How to Read a Pet Food Label

cat food labelYou've just welcomed a new addition into your home and you're getting everything in order to make your new cat comfortable. Of course, part of the comfort factor is a tasty, healthy cat food. So, you rush to the pet store, check the variety of brands and begin reading cat food labels.

What is a pet food label? A pet food label is a legal document regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AA,FCO) and is the primary means of communication between the pet food manufacturers and pet owners.

Deciphering the label. Now, after reading the label, you're confused — ingredients versus nutritional facts, guaranteed analysis, an endorsement by AAFCO. What does it all mean?

We understand your frustration and confusion. Therefore, we'll try to help you interpret a pet food label so you can make the best purchasing decision for your cat. Let's start at the top:

Ingredients

  • The difference between "ingredients" and "nutrients" needs to be clarified. Ingredients are the vehicles that provide nutrients, while nutrients are food components that support life and are metabolically useful. For example, lamb is an ingredient that provides nutrients such as protein, fatty acids and vitamins.
  • Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The high water content in chicken, beef and lamb makes these ingredients weigh more than dry ingredients such as grains, meals and vitamins, so they are often listed first.

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Indicates minimum or maximum levels of nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber and moisture.
  • Does not indicate or provide exact levels of nutrients in the cat food.
  • Is not a guarantee of the nutritional quality of the cat food.
  • Moisture levels in cat foods vary, making it nearly impossible for an average cat parent to accurately ,compare nutritional information.

Nutritional Adequacy Statement or "AAFCO Statement"

  • AAFCO is an organization that sets the nutritional standards for pet foods sold in the United States.
  • This legally required statement verifies the testing method used to determine nutritional adequacy.
  • The statement indicates whether the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for a specific lifestage of your cat (growth, adult, pregnant/nursing), or if the product is nutritionally adequate for all lifestages.
  • Beware if the package states the food supports "all lifestages." The product likely contains excessive levels of some nutrients necessary for the most demanding lifestage, which is growth. For example, it might contain higher levels of protein and calcium for kittens, but those levels are inappropriate for an adult or senior cat.

As a cat parent, you should know that nutritional excesses can be as harmful and are more common than nutritional deficiencies.

Manufacturer's Toll-free Number

The package label should contain the manufacturer's name and phone number. We encourage you to call the companies to learn more about their products, including place of manufacturing, actual nutrient content, calories and palatability of your prospective cat food choice.

Related Pet Care Articles

  • Where you store your cat and dog food can make a big difference in the quality and freshness once it is opened. Here are some common questions and recommendations for optimal storage for all of Hill’s dry and canned cat and dog food.
  • Dogs running Let Hill's help you better understand how to read your pet's food labels, so you can ensure you are purchasing the right product for your dog or cat.
  • Dog eating. Learn what to look for in healthy pet food & nutrition, including ingredients, quality of the manufacturer, your pet's age, and any special needs they have
  • Dogs running Learn all about how proteins work in your pet to help them grow strong and healthy tissue and organs.
  • Dogs running Learn about the 18 different types of minerals that are essential to dogs and cats. Learn about the differences between macrominerals and microminerals.
  • Dogs running Learn more about the different types of viatmins that are important to your pet's nutrition, and what you should be looking for when buying pet food.