How to Read a Pet Food Label

The most important thing to check is whether the food is “complete” (it provides everything your pet needs as its only food) or “complementary” (a treat or topper that must be fed alongside a complete diet). In the US, look for a nutritional adequacy statement referencing AAFCO; in Europe, look for the word “complete”.

Puppies and kittens need more energy, protein, and specific minerals than adults. Large-breed puppies need carefully controlled calcium to support healthy bone growth. Make sure the food is formulated for your pet’s life stage — growth, adult maintenance, or all life stages.

Ingredients are listed by weight before cooking. Fresh meat contains a lot of water, so a food listing chicken first may contain less chicken once cooked than one listing chicken meal. The ingredient list is less useful for judging quality than many people think; the nutrient profile and the manufacturer’s expertise matter more.

This lists minimum protein and fat, and maximum fibre and moisture. To compare dry and wet foods fairly, compare on a dry-matter basis — wet foods can look low in protein simply because they are mostly water.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association suggests asking pet food companies:

Grains are not a common cause of allergies in pets, and most dogs and cats digest them well. Some grain-free diets have been investigated for a possible link with a heart condition (dilated cardiomyopathy) in dogs. Talk to your vet before choosing a grain-free or boutique diet for your dog.

Feeding guides on the pack are a starting point. Adjust based on your pet’s body condition — you should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat. Weigh food on kitchen scales rather than using a scoop.