In this article we'll decipher dog food labels and ingredients, helping you make informed choices about what’s best for your dog’s diet

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Our Top 10 tips for understanding dog food labels

Primary Components: Examine the ingredient list to identify high-quality components. Look for named meat sources like “chicken” or “beef” as the first ingredient, which indicates a primary protein source.

Nutritional Breakdown: Check the guaranteed analysis to understand the nutritional content of the food. This includes percentages of protein, fat, fibre, and moisture, helping you gauge the balance of nutrients.

Nutritional Breakdown: Check the guaranteed analysis to understand the nutritional content of the food. This includes percentages of protein, fat, fibre, and moisture, helping you gauge the balance of nutrients.

Ingredient Quality: Be cautious of foods with “by-products” listed as ingredients. While not necessarily harmful, they are less specific and may include less desirable parts of the animal.

Safe Additives: Check for preservatives and additives that are safe for dogs. Avoid artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives like BHA/BHT, which can be harmful over time.

Health Needs: Consider special formulas for specific health needs, such as weight management, joint health, or sensitive stomachs. These are tailored to address particular dietary requirements.

Company Trust: Research the brand’s reputation for quality and safety. Established brands with positive reviews and transparency in their sourcing and manufacturing processes are often more reliable.

Portion Control: Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the label to ensure proper portion sizes. Adjust based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level to maintain a healthy weight.

Professional Advice: Consult your veterinarian for personalised advice on choosing the best food for your dog’s specific needs. They can help you select a diet that supports your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Observe Effects: Monitor your dog’s health and behaviour in response to their diet. Look for changes in energy levels, coat condition, and overall well-being to assess the suitability of their food.

From the experts: If you're in the United States, ensure the food meets the standards set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). Look for a statement indicating that the food is complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage. Other countries may have their own pet food associations: we recommend checking them out and familiarising yourself with which dog foods meet their standards.

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