How to Read a Pet Food Label

If you have ever stood in the pet food aisle wondering why one bag costs three times another, you are not alone. Here is the short version of how to read what is actually in the bag.

1. The ingredients are listed by weight

First three ingredients are roughly 70 percent of the bag. If the first ingredient is a named meat (chicken, salmon, lamb), that is a good sign. If it is a vague phrase like “meat derivatives” or “animal by-products”, the manufacturer is leaving themselves room to vary the recipe based on what is cheap that month.

2. “Meal” vs “fresh”

“Chicken meal” sounds worse than “fresh chicken” but is often better — it is chicken with the water removed, so 1kg of meal equals roughly 5kg of fresh chicken. Watch for “fresh chicken” listed first followed by lots of grain — once the water is removed, there may be very little chicken left.

3. Protein percentage

Listed in the “analytical constituents” section. For most adult dogs, look for 25 percent or higher. For adult cats — obligate carnivores — 30 percent or higher is a sensible floor.

4. Marketing words that mean nothing legally

• Natural — no agreed UK definition
• Premium / Super-Premium — marketing terms only
• Holistic — marketing terms only
• Human grade — a real term, but rarely actually certified

5. Marketing words that DO mean something

• Complete — provides everything your pet needs nutritionally for the listed life stage
• Complementary — needs to be fed alongside something else, do not feed exclusively
• Grain-free — contains no wheat, barley, rice etc. (note: not automatically healthier)

6. Trust your pet

The best food is the one that produces a shiny coat, firm small stools, healthy weight, and an energetic pet. If a food ticks every label box but your dog has loose stools and itchy skin on it, it is not the right food for them.

If your pet has specific dietary needs, always speak to your vet before switching foods.