Instructions
Processing the Pet Food's Information
Go to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website (see Resources) and study its rules for naming pet food according to the proportion of ingredients. Under the 95 percent rule, if beef, poultry or fish are named in the title, such as Beef Dog Food or Tuna Cat Food, that product must make up at least 95 percent of the total content. Under the 25 percent rule, if the primary ingredient is less than 95 percent but more than 25 percent of the product's content, the title must contain a descriptor such as "dinner," "formula" or "nuggets." Under the 3 percent rule, additives that make up at least 3 percent of the total product may be included in the title along with the word "with," as in Dog Food With Beef or Cat Food With Chicken.
Check the net quantity. Because of varying packaging, densities and "lite" formulas, you can be misled as to the actual quantity of a product inside the package.
Note the manufacturer's name and address. This is the party responsible for safety and quality of the product, and whom you should call if you have any questions or concerns before or after purchasing its product.
Verify ingredients for safety concerns and overall product quality. The ingredients are required to be listed by weight in the formula, including inherent water quantity.
Observe the guaranteed analysis. Most pet foods will at least contain a minimum percentage of protein and fat, but some offer additional information on components like calcium, sodium, ash and taurine.
Validate the nutritional adequacy. An Association of American Feed Control Officials nutritional adequacy statement is the most relevant information on the food label. An AAFCO statement substantiates claims that a product provides complete and balanced nutrition, assuring buyers of the product's quality.
Check the feeding directions, which should include a manufacturer's statement to the effect of "feed x cups per x pounds of body weight." This statement will correlate to the nutritional adequacy statement on how to provide a complete and balanced diet to your pet.
How to Read Pet Food Ingredients Labels
Reading and understanding a pet food ingredient label can be a daunting task if you are uncertain of what to look for. To best take care of your animals, understand their individual levels of health and tailor their diets to support a long and happy life. Since some animals have specific needs and allergies to avoid, it is always best to investigate the contents of their food, and consult a veterinarian if you are suspicious of any issues.