Food labels are confusing enough when it comes to human food, for our dogs, they’re downright maddening! However rough it may be, learning how to read dog food labels by reading between the lines will enable you to choose the highest quality food which could add several healthy, cuddly and ball-fetching years to your pup's life.
Artificial colors, stabilizers and preservatives must be either approved by the FDA or have a long track record of safety, this can include anything from high fructose corn syrup to benzoyl peroxide, used to bleach flour and wheat. Pet food companies are required to list the preservatives they include but they are not required to list the preservatives used in ingredients such as chicken meal, that were processed offsite before they were added to the food.
“Meat meal” may contain animal byproducts. An ingredient listed as “chicken meal” or “beef meal” may include the stomach, tongue, heart or diaphragm. Meat byproducts also can contain bone, blood, udders, brains and cleaned intestines. Don’t discount all byproducts offhand. Liver, which is considered a byproduct, is rich in vitamin A and nutrients. They may seem distasteful to you but they’re a perfectly healthy form of protein for your pet. If it says "bone meal", think twice. There's no guarantee of where the bones came from – let your imagination wander and you could be right.
The AAFCO certification should also state what life stage the food is suited for. For young dogs, look for a food geared towards growth. For adult dogs, look for adult maintenance or all life stages. Nutritional needs for senior dogs vary and currently, there is no AAFCO standard for senior food.
“Organic” should ensure the ingredients are pesticide and hormone free. Again, there is no governing body to validate that claim. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program, which sets rules for using an "organic" label, is currently reviewing the issue. In the meantime, online reviews and vet recommendations are your best bet for finding organic dog food manufacturers that have a history of satisfied pups and owners.
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About Wag!
© 2022 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
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