5 More Tips for Reading Pet Food Labels

There are currently hundreds of foods from which to choose for you pet.  But how do you know which ones are healthy?  And just what are those ingredients, actually?

1.  What Exactly is “Meal”?

Meal is a term used to describe animal protein left over AFTER water has been rendered out.  It has a higher concentration of protein than the meat.  A great article explaining the difference can be found here: http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=meat-meal

2.  What is a By-Product?

By-products are livers, brains, bone, stomachs, blood, cleaned intestines and udders.  By law, no horns, teeth, hooves or hair may be included BUT the law allows an exception for any amount of these parts that is “unavoidable during processing.”  Keep in mind there is no strict standard on what this amount can be.

3.  What About Corn?

 Your pet cannot digest corn and gets no nutritional value from it.  It is used as a  filler!

4. What About Those Chemicals at the End of the List? 

These are added as preservatives or are vitamins and minerals the AAFCO lists as essential for your pet.  The downfall to these chemicals is manufacturers do not have to list where they come from or what chemicals the meats and other ingredients have been treated with (as long as they didn’t add them themselves).  The FDA monitors most of the chemicals (usually AFTER a possible complication) to make sure they are safe for pets.  For instance, you may remember in February 2013 when some big-name products were recalled because they contained antibiotics from China.  Companies were not required to put this on their labels.

5.  Who Monitors My Pet’s Food?

The AAFCO regulates pet food recipes, including what ingredients may be used and how much of each ingredient must be used.  The FDA monitors how pet food is being processed, and tests for quality and safety.  However, this is often done AFTER a problem arises.