Decoding Pet Food Labels: A Complete Guide for Pet Parents

21 Jan

Choosing the right food for your dog is crucial for their health, energy, and happiness. However, pet food labels can be confusing, with clever marketing and vague ingredients obscuring a product’s true quality. This guide will empower you to decode labels, spot red flags, and choose better nutrition to help your dog thrive.

How Pet Food Is Regulated

Before we jump into pet food itself, it’s important to discuss who set out the guidelines for pet food companies to adhere to as-well as who is responsible for enforcing Pet food regulations vary by region, but all aim to ensure safety and basic nutritional adequacy. Here’s how the major regulatory bodies work:

Pet Food Regulatory Bodies

Pet food regulations vary by region, but all aim to ensure safety and basic nutritional adequacy. Below are the major regulatory bodies for North America and Europe:

1.AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)

The AAFCO provides official definitions for pet food ingredients, sets nutrient profiles for various life stages (e.g., growth, maintenance), and establishes feeding trial protocols to assess nutritional adequacy. While AAFCO develops the guidelines, the FDA regulates pet food to ensure safety and compliance with labelling and manufacturing standards.

2. FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation)

FEDIAF provides science-driven nutritional guidelines and strict regulations for ingredient sourcing and labelling across Europe. In the UK, the food standards agency is responsible for enforcing legislation and policing the pet food industry however, much like the FDA, but it is under-resourced and pet food is not near the top of its priority list.

An additional note on nutritional guidelines

Although these regulatory bodies establish nutritional guidelines, it’s essential to understand that these standards were primarily developed with commercial pet foods in mind—products that have often undergone multiple processing and cooking stages. As a result, these guidelines are not always directly applicable to fresh or raw food diets, which retain more of their natural nutrients. That said, they serve as a valuable minimum benchmark to ensure dietary adequacy. Any diet, whether fresh, raw, or commercial, should at least meet these baseline requirements to avoid nutritional deficiencies and gaps that could impact your dog’s health.

Something else to note is that studies have revealed that many pet foods labeled as “complete” fail to meet the required nutritional standards. For instance, a UK study (Davies et al., 2017b) found that only 6% of wet and 38% of dry pet foods complied with FEDIAF guidelines for minerals and trace elements, with 79% failing to supply all essential nutrients. Globally, similar issues have been identified, with many complete foods being deficient in critical nutrients like copper or exceeding safe upper limits for others (Dodd et al., 2021; Kazimierska et al., 2020). Some products were also found to contain undeclared proteins from different species, raising concerns about ingredient accuracy (Pagani et al., 2018).

The Basics: What to Look for in Pet Food

A dog’s nutritional needs are rooted in their biological makeup. They thrive on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense whole foods that closely mimic their natural diet.

Domesticated dogs do not have a biological requirement for carbohydrates, as their ancestors thrived on diets primarily composed of animal proteins and fats. However, incorporating a moderate amount of plant material into their diet can be highly beneficial. Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and leafy greens, along with fruits like blueberries and pomegranate, provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can complement a meat-based diet. This is particularly valuable given the decline in meat quality caused by modern farming practices, which can result in nutrient gaps.

Plant-based ingredients also offer powerful phytochemicals like flavanols, anthocyanins, and curcuminoids, which have been shown to promote health in dogs. These compounds can help prevent chronic diseases, improve cognitive function, and support overall well-being. For example, a study by Dunlap et al. (2006) found that Scottish Terriers fed vegetables had a 70–90% lower risk of developing bladder cancer. Similarly, Milgram et al. (2005) demonstrated that sled dogs supplemented with blueberries experienced increased antioxidant levels, reducing exercise-induced oxidative damage. Including these nutrient-dense plant ingredients in your dog’s diet can enhance their health while providing protection against illness and age-related decline.

Why Meat Should Be the First and Second Ingredient

To understand why ingredient placement matters, it’s important to know how processing impacts the final composition of pet food. Let’s explore how these changes affect the ingredient list you see on the label.

A high-quality dog food should prioritise transparency and provide ingredients that meet your dog’s biological needs. The position of meat on the ingredient list plays a critical role in determining the food’s quality. However, clever labeling tactics can obscure the true composition of the product.

We often hear that meat should be the first ingredient in our dogs food, however the reality is that meat should be the first and second ingredient on the label because dogs thrive on diets rich in high-quality animal proteins. While having meat listed first is important, it’s not enough to guarantee a high-protein, meat-based diet. This is because ingredients are listed in descending order of their pre-cooked weight during the mixing bowl stage, when they contain their natural moisture content.

Understanding Guaranteed Analysis: Dry Matter vs. As-Fed Basis

What is Guaranteed Analysis?

Guaranteed analysis (GA) is the nutrient breakdown provided on pet food labels, showing the minimum percentages of crude protein, crude fat, fibre, and moisture, along with the maximum moisture content. These figures are presented on an “as-fed” basis, meaning they include the food’s natural moisture content.

As-Fed Basis vs. Dry Matter Basis:

• As-Fed Basis: Includes moisture, making nutrient percentages appear lower in wet foods compared to dry foods.

• Dry Matter Basis (DMB): Removes the water content, allowing for an accurate comparison of nutrients across all food types.

Why DMB Matters:

Since moisture levels vary widely between wet, dry, and raw diets, analysing food on a DMB helps pet parents evaluate the true nutrient content. For example, wet food may seem low in protein, but once water is excluded, its protein content can rival or even exceed that of dry kibble.

How to Calculate DMB:

1. Subtract the moisture percentage from 100 to get the dry matter (DM) percentage.

Example: If moisture is 75%, the DM is 25%.

2. Divide the nutrient percentage by the DM percentage and multiply by 100.

Example: A food with 10% protein and 25% DM:

ext{Protein (DMB)} = (10 ÷ 25) × 100 = 40% .

What Happens During Processing

Fresh meats like chicken or fish contain 70–80% water. When cooked, much of this water evaporates, reducing the weight of the meat. Meanwhile, dry ingredients like grains, legumes, or starches retain their weight, often becoming the predominant components in the final product. This shift is why understanding the ingredient list both pre- and post-processing is critical.

Example: Ingredient Changes After Processing

Pre-Processing Ingredient List:

• Trout & Salmon 50% (22% Fresh Trout, 10% Salmon Meal, 10% Fresh Salmon, 4% Salmon Oil, 4% Salmon Stock)

• Sweet Potato 12%, Potato 12%, Peas 11%, Potato Flour 8%, Beet Pulp 4%, Pea Protein 3%, Minerals & Vitamins

Post-Processing (Dry Matter Basis):

• Potato 27%, Sweet Potato 16%, Peas 15%, Salmon Meal 14.5%, Fresh Trout 8.5%, Beet Pulp 5.5%, Salmon Oil 5%, Pea Protein 4%, Fresh Salmon 4%, <1% Salmon Stock

Key Observations

1. Water Loss in Fresh Meat:

The weight of fresh trout and salmon drops dramatically due to moisture evaporation, reducing their prominence in the final ingredient list.

2. Ingredient Splitting:

Potatoes appear as “potato” and “potato flour,” and peas as “peas” and “pea protein.” This tactic makes plant-based fillers seem less significant than they are, even though they dominate the recipe.

3. Meat vs. Carbohydrates:

Despite “trout and salmon” being listed first, the final product contains more plant-based ingredients like potatoes and peas than animal proteins.

Why This Matters

1. True Protein Content:

When only the first ingredient is meat, carbohydrates or plant-based proteins often dominate the formula, reducing bioavailable protein for dogs. Look for foods where both the first and second ingredients are animal-based proteins (e.g., “chicken” and “chicken meal”) to ensure a truly meat-based diet.

2. Nutritional Benefits:

Dogs, as facultative carnivores, thrive on diets rich in animal proteins, which provide essential amino acids that plant-based proteins like pea protein lack.

3. Avoid Ingredient Manipulation:

Tactics like ingredient splitting make labels misleading. Compare foods by checking for transparency in the first few ingredients:

• Good Label: “Chicken, chicken meal, sweet potato, carrots, flaxseed.”

• Misleading Label: “Chicken, peas, pea protein, pea fibre, sweet potato.”

By understanding processing, ingredient splitting, and the difference between as-fed and dry matter basis, you can confidently choose high-quality pet foods that prioritize your dog’s nutritional needs.

How to Spot Genuine High-Quality Food

Key Nutritional Priorities

1. Named Animal Proteins as the Foundation

Proteins like “chicken,” “beef,” or “salmon” should dominate the ingredient list. These provide essential amino acids, such as methionine and lysine, which are critical for muscle repair, immune function, and energy metabolism.

• Red Flags: Vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal by-products” can indicate poorly sourced ingredients from rendered or lower-quality materials.

2. Low-Glycemic Carbohydrates

Low-glycemic carbs like sweet potatoes, barley, and oats provide a steady release of energy and help prevent blood sugar spikes.

• Avoid High-Glycemic Ingredients: Corn, white rice, and wheat can cause rapid energy spikes and subsequent crashes, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes over time.

3. Healthy Fats and Omega Fatty Acids

Healthy fats are essential for joint health, brain function, and a glossy coat. Look for named fat sources, such as “chicken fat” or “green lipped mussel oil.”

• Omega Balance: An ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (around 5:1) reduces inflammation and supports skin health.

4. Natural Sources of Vitamins and Minerals

Whole foods like spinach, blueberries, and eggs provide bioavailable vitamins and antioxidants. These are easier for your dog’s body to absorb compared to synthetic additives, which may pass through the digestive system unused.

7 Red Flags in Pet Food

Spotting red flags can help you avoid low-quality foods that compromise your dog’s health. Below are our top 7 recommended red flags to avoid when looking at a food for your dog.

1. Mystery Ingredients

Terms like “meat meal” or “derivatives of vegetables” suggest rendered ingredients from unknown sources, which may include lower quality, rendered or ingredients not fit for human consumption. Learn more about 4D meats here. Additionally, when ingredient lists use vague terms like “meat and animal derivatives” or “cereal by-products,” manufacturers can substitute cheaper, lower-quality ingredients between batches without notifying consumers. For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, this inconsistency can trigger adverse reactions or digestive issues, making it critical to choose foods with transparent labeling and named ingredients that provide consistency from batch to batch.

• Choose Instead: Look for named proteins like “Fresh Lamb” or “beef.”

2. Ingredient Splitting and Grouping

Manufacturers use ingredient splitting (e.g., separating ‘peas,’ ‘pea protein,’ and ‘pea fibre’) and grouping (e.g., ‘Trout & Salmon 50%’) to manipulate ingredient lists. Splitting makes fillers seem less significant, while grouping inflates perceived meat content by including stock or oils. These tactics can hide the fact that plant-based fillers dominate the formula.

3. Artificial Additives

Artificial additives, including synthetic colours (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) and chemical preservatives (e.g., BHA, BHT), are often added to enhance the appearance, flavour, or shelf life of pet food. These additives provide no nutritional value and may contribute to long-term health issues such as allergies, digestive upset, and even carcinogenic risks with prolonged exposure.

Common Chemical Preservatives to Watch For:

• Ethoxyquin: Often used as a preservative in fish meal, it has been linked to liver and kidney damage.

• Carrageenan: A thickener linked to gastrointestinal inflammation.

• CMC (Carboxymethylcellulose): A stabiliser associated with digestive disturbances.

• Propylene Glycol: A humectant that keeps food moist but can irritate the digestive system.

• Potassium Sorbate & Propyl Gallate: Used to prevent mold and spoilage, both are suspected to cause allergic reactions.

• Polysorbate 80 (P80): An emulsifier potentially linked to gut microbiome imbalances.

• Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ): A synthetic preservative linked to oxidative stress.

Regulatory Loopholes

While some countries have banned certain additives (e.g., ethoxyquin in the EU), others, like the U.S., still permit their use. Additionally, manufacturers can exploit labeling loopholes by using pre-preserved ingredients. For instance, fats in ingredients like chicken meal or fish meal may already contain additives like ethoxyquin or BHA before they are added to the final food. These do not need to be declared on the pet food label, leaving consumers unaware of their presence.

4. Fillers

Fillers like white rice, maize starch, potato, legumes and other starchy ingredients contribute little to your dog’s overall nutrition. As a result, you often need to feed larger portions of filler-heavy foods to meet your dog’s energy needs, placing unnecessary strain on their digestive system. Over time, this can lead to digestive discomfort and more significant health issues.

To make matters worse, starchy fillers don’t provide lasting satiety. Despite being calorie-dense, they fail to keep dogs feeling full, leaving them hungry soon after eating. This often leads to overfeeding, which can exacerbate the risk of obesity—a condition linked to joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and reduced lifespan. Additionally, certain fillers like wheat, soy, and maize are harder for some dogs to digest and are common triggers for dietary intolerances or allergies. These reactions can cause chronic digestive issues, skin conditions, and secondary health complications if left unaddressed.

5. Too Many Synthetic Nutrients

Synthetic vitamins and minerals compensate for the lack of whole food ingredients. Synthetic nutrients in dog food are often used to meet nutritional standards, but they come with significant drawbacks. Unlike nutrients from whole foods, synthetic vitamins and minerals lack the natural cofactors (enzymes, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids) needed for optimal absorption and utilisation. This can lead to poor bioavailability, meaning your dog’s body struggles to use them effectively. Additionally, synthetic nutrients can disrupt the balance of natural nutrients in the diet, interfering with their absorption and function. Over time, excessive intake of certain synthetic vitamins and minerals can strain the liver and kidneys, increasing the risk of toxicity and long-term health issues. Choosing foods rich in natural, whole-food-based nutrients is a safer and more beneficial option for your dog’s overall health.

A note on chelated vitamins:

Some brands choose to utilise chelated minerals which are bound to amino acids. Chelation can enhance the absorption of certain minerals, with chelated trace minerals showing an increased bioavailability of approximately 5% to 15%. However, this improved absorption comes at a cost, as chelated minerals can be over five times more expensive than their non-chelated counterparts. While they offer benefits, chelated minerals may not be suitable for every dog. For instance, dogs at risk of copper storage disease or bladder stones may fare better with dog foods formulated using whole foods.

• Example: Foods rich in spinach or kale naturally provide bioavailable iron, while synthetic iron may pass through your dog’s system without being fully absorbed.

6. Fresh Meat and Stock in Dry Food

Fresh meat is a nutritious and highly digestible ingredient in dog food, but it’s also used as a marketing tactic to inflate meat percentage claims. Ingredients must be listed by weight before processing, including fresh ingredients with high water content and dry ingredients like protein powders. During processing, most of the moisture in fresh meat is lost, significantly reducing its proportion in the final product. While fresh meat is beneficial, Fresh meat contains up to 80% water, which evaporates during processing. This means foods advertising high fresh meat percentages often have far less meat in the final product and thus, it’s important to review the full nutritional breakdown to ensure your dog’s food provides adequate, high-quality protein.

7. Dry Ingredients in Wet Food

Wet food manufacturers can downplay certain ingredients by using them in a dry, powdered form. This allows the ingredient’s percentage on the pre-processed ingredient list to appear low, but once water is added during processing, its proportion in the final product can increase four to five times. For example, a wet food made with 50% fresh chicken, 10% wheat flour, and 40% water may appear balanced, but the wheat flour absorbs the water, resulting in a final composition closer to 50% meat and 50% wheat.

Hidden Dangers in Dog Food: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

While we strive to provide the best nutrition for our dogs, it’s important to be aware of potential hidden dangers lurking in their food. Many of these risks are not immediately visible on pet food labels, but they can have long-term impacts on your dog’s health. This chapter will explore three major concerns—glyphosate, aflatoxins, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)—and explain how they may affect your pet.

1. Glyphosate: The Controversial Herbicide

What is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, commonly found in weed killers like Roundup®. It is often sprayed on crops such as corn, soy, and wheat, which are common ingredients in commercial pet foods. Even trace amounts of glyphosate can end up in pet food through contaminated plant ingredients.

Health Risks of Glyphosate

Research has linked glyphosate exposure to a variety of health issues:

• Gut Health: Glyphosate has been shown to disrupt the gut microbiome by killing beneficial bacteria, which play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and mental health (Mesnage et al., 2017).

• Carcinogenic Potential: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015. While more research is needed to confirm its impact on dogs, its potential to damage DNA and contribute to cancer is concerning.

• Kidney and Liver Damage: A study published in Environmental Health found that glyphosate can cause oxidative stress, contributing to liver and kidney dysfunction over time (Mesnage et al., 2017).

How to Minimise Exposure:

• Look for pet foods made with organic or glyphosate-free grains.

• Avoid products that heavily rely on corn, soy, or wheat, as these are more likely to be contaminated.

2. Aflatoxins: The Invisible Threat in Grains

What are Aflatoxins?

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by molds (e.g., Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus) that grow on grains like corn, wheat, legumes and rice. These toxins are highly stable and can survive the cooking and processing stages of pet food production.

Health Risks of Aflatoxins

Aflatoxins are one of the most dangerous contaminants in pet food, even in small quantities:

• Liver Damage: Aflatoxins accumulate in the liver, causing acute liver toxicity or long-term liver damage. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, and in severe cases, liver failure (Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, 2003).

• Cancer Risk: Prolonged exposure to aflatoxins has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. (Wild & Gong 2010)

• Immunosuppression: Studies have shown that aflatoxins can weaken the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to infections (M A Diekman et al. J Anim Sci. 1992 May).

Major Recalls Due to Aflatoxins:

In 2020, a major recall involving several pet food brands occurred due to unsafe levels of aflatoxins, leading to the deaths of over 100 dogs. This highlights the critical need for stricter quality control in the pet food industry.

How to Minimise Exposure:

• Choose grain-free diets or those made with whole, minimally processed grains.

• Research brands that regularly test for aflatoxins in their ingredients.

3. Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs): A Silent Contributor to Aging

What are Advanced Glycation End Products?

AGEs are harmful compounds formed when proteins or fats combine with sugars during high-heat cooking processes, such as extrusion and baking. These processes are commonly used to produce kibble and other dry pet foods.

Health Risks of AGEs

AGEs are known to accelerate the aging process and contribute to chronic diseases:

• Inflammation: AGEs promote systemic inflammation, which can exacerbate conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes (Uribarri et al., 2010).

• Oxidative Stress: AGEs generate free radicals, leading to cellular damage and premature aging.

• Kidney Disease: Chronic exposure to AGEs has been linked to impaired kidney function in both humans and animals (Kinoshita et al. (2022).).

• Cognitive Decline: Studies suggest AGEs may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases by increasing inflammation in the brain. (Schmidt et al. (2001).)

How to Minimise Exposure:

• Opt for fresh, minimally processed diets like raw or gently cooked foods.

• Avoid heavily processed pet foods, especially those that rely on extrusion.

• Incorporate fresh, antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries and spinach into your dog’s diet to combat oxidative stress caused by AGEs.

Key Takeaways for Pet Parents

1. Read Labels Carefully: While glyphosate, aflatoxins, and AGEs are often hidden dangers, choosing high-quality foods with clear ingredient sourcing can reduce risks.

2. Choose Less Processed Foods: Fresh or gently cooked diets minimise exposure to harmful byproducts like AGEs.

3. Research Brands: Look for manufacturers that test rigorously for contaminants like aflatoxins and prioritize transparency.

4. Incorporate Antioxidants: Adding natural antioxidants to your dog’s diet can help counteract oxidative stress caused by glyphosate, aflatoxins, and AGEs.

Conclusion

Understanding pet food labels allows you to choose a diet that truly benefits your dog. By focusing on named proteins, avoiding red flags, and prioritising transparency, you can ensure your dog gets the nutrition they need to thrive.

For dog food recommendations in your country, take a look at the below;

UK:

Recommended Raw food brands

Recommended Raw food alternatives

USA:

Recommended Raw food brands

Recommended Raw food alternatives

Canada:

Australia:

Alternatively, for more information on protein and price availability, use our health dog food database to find a healthy option for your dogs needs that fits into your budget!

For more expert advice, visit The Balanced Canine Group and join our community of dedicated pet parents.