How to Read a Dog Food Label
Learn how to identify the product, ingredients, Guaranteed Analysis, net weight, directions for use, safe-handling statements, and distributor information on a dog-food label.
Start With What the Package Actually Says.
FDA states that animal-food labels include information such as product identification, net quantity, the name and place of the manufacturer or distributor, and ingredients. FDA also states that ingredients are listed by common or usual name in descending order of predominance by weight.
Product Identity
Start with the brand and product name so you know exactly which food the label describes.
Net Weight
The net quantity tells you how much product is in the package. The Alpha Pack label shown below lists 30 lb (13.61 kg).
Ingredient List
Read the ingredient statement carefully. FDA says ingredients are listed by common or usual name in descending order of predominance by weight.
Guaranteed Analysis
This section declares specified nutrient measures. On the Alpha Pack label below, the listed measures are crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture.
Directions for Use
Look for the product’s actual feeding and intended-use language rather than assuming every food is intended to serve the same role.
Safe Handling & Storage
Raw frozen products require careful handling. Follow the product label and review independent food-safety guidance.
Distributor Information
Look for the name and place of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor as applicable to the label.
Claims & Context
Required and optional labeling serve different purposes. AAFCO explains that pet-food labeling is subject to regulatory oversight and that states may adopt versions of AAFCO model regulations.
Large Breed Power Beef Blend
The current Alpha Pack label provides a practical example of several terms explained in the Dog Food Glossary.
Guaranteed Analysis on This Label
Crude Protein (min) 19.80% • Crude Fat (min) 6.50% • Crude Fiber (max) 1.15% • Moisture (max) 74.39%
Ingredients on This Label
Beef, beef heart, beef kidney, beef liver, calcium carbonate.
Intended Use
The label states that the product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.
Safe Handling
The label says to keep frozen, thaw under refrigeration, keep raw pet food separate from other foods, wash hands after handling, clean food-contact items and surfaces, refrigerate unused portions after thawing, and keep out of reach of children.
Read More From the Source.
Use these resources for deeper regulatory and consumer information.