gut health.

• Vitamin E: Acts as a powerful antioxidant, boosting immune function and helping maintain healthy cells.

Pro Tip: If your dog has a particular health concern (e.g., joint issues or a dull coat), look for food specifically designed to address those needs.

7. Beware of Artificial Ingredients

Artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives might make the food look more appealing, but they offer no nutritional value. Some artificial ingredients have been linked to health issues like allergies or hyperactivity. Always opt for natural preservatives like tocopherols (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Pro Tip:  If you see artificial preservatives like ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or food dyes like Red 40 or Yellow 5, it’s a red flag. Your dog doesn’t need these additives to thrive.

8. Beware of Life Stage Labels

Puppy, adult, and senior recipes often appear to be tailored to your dog’s specific needs, but in reality, these labels are sometimes a marketing tactic designed to reduce costs. If you compare the ingredients on the back of the packaging for all three, you’ll likely find they are very similar, with puppy formulas usually carrying a much higher price tag. The truth is, many brands reduce protein content once dogs reach adulthood, but the nutritional needs across life stages don’t always differ as much as the labels suggest.

That said, it’s still important to feed food that’s appropriate for your dog’s life stage, feeding adult food to a puppy can lead to nutrient deficiencies. For peace of mind, opt for all-life-stage formulas, which ensure your dog is getting balanced nutrition at every age, without compromising quality as they mature.

9. Understand the Difference Between Guaranteed Analysis and Typical Analysis 

The guaranteed analysis on dog food labels provides the minimum and maximum percentages of key nutrients (like protein and fat) to ensure the food meets basic nutritional standards. It’s legally required and ensures the food meets AAFCO guidelines. The typical analysis, on the other hand, gives an average of the nutrient content based on specific batches but isn't required by law and can vary slightly.

Pro Tip: When comparing dog foods, the guaranteed analysis is useful for confirming nutritional adequacy, while the typical analysis can give you a more accurate idea of what your dog is actually consuming in each batch.

Conclusion

Reading a dog food label can be a lot less overwhelming once you know what to look for. By focusing on high-quality protein, avoiding fillers, and paying attention to added nutrients, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the best food for your dog. Remember: Your dog relies on you to make informed decisions about their diet, so take your time and always prioritize quality over flashy marketing.

Next time you head to the pet store, channel your inner label-reading pro,  your pup will thank you with tail wags and happy barks!