Pet Food Labels:
A Misnomer?
by Terri Symonds Grow
In your quest to find the best food for
your pet, are you more confused? Have you discovered the
label on your pet's food is at times vague? Are you aware
the ingredients listed may vary because food manufacturers
have a leeway of time before they are required to change
the label?
Your pet's food is the foundation of their
health. Yet, food and quality ingredients are an increasingly
controversial health care issue. Unfortunately until the
regulatory agencies update their labeling requirements the
burden is on you to be informed. Here are a few tips to
think of while comparing ingredients.
The biggest difference between grocery
store brands and premium natural brands are the source of
protein. Yet, this often isn't as obvious as it would appear.
For instance in a premium, the meat protein source should
be listed as the first ingredient, or listed in two of the
first three ingredients. Still this isn't a guarantee that
the food in high in quality meat protein. What about meat
versus meat by-product? In simple terms, there are three
basic food classifications of meat sources for pet foods
as defined by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control
Officials): meat, meat meal, and meat by-products. Is one
better that the other? That depends on our pet's needs and
requirements, and the quality of ingredients.
Herein lies the issue, quality is instituted
by the manufacturer, and unfortunately, regulatory agencies
do not permit ingredient differentiation on labels. Some
foods that list meat as the first ingredient may also have
corn, corn gluten meal, wheat and rice as the next ingredients,
which taken together outweigh the meat. Other foods made
with meat meal when balanced with quality grains can be
more nutritious than those made with meat.
The quality of grains and fiber are the
next distinction in identifying premium foods. Premium foods
should offer whole grains, such as whole wheat, rice and
oatmeal, and quality fiber that comes from the internal
portion of plants. Fiber from seed hulls often used in less
expensive foods, have microscopic edges which can cause
intestinal distress. A balance of animal fats and vegetable
oils, along with vitamins, minerals, as well as essential
amino acids and micronutrients round out a premium pet food.
As with any product, there are quality
foods and inferior foods. Compare labels, read up on AAFCO
guidelines to understand the definitions of protein sources,
and speak with manufacturers. Natural pet food companies
that go above and beyond AAFCO standards are very happy
to explain the differences.
© PetSage 1998
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