If you want to keep your pet healthy and energetic, you must pay attention to the quality and nutritional content of its food. You also need to determine when and what kind of food is required in any health condition, selecting food according to the pet’s needs. Understanding pet food labels is crucial to staying informed about your pet’s diet, as labels provide essential details about the nutritional content, ingredients, and suitability of the food for your pet. Here’s a guide to help you understand pet food labels effectively.
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1. Check the Guaranteed Analysis
Guaranteed Analysis provides information on a variety of key nutrients. Lists minimum and maximum percentages of nutrients, including:
- Crude Protein: Indicates the protein content to support muscle development.
- Crude Fat: Provides energy and supports a healthy coat.
- Crude Fiber: Helps with digestion.
- Moisture: Reflects the water content in the food.
Compare these values to your pet’s dietary needs based on their age, size, and activity level.
2. Understand the Ingredient List
Ingredients are listed in order of value and weight. Find:
- High-quality protein sources (eg, chicken, beef, or fish).
- Whole grains or vegetables for fiber and energy.
- Avoid foods with vague terms like “meat by-products” or artificial additives.
3. Look for the Nutritional Adequacy Statement
To keep your pet healthy and beautiful, it must be fed a nutritious, high-quality diet. Nutrient content statements on food, regulated by organizations such as AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), indicate whether the food meets your pet’s nutritional needs. Look for phrases such as:
- Complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages.
- Formulated for maintenance of adult dogs/cats.
4. Check the Caloric Content
Calorie counting, expressed as how many calories per cup (kcal), helps manage your pet’s weight. If your pet is active, their body burns a lot of calories. Therefore, they may require a high caloric intake to meet their needs; otherwise, the animal may become sick and weak. On the other hand, if the pet is less active, their body burns fewer calories. They need fewer calories, but if their calorie intake exceeds their needs, obesity and various diseases may occur.
5. Be Aware of Marketing Terms
Although terms such as “natural,” “organic,” or “holistic” are supposed to be strictly regulated on pet food labeling, these facts are often not accurately conveyed. Even when provided, they are not properly controlled and may not indicate higher quality. So, focus exclusively on original ingredients.
6. Pay Attention to Special Formulas
Oftentimes, pets require different dietary needs based on their physical condition. If your pet has specific needs (e.g., grain-free, low-fat, or senior formula), you must ensure that the food is designed to meet those needs. If these needs are not properly met, it is likely to do your pet more harm than good.
7. Expiration Date and Storage Information
Always check the expiration date to ensure food freshness. Sometimes, even if the date is correct, the quality of the food can be spoiled due to a packaging fault or a leak in the packet. So, before purchasing the food, check the packaging carefully, and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality.
Be sure to read pet food labels so that you can provide your pet with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you do not understand what type of food or nutritional needs your pet requires, consult a veterinarian for advice tailored to your pet’s specific health needs.
