Reading a pet food label like a vet

Pet food packaging is designed to appeal to people. The useful information is on the back, in small print — and it’s simpler than it looks.

1. The nutritional adequacy statement

Look for a line saying the food is complete and balanced for a life stage: growth, adult maintenance or all life stages. Without it, the food is a treat or supplement, not a diet.

2. The guaranteed analysis

Protein, fat, fibre and moisture are listed as minimums or maximums. To compare a wet food with a dry one, compare them on a dry-matter basis — ask us and we’ll do the maths with you.

3. The feeding guide

It’s a starting point, not a rule. Most indoor pets need less than the bag suggests. We use body-condition scoring to fine-tune portions at every wellness exam.

What matters less than you think

“Grain-free”, “human-grade” and long lists of exotic ingredients are marketing more than medicine. A well-researched, complete food that your pet enjoys and digests well is the best choice.