Reading Pet Food Labels

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Food Deliveries are the Best!

Let's be clear right from the get go. I'm not a pet food expert, just an educated consumer. Today I'm going to share some of the best tips for selecting your dog's chow based on two of the most well-respected authorities--the Whole Dog Journal and the FDA's Pet Food Labeling resources.

Before you make a switch, keep in mind that picking a food for your Fido should be just that--what's best for Bowser. This is not a selection of which food makes YOU salivate!

What to look for on the label:

1. Where to shop: Busy independent pet supply stores often have more knowledgeable staff. If you're like me and the closest such establishment is not inside your stomping grounds, you'll have two alternatives that can offer good choices--pet specialty chain stores, both online and the brick-and-mortar variety. Start at the latter until you have made an initial selection, to allow you to read the entire label according to the tips below. 
2. Locate the ingredients panel and guaranteed analysis to compare protein and fat to your dog's current meal choice.
3. Always check the Best By date or Date of Production; the former is required, while the latter is provided on the label by some manufacturers.
4. Now find the AAFCO statement that states how the maker met the requirements of a "complete and balanced " diet. Manufacturers have a choice of (1) meeting required nutrient profiles or (2) completing a feeding trial.

Here are the benchmarks that you'll want to look for:

1. A Named animal protein at the top of the list.  Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight; the bottom half of the list is generally vitamins and minerals. 
2. Specific animal protein (ex: chicken, beef, etc.) is not as questionable as "meat". Animal protein meals should also be specific to the animal: choose "chicken meal" over a more vague "poultry meal" for clarity and generally healthier handling. If a fresh meat is first on the ingredient list, an animal protein meal should supplement this due to excessive moisture in fresh meat. Protein meal will help assure adequate protein.
3. Whole vegetable, fruits and grains, assuming you're not looking at grain-free foods.
4. That 6-month out Best By date would be even better if 10-11 months away. Dates as much as 2 years away may suggest synthetic preservatives.

What to Avoid:

1. Meat and poultry by-products are not stored as carefully as better ingredients, meaning more potential for trouble.
2. Animal fats should be specifically named to be traceable. Don't buy food including poultry fat or meat fat; choose chicken fat or beef fat instead.
3. Added sweeteners are enjoyed by dogs just as by us, and just like us, they don't need them. These ingredients can encourage eating challenges.
4. Steer clear of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. The latter will generally be listed as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. Choose products with natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), Vitamin C or rosemary extract.

I'd like to add that selecting a food maker that includes a contact phone number on their label for consumers can be extremely helpful. This phone number speaks loud and clear that the company wants to hear from you, rather than hide from you. 

The Natural Balance offices have a team of Customer Care representatives that field these calls from consumers with questions on everything from quality and ingredients to feeding frequency and amount. You'll find their phone number and email address at this link on their website also. 

I loved hearing these folks reminisce about the many callers who actually have a favorite Customer Care 
rep that they ask for by name when they contact the company. It's always nice to talk to a familiar person when you need help making a selection. Customer service is an important part of the brand you choose. 

Join me on Tuesday to learn more about Natural Balance's Buy with Confidence lab. The geek in me really came out when I visited here recently and learned so much about their testing and quality control. Yes, I admit it. I get off on that stuff!

As a Natural Balance Insider, I have had the opportunity to tour their facilities, speak with employees and learn a great deal about the company. In addition to sharing educational information in this series, I'll offer insights into Natural Balance, our choice for Tanner and Oliver's organic dog food. While I do receive sponsored travel and pet food, the comments I share about Natural Balance are, without exception, my own opinions.