The serving sizes on pet food labels are meant to provide information for pet owners so they can feed their pets the right amount of food. But labels are only a guideline, and other factors come into play when determining how much to scoop or spoon into your pet’s dish! In this article we’ll break down the information on pet food labels as well as shed some light on food serving sizes.
Serving sizes on pet food bags can be misleading. Recommended portions vary significantly between brands and products, making it challenging to determine the right amount of food for your pet. Even if you calculate your pet’s daily caloric needs and convert them to cups, you might end up with awkward measurements like 2/5 or 3/8 cups, which are difficult to measure precisely.
Inaccurate measurements can lead to feeding too few calories, causing malnutrition and weight loss or, more often, too many calories, leading to obesity and other health problems. Consult your veterinarian for guidance. Provide an honest account of your pet’s activity level (couch potato, marathon runner or somewhere in-between) and current feeding amounts, including meals, treats, table food and other snacks. Your veterinarian can suggest appropriate feeding amounts.
Weighing your pet’s food in grams is the most accurate way to measure the same amount of kibble at each feeding.
Pet food labels are legal documents regulated by various organizations. In the United States, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) influences what appears on pet food labels. AAFCO develops laws around ingredient definitions, standardized testing and feeding trial protocols.
Whether it’s kibble or canned food, pet food labels usually include all of the following information:
Labels usually also include the lifestages the food is intended for (kitten, puppy, adult or senior).
But what is the meaning of all this label information?
Guaranteed analysis: This section lists crude protein, fat, fiber and moisture content based on lab analysis. For example, a minimum of 10% crude protein means the food contains at least 10%, but it could be more. The analysis doesn't reveal nutrient sources or quality.
Ingredient list: Ingredients are listed by weight before processing. For instance, meat may appear higher on the list due to its water content, even though its volume decreases after processing.
Nutritional adequacy statement: Labels should specify the food's purpose, such as "Complete and balanced nutrition for the adult dog." This means it meets an average adult dog's nutritional needs.
Foods labeled for adult dogs may not be nutritionally balanced or appropriate for puppies, pregnant females or senior pets.
To determine if a diet is suitable for a specific lifestage, look for information about feeding trials on the label. Certifications or seals of approval may not always indicate feeding trials, so verify with the manufacturer what a specific seal means.
Cat food labels provide similar information as found on dog food labels, including the guaranteed analysis, ingredient list and intended use.
Guaranteed analysis: This section lists crude protein, fat, fiber and moisture content but not ingredient quality.
Ingredient list: Ingredients are listed by weight before processing. For example, fish, with its high water content, may appear higher on the list even if it constitutes a smaller portion of the final product.
Intended purpose: Labels should indicate if the food is for specific lifestages, like “Complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.” If the label lacks this, the food may not meet all dietary needs.
Understanding pet food labels and measuring portions accurately helps ensure your pet receives a balanced diet and maintains a healthy weight.