By: Marcy Paulson
Even the most dedicated dog and cat parents can feel overwhelmed when faced with aisle after aisle of pet food. Amid the colorful packaging and persuasive marketing, significant insights can be buried.
“Dog and cat owners want the best for their pets, but many are confused by the complexities behind pet food labels,” observes Jessica Krueger, Senior Marketing Manager at ZIWI®️. “Diving into the facts empowers pet parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions.”
Deciphering the Ingredients list on Pet food labels
“The first thing to know is that ingredients are listed in order of weight, from highest to lowest,” says Krueger. “This is important because it gives you an idea of the proportions of each ingredient in the product. However, judging the proportions of ingredients solely by weight can be tricky.”
Ingredients at the top of the list often appear more prominent than they are because their listed weight includes moisture content. When pet parents see chicken or beef at the top of the list, they know it initially made up the largest portion of the food by weight. However, meat is primarily water, and that water is removed during processing.
The list of ingredients can also make undesirable ingredients appear smaller because manufacturers break ingredients into smaller components, a tactic known as ingredient splitting. For example, a less desirable ingredient like corn can seem less prevalent by listing it as “corn gluten meal,” “corn meal,” and “ground corn.” To avoid being taken in by this tactic, pet parents must learn to look at the entire ingredient list rather than focusing on the first few ingredients.
The Quality Ingredients Pet Parents should look for in dog and Cat food
“Protein is the foundation of a healthy diet for your dog or cat,” notes Krueger. “It supports everything from muscle maintenance to a healthy coat.”
Named protein sources like chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey indicate a direct, high-quality protein source. When the label is specific, pet parents can have more clarity and quality assurance.
Though cats require fewer carbohydrates than dogs, select carbs can offer benefits for both. For dogs, whole vegetables and fruits, like carrots, blueberries, or kale, supply essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Both dogs and cats require fats for energy and overall health. Pet parents should focus on named sources of fat, such as chicken fat or salmon oil, since these ingredients will provide fish oils, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and shiny coats.
Vitamins and minerals provide pets with micronutrient support. For instance, taurine — an amino acid supporting heart and eye health — is critical for cats but also beneficial for dogs. Vitamins A, C, and E help ensure that pets have a robust immune system, good vision, healthy skin, and a shiny coat. Finally, chelated minerals are more accessible for pets to absorb. These support a variety of bodily functions, including bone health and metabolic processes.
Beneficial supplements like probiotics and prebiotics aid in maintaining a healthy gut flora, supporting digestion, and enhancing immune function. Glucosamine and Chondroitin promote joint health and mobility, particularly in aging pets or breeds prone to joint issues.
“Checking to ensure these ingredients are present is a good start, but quality and sourcing are equally important,” Krueger remarks. “Look for trustworthy brands that are transparent about where their ingredients come from and how their foods are manufactured.”
Hidden Hazards: Ingredients to avoid in your Pet’s food
Discerning pet parents will want to steer clear of certain ingredients on pet food labels. First, unspecific meat sources like “meat by-products” or “animal digest” raise red flags because these ingredients can come from a wide variety of sources, making it difficult to determine their quality or nutritional value.
In the same way, pet parents should avoid fat sources that are not specifically named, such as “animal fat.” These sources may include rendered fats from unknown or unsafe sources and lack the beneficial fatty acids from named sources.
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are chemicals all pet parents should avoid. Preservatives like butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, and ethoxyquin are often used to extend the shelf life of pet foods but have been linked to various health issues in animals, including cancer and liver disease.
Propylene glycol is a controversial ingredient used to maintain moisture in semi-moist pet foods. Although less toxic than its relative ethylene glycol (antifreeze), it has been associated with health issues, such as anemia in cats, and may still appear in dog food despite being prohibited in cat food.
Inexpensive fillers such as corn, wheat gluten, and soy offer little nutritional value and are mainly used to bulk up pet food products. Such fillers can lead to food allergies and sensitivities, contributing to issues like digestive disturbances and skin problems. They’re also a poor source of protein compared to meat.
Excessive flavoring from sugar, corn syrup, and sodium can be harmful to pets and contribute to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. Pet parents should remember that pets don’t require extra sugar or salt for taste or preservation.
“Being informed about your pet’s food is the first step toward supporting their health and happiness with a healthy diet,” concludes Krueger. “Quality pet food manufacturers pride themselves on transparency and the use of high-quality, beneficial ingredients. Opt for products that clearly list their protein sources, avoid unnecessary additives, and prioritize your pet’s nutritional needs. Your diligence will ensure your pet is happy at meal time and has all the nutrients it needs to thrive.”
Published by: Khy Talara
