How to read pet food labels

Do you ever spend time in the grocery store reading packaging labels to make better choices on what to feed your family? Pet food packages contain valuable information that can help you make the same choices for your pet.

Q: What information is usually provided on pet food packaging?

A: According to the Iams Company Web site, you should look for the following information on your pet’s food: Guaranteed Analysis, Company/Customer Service Information /Satisfaction, Ingredient Panel, Manufacturing Code, Expiration, or “Best Used By” Information, Feeding Instructions, and the AAFCO Statement of Nutritional Adequacy.

Q: Which labels should I pay the most attention to?

A: Obviously, you wouldn’t serve out of date food to your dog, but unfortunately freshness dating is optional. As a general rule, the more reliable brands are more likely to carry this information. Manufacturing codes help companies track specific lots of food for quality purposes. Any complaints or questions to the manufacturer regarding a specific product you’ve purchased will require this information. Also, since age, size and activity levels determine nutritional requirements for an individual pet, review the feeding instructions to help your pet maintain healthy nutrition levels.

Q: What exactly is meant by “guaranteed analysis"?

A: Guaranteed analysis is a good starting point to compare foods. The analysis is expressed in minimum and maximum percentages of such ingredients as protein, fiber, fat, moisture, and sometimes magnesium, taurine, ash, and linoleic acid. The problem is that the analysis doesn’t provide specific amounts of each ingredient (or speak to the quality of the ingredient). For example, a product with a 20 percent minimum crude protein guarantee may actually contain much more. Likewise, a product may cap the maximum amount of magnesium at 0.1 percent, but it may actually contain much less. To actually determine the quality of the ingredient, it is necessary to contact the manufacturer directly.


source: www.thedailycitizen.com