Let's be honest, dog food labels can be a bit of a maze. Between the flashy marketing and fine print, it can be hard to know what is actually going into your dog’s bowl.
The good news is that labels and packaging are actually powerful tools that give you the “real scoop” on your dog’s diet. There are strict rules about what has to be on there so you can make an educated choice for your pet. The secret to reading them with confidence knowing exactly what to look for and what it means.
When you look at a pack, these are five areas that give you the real story behind the food:
| Label information | What it tells you | Considerations when reviewing |
|
Ingredients list |
All ingredients in the diet, listed in descending order by weight i.e. heaviest to lightest. |
Ingredients with high moisture content - like fresh meats (75-80% moisture) - usually appear first as they are heavier than the dry ingredients that follow.
|
| Guaranteed analysis |
As a minimum, lists the protein, fat, fibre and metabolisable |
Doesn’t show all nutrients. Specific nutrients must be listed if they claim to deliver a special benefit, such as glucosamine |
|
Nutritional adequacy statement |
This statement tells you whether a pet food is complete and balanced, and confirms the diet has been formulated in accordance with the recognised standards set by governing bodies in pet nutrition, such as AAFCO or FEDIAF. |
One of the most important things to check on a pet food label. If a food doesn’t include a nutritional adequacy statement, it is not meant to be fed as a pet’s sole diet. It may be a treat, meal topper or complementary feed. |
|
Feeding guide |
Provides an estimate of how much of the diet to feed a dog. Feeding guides are based off the calories of the specific diet and general guidelines. |
Treat the recommended amount as a starting point, not a fixed Split the daily amount specified into the total |
|
Manufacturer details |
The company name, contact information and location. |
This is a legal requirement and must appear on the label. |
When examining the guaranteed analysis or nutritional panel on a pet food label, you'll find nutrients expressed in one of two ways: 'as fed' or 'dry matter'. While these terms may seem technical, they are pretty straight forward.
To accurately compare different pet foods, especially when looking at wet vs dry diets, it is recommended to use the dry matter basis (the nutrient content without moisture).
100% – % Moisture = % Total Dry Matter
(% Nutrient ÷ % Total Dry Matter) x 100 = % Nutrient on a Dry Matter Basis
|
Example Comparison Below is an example of a scenario comparing a kibble and a fresh or wet diet’s protein level. On an ‘As Fed’ basis, the wet food may look like it has less protein than dry, but the calculation on a dry matter basis provides us with the accurate protein level. |
||||
|
Food Type |
Protein (As Fed) |
Moisture |
Dry Matter |
True Protein (Dry Matter Basis) |
|
Typical kibble |
24% |
10% |
90% |
26.6% |
|
High moisture wet diet |
10% |
65% |
35% |
28.5% |
You often see this phrase on pet food packaging, but it isn’t just marketing jargon. For a dog food to be labeled this way, it must meet two critical criteria:
Complete: The diet contains all of the essential nutrients (protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals) a dog needs for health.
Balanced: All of those nutrients are present in the correct amounts and proportions for the dog’s specific life stage (e.g. puppy vs adult).
Because dogs rely solely on the diet you provide for proper nutrition, an incomplete diet can cause nutrient imbalances. It is important to remember that a dog's nutritional needs and calorie requirements differ significantly from a human's.
To ensure a diet is complete and balanced, check the packaging for a nutritional adequacy statement, such as "Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO". Reputable brands typically follow guidelines from international organisations like AAFCO (USA) or FEDIAF (Europe) as they provide the global standards.
Note: Foods without this statement, like treats or meal toppers, are not designed to be the sole diet.
Understanding nutrients is about more than just reading a list; it’s about knowing how those ingredients support your dog’s health and wellbeing.
The Power of Protein
Protein plays a critical role in supporting the health of almost every body system! It is used for energy, muscle maintenance and growth, enzymes, bones, joints, blood components and the immune system.
Animal protein and plant protein: While most protein sources in dog food are animal proteins, they can also come from plant-based sources such as vegetables and pea protein isolate.
Single Protein vs Mixed Proteins: This is especially important for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, as adverse food reactions are most commonly triggered by an animal protein in the diet. For sensitive or allergic dogs, single protein diets are ideal and recommended by veterinarians as using multiple protein sources in one food can make digestion more difficult and complicate allergen management.
Protein source specifics: In Australia, local pet food manufacturers must specify the animal species (e.g., "Chicken" vs. "Meat"). Always look for clearly identified sources to ensure you know exactly what your dog is eating.
Fats & Oils
Fat is the most energy-dense macronutrient, providing 2.5 times more calories than protein or carbohydrates.
Vital Functions: Fats support cell health, the nervous system, and the absorption of essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Omega Fatty Acids: Look for claims on packaging about Omega 3 + 6 or claims to support skin and coat or joint health.
Carbohydrates
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate and its role is to support gut health and stool consistency. Allergies to carbohydrates are rare in dogs.
Vitamins & Minerals
Essential micronutrients, required in very small amounts in a dog’s diet. Absolutely crucial for a wide range of bodily functions! Deficiencies or excesses in vitamins or minerals can lead to serious health issues. Carefully balanced supplements are generally added to food, but many food ingredients are also a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
When choosing a food, here are Dr Mina’s positive indicators of a quality food brand:
Trusted Brands: Look for brands or products with a solid track record; longstanding diets that consistently support pet health are generally a safe choice.
Expert Formulation: Brands employing or consulting qualified pet health experts, like veterinarians or animal nutritionists, demonstrate a commitment to formulating diets based on genuine pet health needs, not merely marketing.
Transparency: Brands that offer transparency by openly sharing information (e.g., quality control, diet) and addressing consumer concerns are generally seen as more trustworthy.
Visible Results: Your dog is thriving! While you can't see internal changes, outward signs confirm the diet's success: healthy skin and coat, ideal weight, good energy, and normal, regular stools.
Limited Ingredients: Limited ingredients are ideal for sensitive dogs. Simple diets are easier to digest and reduce the risk of adverse food reactions.
Consistency: Consistent diets with an unchanging formula support digestive stability and reduce allergy flares in sensitive dogs by avoiding frequent ingredient changes.
Ready to find the perfect match?
At Prime100, we specialise in Single Protein Diets (SPD™) specifically designed for dogs with food sensitivities and those who simply deserve the best nutrition available.
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