Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
At EverPal, we are committed to ensuring your beloved furry friend live a happy and healthy life. Choosing the right food for your pet is a pivotal decision in ensuring their well-being. Two critical aspects of pet food labels can give you insightful information about the quality of the food you're considering: the ingredients list and the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy statement. We will dive into these elements to help you make more informed choices.
Understanding Ingredients of Pet Food
The ingredients list on pet food packaging is a window into the quality and nutritional value of the food. Here's what you should look for:
Whole Proteins at the Top: The first ingredient should ideally be a specified animal protein source, such as "chicken," "beef," or "fish." Whole meats indicate a quality protein source crucial for your pet's muscle maintenance and overall health.
Whole Grains and Vegetables: For pets that can digest them, whole grains and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Ingredients like "brown rice," "barley," or "carrots" signal good sources of nutrients. You should be cautious of diets that have legumes (such as peas and beans) as a primary ingredient. Though nutritious, they've been linked to heart issues in dogs due to low levels of Taurine, a vital nutrient. It underscores the importance of ensuring a balanced diet for your fur baby.
The Meaning of Meals: Seeing "chicken meal" or "fish meal" isn't necessarily a red flag. Meals are concentrated sources of animal protein. However, the source should be specified (avoid generic "meat meal"), as this indicates a higher quality of nutrition.
Beware of:
Fillers and By-products: Ingredients like "corn gluten meal" or "meat by-product" can be less nutritious and are often used to bulk up the food.
Chemical Preservatives: Names like "BHA," "BHT," or "ethoxyquin" are chemical preservatives associated with health risks. Natural preservatives like "mixed tocopherols" are preferable.
AAFCO Statements: The Benchmark of Nutritional Adequacy
Pet food labeling can be confusing. Reading the label sometimes does not give you detailed nutritional information. The AAFCO is the organization for understanding food for pets. The AAFCO statement on pet food labels is a seal of nutritional adequacy. It means the food meets the minimum nutritional requirements for the specified life stages of pets, as established by AAFCO.
Here’s how to interpret these statements:
Balanced and Complete dog food: This phrase indicates that the food provides all the necessary nutrients in the right ratios, either for all life stages or for a specific stage (puppy/kitten, adult, senior).
Life Stage Specification: Foods tailored to specific life stages can meet more precise nutritional needs. For example, puppy food has more calories and essential nutrients for growth than adult dog food. Check out our previous guide on how to plan your puppy's nutritional needs, and our complete guide on caring for senior dogs.
Feeding Trials: Some products might state that they have been "proven through feeding trials." This means the food has been tested on real animals to ensure it meets the nutritional needs for the specified life stage, offering an additional layer of assurance.
Choosing the Right Pet Food Brand
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Nutrition Toolkit from WSAVA provides 8 questions to ask when considering a pet food brand:
Do they employ a full-time qualified nutritionist (Ph.D. in animal nutrition or board-certified by the American or European specialty veterinary colleges)? It is ideal if the brand employs a qualified nutritionist full-time rather than as a consultant
Who formulates the diet? Is it developed by an experienced pet food formulator or a veterinarian?
What is the quality control process?
What kind of nutrient studies have been conducted?
Does the food label have an Nutrition Adequacy Statement?
How many calories per gram?
Does the company have immediate contact information?
Who makes the food? Is it made by a 3rd-party manufacturer?
Guidance from Veterinarians on The Best Nutrition Plan For Your Beloved Pet
If you want to optimize your pet’s nutrition through the best foods, schedule a same-day appointment with our licensed veterinarians to help you navigate the complex pet food world and get the best care your fur baby needs.
We currently provide veterinary services in San Francisco, South San Francisco, Daly City, Oakland, and Berkeley in California.
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