Missed the basics? Check out Part 1 of our ingredient guide to learn what to look for and what to avoid in pet food.
When it comes to choosing the right food for your dog or cat, the ingredients list is one of the most valuable tools you have. But reading it isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Manufacturers follow specific labeling rules and sometimes use marketing tricks to make their food appear healthier or more meat-based than it really is. Understanding how to interpret the ingredients list can help you make informed decisions about your pet’s nutrition.
How Ingredients Are Listed
Pet food ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance by weight. This means that the first ingredient is the heaviest (by weight) before processing, and each subsequent ingredient contributes less to the total weight of the product. This labeling system is standard under AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) regulations.
- Example: If chicken is listed first, it means that raw chicken (with its water content) is the most abundant ingredient before cooking. However, after cooking, much of that moisture is lost, and the actual meat content may be less than it appears.
Ingredient Splitting: A Labeling Trick to Watch For
Ingredient splitting is a common tactic where a manufacturer divides a single ingredient into multiple components to move it further down the list. This can make a food appear more meat-based, even if carbohydrates dominate.
- Example: Instead of listing “lentils” as a single ingredient high on the list, you might see “red lentils,” “green lentils,” and “lentil fiber” listed separately. Individually, they appear lower on the ingredient list, but combined, they may outweigh the primary protein source. Similarly, ingredients like “potatoes,” “potato protein,” and “potato starch” can be split to make the food appear more meat-based than it actually is.
Meat First? It’s More Complicated Than That
Many brands highlight “meat as the first ingredient” as a sign of quality, but this can be misleading. Fresh meat contains a lot of water, making it heavier and more prominent on the list, but after processing, its contribution to the final nutrient profile may be less significant.
- Tip: Look for foods that clearly state the percentage of meat used, either on the front of the packaging or within the ingredient list. Brands like Acana and Orijen provide both overall percentages and detailed ingredient breakdowns, while others, like Farmina’s N&D, list percentages only in the ingredients.
For example, Acana Adult Dog Recipe highlights 60% premium animal ingredients, 40% vegetables, fruits, and nutrients, and 0% artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. The ingredient list further clarifies meat inclusion:
Fresh chicken (13%), chicken meal (13%), fresh chicken giblets (liver, heart) (6.5%), turkey meal (6.5%), chicken fat (6%), fresh eggs (4%), raw hake (4%), fish oil (3%), herring meal (3%), and raw turkey livers (1%).
The rest of the ingredients include wholesome plant-based additions like whole red lentils, green peas, chickpeas, and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, ensuring a well-rounded, transparent nutritional profile.Key Takeaways
- Ingredient order doesn’t always reflect the dominant nutrient—check the explicit percentage of meat used and review the Guaranteed Analysis for a complete nutritional picture.
- Look for named meats and clearly specified ingredients to ensure better transparency and quality.
- Be cautious of ingredient splitting, especially with non-meat ingredients like legumes, potatoes, or starches, which can make a food appear more meat-rich than it truly is.