Learn to interpret nutritional information, ingredients, and advertising claims to make informed decisions about feeding your dog or cat

Pet food labels are simultaneously informative documents and marketing tools. They contain valuable information about the nutritional composition and ingredients of the product, but often presented in a technical format that can be confusing for most pet owners. This complexity is amplified with attractive but vaguely defined terms such as “premium,” “natural,” or “holistic,” creating an informational fog that makes it difficult to make truly informed decisions. Learning to decode these labels, identifying what really matters nutritionally from what is primarily advertising strategy, constitutes a fundamental skill for any pet owner committed to their pet’s health.

“A pet food label is like a nutritional puzzle: the pieces are there, but you need to know how to fit them together to see the complete picture of what you’re really offering your companion every day.”

1. Anatomy of a label: Mandatory vs. optional elements

Regulations determine specific components:

Mandatory information (with variations by country)

• Product name and brand
• Net weight
• Guaranteed analysis statement
• Ingredient list in decreasing order
• Target species and life stage
• Manufacturer information
• Feeding instructions

Optional but common elements

• Specific nutritional claims
• Detailed nutrient table
• Functional benefits or ingredient marketing
• Certifications and quality seals
• Information on feeding trials
• Testimonials or professional endorsements

Understanding this fundamental distinction allows differentiating between objective information and promotional elements, prioritizing the essential during evaluation.

2. Ingredient list: What the order reveals (and hides)

The detailed composition offers valuable information:

Fundamental principles of interpretation

• Mandatory listing in decreasing order by weight before processing
• Protein sources in the first positions suggest higher protein content
• Fragmented ingredients may appear individually lower in the list
• Ingredient “splitting”: technique to divide carbohydrates into multiple sources
• Specific names vs. generic categories (e.g., “deboned chicken” vs. “poultry by-products”)

Functional ingredients: Beyond basic nutrition

• Specific fiber sources and their purpose
• Prebiotics and probiotics: identification and stability
• Botanical extracts and phytochemicals
• Nutraceuticals and functional compounds
• Preservatives, colorants, and palatability enhancers

The debate on by-products and derivatives

• Regulatory definition vs. common perception
• Real nutritional value of certain by-products
• Variability in quality and processing
• Balance between sustainability and premium perception

The ingredient list should be evaluated holistically, considering both the relative position and the quality and purpose of each component, avoiding judgments based solely on potentially controversial terms.

3. Guaranteed analysis: Beyond percentages

Declared nutritional values require careful interpretation:

Standard components and their meaning

• Crude protein: total amount, not quality or digestibility
• Crude fat: main energy contribution
• Crude fiber: underestimates actual total fiber content
• Moisture: crucial for comparing between dry and wet foods
• Ash: total mineral content

Conversion to dry basis for valid comparisons

• Formula to eliminate the dilution factor due to moisture
• Appropriate comparison between different formats
• Real evaluation of nutritional density

Maximums vs. minimums: What is not said

• Guaranteed minimum values vs. actual content
• Legally permitted range of variability
• Absence of maximums for potentially problematic nutrients in excess

Micronutrients and their declaration

• Specific vitamins and minerals vs. generic premixes
• Chemical form and bioavailability
• Differences between minimum requirements and optimal levels

The guaranteed analysis provides a basic outline but requires contextualization with additional information to adequately evaluate the complete nutritional profile.

4. Claims and marketing: Separating facts from persuasion

Promotional language presents various levels of support:

Regulated vs. unregulated terminology

• “Complete and balanced”: statement with specific regulatory support
• “Premium,” “super premium,” “gourmet”: terms without legal definition
• “Natural,” “holistic,” “human-grade”: interpretable concepts
• “Grain-free”: formulation description, not quality indicator

Functional claims and their foundation

• Scientific support and methodological rigor
• Effective levels vs. “window dressing” levels
• Correlation between declared ingredients and alleged benefits
• Specificity vs. generality in described benefits

Certifications and their real value

• AAFCO vs. FEDIAF standards and nutritional profiles
• Process quality certifications vs. product quality
• Specific ingredient and raw material seals
• Independent audits vs. self-declarations

Effective marketing is not inherently misleading, but pet owners must develop skills to differentiate claims with substantial support from those primarily promotional.

5. Feeding instructions: Personalizing general recommendations

Ration guidelines require individual adaptation:

Factors influencing actual requirements

• Actual physical activity vs. general categories
• Individual metabolism and digestive efficiency
• Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity)
• Specific physiological state (gestation, lactation, growth, senior)
• Current vs. ideal body condition

Transition between foods

• Recommended protocols and their foundation
• Minimization of digestive problems
• Microbiomic and enzymatic adaptation
• Monitoring acceptance and tolerance

Supplementation and additional considerations

• Interactions between main diet and supplements
• Adjustments for individual particularities
• Compatibility with chronic medications
• Considerations for special cases

Feeding instructions function as a starting point that should be adjusted based on direct observation and, when necessary, veterinary guidance.

6. Practical strategies for product evaluation

Applicable tools for everyday decisions:

Fundamental checklist

• “Complete and balanced” statement specific to species and stage
• Clear identification of main protein sources
• Transparency in ingredient listing
• Manufacturer traceability
• Adequate nutritional content for specific needs

Potential warning signals

• Excess of vague claims without specific support
• Demonization of scientifically valid ingredients
• Promises of unrealistic or excessively broad benefits
• Lack of information on formulation or manufacturing
• Incompatibility with specific animal needs

Independent verification resources

• Comparative databases of actual composition
• Independent laboratory evaluations
• Objective veterinary and nutritional resources
• Consultation with animal nutrition specialists

Effective interpretation of pet food labels represents an intersection between nutritional science, regulation, and marketing. Although no label can provide absolutely complete information about the actual quality of the product, developing skills for its decoding allows pet owners to make more informed and appropriate decisions for the specific needs of their pets.

The ideal approach combines critical analysis of the information present on the label with basic knowledge of the nutritional needs of the species and consideration of individual factors such as age, activity level, and health conditions. This balanced approach allows navigating the growing ocean of food options with greater confidence and effectiveness.

At Nupec, we embrace transparency as a pillar of our Conscious Scientific Nutrition philosophy. Our labels not only comply with regulatory requirements but go further by providing detailed information about our ingredients, their sources, and the specific functional benefits of each component.

We invite you to explore the “Nutritional Transparency” section on our website, where you’ll find complete analyses of each product, detailed explanations of our formulation processes, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Super Premium line. Because we believe that when a pet owner fully understands what they’re offering their pet, trust is built on solid foundations, not on vague promises.