How to Buy Dog Food Labels

Did you know that reading dog food labels is just as important as reading the labels on your own food? Dog food actually varies quite widely in terms of quality and content. By reading the dog food labels of the brands you usually serve your pet, you can learn the differences between each type, and choose the healthiest food for your dog. The labels can often be confusing if you don t know how to read them, though. Here s how to read dog food labels:

1. Read the ingredient list. Like with your own food, the goal is to find food that is wholesome and nutritious, without a lot of preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients. Food that is full of fillers will be cheaper, but your dog will actually eat more of it, since most of it isn t nutritious. The end result is that you pay more in the long run for lower-quality food. The ingredients are listed in order of weight. Look for ones that contain meat rather than meat by-products, and more meat than corn or other grains. Avoid foods with high levels of strange ingredients you can t pronounce; like with human food, these are usually preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients.
2. Look at the guaranteed analysis. This section of the label tells you how much of the dog food is protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber, and other nutrients. Unlike humans, dogs get most of their nutrients from just one type of food. That s why it is so important to ensure that the food you select offers a balanced diet. Compare protein and fat content across different brands. To determine whether a pet food is high quality, you ll want to compare both the ingredients and the analysis sections of the dog food labels.
3. Look at the front of the bag. Don t be drawn in by a brand name or claims that the food is gourmet , natural , or premium ; even well-known dog food brands can be low quality. One thing you do want to pay attention to on the front of the bag, though, is any note that the food is intended for young puppies, older dogs, or other specialized diets. If your dog falls into one of these categories, you may want to consider purchasing a high-quality specialized dog food for your pet. However, remember that most pets do not need a specialized diet, just a high-quality bag of dog food. Also look for a label that the food meets AAFCO standards. From the Association of American Feed Control Officials, this label shows that the pet food meets standards for pet nutrition.
4. Feeding instructions. Usually, the back of the bag will contain instructions for how much of the food to feed your pet. These should be used only as very rough guidelines. Your dog s size, growth level, and activity level will greatly influence the amount of food he or she needs. Adjust food levels as necessary for a thin or obese dog. Don t be afraid to feed a different amount of food than what s recommended on the bag.

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