A survey by Paws.com revealed that 44% of British dog owners find dog food labels difficult—if not impossible—to read, with 30% saying it makes maintaining a healthy diet for their dogs even harder.
Labels can be confusing and, in some cases, even misleading. Reading a dog food label can feel overwhelming, and you’re not alone!
At Pawsonal Health, we know you want to make informed, healthy choices for your dog. To help you decode dog food labels, we’ve put together this guide to make life easier. 🐾
1. Look for More Meat
Higher-quality dog foods tend to list meat as the first ingredient. For example:
Chicken as the first ingredient means it outweighs other components, making it the primary source of protein.
Why does this matter? Dogs are carnivores by nature, and their diets should be protein-rich. Foods with a high meat content are often more nutritious and better aligned with a dog’s natural dietary needs.
Tip: Look for foods that specify the type of meat used (e.g., “fresh chicken” or “lamb”) rather than vague terms like “meat.”
2. Understand Percentages
If a label highlights a specific ingredient, like “with Salmon,” it must include the percentage of that ingredient. For example:
“Poached Salmon – 47%” shows how much salmon is included.
Beware of terms like “flavour,” which require no actual ingredient (e.g., chicken-flavoured food doesn’t need any chicken at all!). Always check the percentages to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for.
3. Decoding Ingredients
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, which gives insight into the food’s composition. However, some manufacturers use tricks like ingredient splitting—grouping similar components (like grains) under different names to make them appear lower on the list.
For example:
Wheat, cornmeal, and maize might all appear separately but are collectively the primary ingredient.
Grouping these together gives a better understanding of the real ingredient breakdown. This is particularly important when determining the quality of the food. Foods with high-quality proteins should list them prominently at the top of the ingredients list.
Tip: If you see multiple grain ingredients listed near the top, the food may rely heavily on fillers rather than high-quality proteins.
4. Avoid Animal Derivatives and Meals
Labels listing “animal derivatives” or “meal” as the first ingredient often indicate lower-quality food. While meal can be a concentrated protein source, it’s often unclear what animals or parts were used, which can make tracking allergies difficult.
Did You Know? Meal is made by rendering—a process that involves cooking animal parts at high temperatures to remove fat and moisture. While this creates a protein-rich powder, the lack of specificity about the source makes it less desirable for dogs with sensitivities.
5. Check Fat Content
The fat content in dry dog foods typically ranges from 9–14%. If your dog is prone to weight gain, opt for foods with less than 10% fat. Many manufacturers now offer low-fat options tailored for overweight dogs.
Why Fat Matters: While fat is an essential nutrient, too much can lead to obesity and related health issues. For active dogs, a higher fat content may be appropriate, but for less active or older dogs, choose lower-fat options.
6. Be Wary of Vague Terms
Avoid foods with unclear ingredients such as:
“Meat and animal derivatives”: Could include lower-quality or unidentified animal parts.
“Vegetable derivatives”: Vague and doesn’t specify the source.
Vague terms are a red flag, as they often indicate a lack of transparency about what’s actually in the food. For dogs with allergies, opt for single-source proteins and try for duck, or venison. Knowing exactly what you’re feeding your dog is crucial for managing their health.
7. Organic Claims
For a product to be labelled as “organic,” at least 95% of its ingredients must meet organic standards. These include restrictions on GMOs, pesticides, and synthetic flavourings. Keep in mind, organic foods tend to cost more due to stricter production methods.
Is Organic Better? Organic foods can be beneficial for dogs with sensitivities to artificial additives. However, they’re not always necessary. Focus on the overall ingredient quality rather than just the organic label.
8. Clarity of the Manufacturer
Start by checking for clear contact details. Reputable manufacturers should provide their name, address, and a way to reach them. If a company stands by its product, it will make it easy for you to ask questions or raise concerns.
Why is this important? Transparency builds trust. If a company is confident in the quality of its product, they won’t hesitate to make themselves available for inquiries. This can also be particularly helpful if you need further clarification on any ingredients or feeding guidelines.
9. Complete vs. Complementary
Look for the label to specify whether the food is complete or complementary:
Complete: Should provide all the nutrients your dog needs. However, be cautious as some only meet the absolute bare minimum requirements.
Complementary: Must be combined with other foods to meet nutritional needs (e.g., supplements, vegetables, or bone broth
Complete foods are regulated to ensure they meet specific nutritional standards. If you’re feeding complementary foods, consider adding fresh ingredients like lean proteins, healthy fats, and vegetables to balance your dog’s diet.
If you’re searching for a stand-alone food, ensure it’s labelled complete. Always consult with your vet if you’re unsure.
Pro Tips for Choosing Dog Food
✅ Don’t judge by the packaging—focus on the ingredients list.
✅ Buy the best food you can afford; your dog’s health is worth the investment.
✅ While animal by-products might sound unappealing, components like liver are rich in nutrients and beneficial for dogs.
✅ If your dog suffers from allergies, consider switching to raw food. Raw food contains no additives, preservatives, or colourings, which are often the main source of allergies and itchiness in dogs.
✅ For picky eaters, explore alternatives like wet or raw foods—they’re often more palatable than dry kibble.
✅ Consult Your Vet: Always discuss dietary changes with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has specific health concerns.
By understanding how to read a dog food label, you can confidently choose products that prioritize your dog’s health. It might take some practice, but once you know what to look for, you’ll be decoding labels like a pro! 🐾
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