Understanding Pet Food Labels by David A. Dzanis, D.V.M., Ph. As Americans become more health conscious, they are reading food labels and choosing products more carefully. Many people are extending this scrutiny to food for their pets as well. Pet food labels are regulated by different rules than foods for human consumption, but reading and understanding a pet food label can help consumers make proper food choices for their pets, too. Pet food labeling is regulated at two levels.
Some states also enforce their own labeling regulations.
These model regulations are more specific, covering aspects of labeling such as product name, guaranteed analysis, nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and calorie statements. The product name is the first part of the label a consumer notices, and can be a key factor in the decision to buy a product. For that reason, manufacturers often use fanciful names or other techniques to emphasize a particular aspect. Many product names incorporate the name of an ingredient to highlight its presence in the product. Consumers are often confused, however, as to how much of a named ingredient is actually in the product.