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Home » Choosing the Right Dog Food: Tips for Reading Labels and Ingredients

Choosing the Right Dog Food: Tips for Reading Labels and Ingredients

Posted by Badlands Ranch Team | July 26, 2023

Young woman feeding a white dog a treat

Why Reading Dog Food Labels Is Important

Reading dog food labels is of utmost importance for responsible pet owners. These labels provide necessary information about the nutritional composition, ingredient quality, and feeding guidelines of the dog’s food. By reading dog food labels carefully, you can help ensure that your furry companion enjoys a well-balanced, healthy daily diet.1


Knowing how to read dog food labels accurately, and understanding the meanings behind label terms, can help you make informed decisions and choose a high-quality food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs. Ultimately, feeding your dog a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet can help support their overall well-being.

What To Look For In Dog Food Labels

When looking at dog food labels, you’ll want to look at several factors to help make certain you’re providing your dog with a balanced, nutritious diet. Here are some key things to look for in dog food labels:

1. High-Quality Protein Source

Dogs are primarily carnivorous animals, so choosing a dog food that lists a high-quality protein source as the main ingredient is important. Look for specific meat sources, like beef (including beef heart and beef liver) and salmon, rather than generic terms, like “meat meal” or “poultry meal.” Ideally, the protein source should be named and listed first on the ingredients list.2

2. Balanced Nutrition

The label should indicate that the dog food provides a complete and balanced diet. It should meet the nutritional requirements established by organizations such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Look for phrases like “complete” and “balanced” nutrition on the label.3

3. Clear Ingredient List

The ingredient list should be clear and transparent, listing all the components in the dog food. The first few ingredients hold the most significant portion of the food. The main protein source should be at the top of the list. Avoid foods with excessive fillers, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.4

4. Identify the Main Ingredient

Look for the primary ingredient listed on the label. It should be a high-quality protein source, like beef (or beef liver/heart) or salmon. Avoid foods with generic terms like “meat meal” or “by-products” as the main ingredient.5

5. No Harmful Additives

Check for the presence of harmful additives, such as artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, as well as artificial colors and flavors. Natural preservatives, like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), are preferable. If the label states “no artificial additives” or “no artificial preservatives,” it’s a positive sign.6,7

6. Seek Veterinary Advice

Consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has specific dietary needs or health conditions. They can provide guidance on choosing the most appropriate dog food for your pet’s individual requirements. They can also help you with any questions you might have about your dog’s food labels and how to understand them.

Dog Food Label Reading Tips: What Is The Guaranteed Analysis, And Why Is It Important?

The guaranteed analysis provides essential information about a dog food’s nutrient composition. Here are some key points to consider when interpreting the guaranteed analysis:

  • Nutrient Percentages: The guaranteed analysis lists the minimum or maximum percentages of certain nutrients in the dog food. The most common nutrients included are crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture content.8
  • Crude Protein: Crude protein represents the total amount of protein in the food. Dogs generally require higher levels of protein, especially if they are active or growing.9,10
  • Crude Fat: Crude fat indicates the total amount of fat in the food. Fat is a valuable energy source, helps support a healthy coat and skin, and helps promote nutrient absorption.11
  • Crude Fiber: Crude fiber refers to the indigestible portion of plant material. It helps promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.12
  • Moisture Content: The moisture content reveals the amount of water present in the food. This is important because it affects the concentration of other nutrients. The dog food’s moisture content will vary depending on how the food is processed.13

Reading And Understanding The Calorie Content On A Dog Food Label

When reading a dog food label, the calorie content can provide valuable information about the energy density of the food. Here’s how to understand and interpret the calorie content on a dog food label:


Identify the Calorie Measurement: The calorie content is typically listed as kilocalories (kcal) per serving or per kilogram (kg) of food. It may be expressed as “kcal/cup,” “kcal/can,” or “kcal/kg.” Make sure you are aware of the specific unit of measurement used on the label.


Determine the Serving Size: Look for the recommended serving size on the label, usually expressed in cups or grams. The calorie content is based on this serving size, so it’s important to note the quantity specified.


Calculate the Calorie Content: To determine the calorie content per serving, multiply the calorie content per unit of measurement (kcal/cup, kcal/can, or kcal/kg) by the number of servings in the recommended serving size. This will give you the approximate calorie content per serving of the specific dog food.14


Note: It’s always advisable to consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice on feeding your dog and determining the appropriate calorie intake for their individual requirements.

Types Of Dog Food: Is Air-Dried Food Good For My Dog?

Air-dried dog food can be a healthy option for dogs, depending on the specific product and its formulation. Air-drying is a method of food preservation that involves removing moisture from the ingredients without the use of high heat. This process helps retain the nutritional content of the ingredients while eliminating the need for artificial preservatives.15

Here are some potential benefits of air-dried dog food:

  1. Retention Of Nutrients: Air-drying preserves the natural nutrients present in the ingredients, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This can provide a more nutrient-dense option compared to traditional kibble, which is subjected to high-heat extrusion.
  2. Digestibility: The gentle air-drying process breaks down proteins and carbohydrates, making them easier for dogs to digest. This can be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who struggle with digesting certain ingredients.
  1. Palatability: Air-dried dog food often has an appealing taste and texture for dogs, as it retains the natural flavors and aromas of the ingredients. This can help encourage picky eaters to enjoy their meals and promote a healthy appetite.
  2. Convenience: Air-dried dog food is lightweight, easy to store, and does not require refrigeration. This makes it a convenient option for pet owners, especially when traveling or during outdoor activities.16-19


It’s important to note that not all air-dried dog foods are created equal. Always carefully read the labels, and choose a reputable brand that meets your dog’s specific dietary needs.

Choosing The Right Dog Food: Quality Assurance is Key

Dog food quality assurance refers to the set of processes and practices implemented by manufacturers to ensure the safety, nutritional value, and overall quality of their products. Here are some things to look for in dog food labels that indicate quality assurance:


Nutritional Adequacy Statement: This statement confirms that the food meets the minimum nutritional requirements for your pet’s life stage. It is important that your dog is receiving the right amount of nutrients to maintain good health.20


Guaranteed Analysis: This lists the percentages of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture in the food. The food should contain the right balance of these nutrients to help them thrive.21


Ingredients List: The ingredients list should be in descending order by weight and should include whole food ingredients. This helps to ensure that your dog is receiving high-quality, nutritious ingredients in their food.22


Feeding Directions: These are recommendations for how much to feed your dog based on their weight. You’ll want to follow these guidelines to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your dog. On the label, high-quality dog food will also include specific directions for how to transition your dog over to the new food.23


Overall, dog food quality assurance is crucial in ensuring the safety, nutritional value, and overall quality of the products. It helps manufacturers deliver reliable and trustworthy options to pet owners, contributing to the health and well-being of their beloved dogs.

Make An Informed Decision About Your Dog’s Diet

As you can see, understanding how to read and interpret dog food labels is important for the health and well-being of your pet. By carefully examining the labels and looking for the factors listed above, you can make better-informed decisions about the food you purchase for your dog.


Being a discerning consumer is essential in ensuring that your dog receives the best possible diet. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s nutrition.

Sources

1. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/reading-labels/

2. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_whats_in_a_balanced_dog_food

3. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/complete-and-balanced-pet-food

4. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-general-feeding-guidelines-for-dogs

5. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-general-feeding-guidelines-for-dogs

6. https://ruffgers.com/2021/08/dog-food-ingredients-to-avoid/

7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352299571_Additives_in_pet_food_are_they_safe

8. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/how-to-read-a-dog-food-label/

9. https://www.petfoodinstitute.org/about-pet-food/nutrition/guaranteed-analysis/

10. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/the_power_of_protein

11. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/role-of-dietary-fatty-acids-in-dogs-cats/

12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8965269/

13. https://getdiglabs.com/blogs/the-dig-labs-dish/guaranteed-analysis-ingredients-a-practical-guide-how-to-read-dog-food-labels

14. https://getdiglabs.com/blogs/the-dig-labs-dish/guaranteed-analysis-ingredients-a-practical-guide-how-to-read-dog-food-labels

15. https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/whats-difference-between-raw-dehydrated-freeze-dried-and-air-dried-dog-food-anyway/116317

16. https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/whats-difference-between-raw-dehydrated-freeze-dried-and-air-dried-dog-food-anyway/116317

17. https://www.fetchingfoods.com/digestibility-why-all-calories-arent-the-same/

18. https://pledgecare.org/difference-between-kibble-and-air-dried-pet-food/

19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9219525/

20. https://www.vetstreet.com/care/understanding-pet-food-labels

21. https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2020/12/what-is-guaranteed-about-the-guaranteed-analysis/

22. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/information-marketing-pet-food-product

23. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/how-to-read-a-dog-food-label/

Disclosure: The Dr Marty’s Pets team creates these articles as a way to provide you with the latest information on health and nutrition. Unfortunately, we cannot make specific product recommendations for our website visitors, such as “Dr Marty’s Nature’s Feast” or “Feline Prime” Please consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best products for you.

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