First of all let’s understand, what is a pet food label?

  • A Pet Food Label is a document legally approved and regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Moreover, it is the primary means of communication between the pet food manufacturers and pet owners.
  • However, when it comes to Australia, the pet food industry in the smallest continent is self-regulated, this implies it depends on manufacturing companies whether to comply with the regulations set by Australian Pet Food Manufacturing and Marketing Standards or not.

If you are a new pet owner and eager to buy pet food for your new fur companion, then here are a few tips that can help you look through the pet food label to understand the basic things.

Proteins on Food Label – Where They Come From

Proteins are no exception when it comes to pet food, and surprisingly, pet requires more proteins compared to humans. Therefore, it is essential to check the per cent of proteins on the pack. Primarily, protein comes from three sources – meat meals, real meat and by-products along with plants. It’s important to learn that the quality of these protein sources varies significantly.

Protein from real meat is of highest quality and least processed; hence it is the most natural.

Pet Food Shelf Life

No one would like to eat that two years old stuff. And the same implies to your pet food. Looking for your pet’s food, ensure to check on the fresh diet. Foods having long shelf lives or can be refrigerated for longer times without expiring, means that such foods should definitely have added preservatives and preservation methods are implied while processing the food. In fact, this impacts their nutritional value and certainly this isn’t all natural.

Hence, for that 100% natural and fresh diet, look for pet food with short shelf lives and stay fresh for short time similar to human food. For more natural diet, you can prepare food yourself for your furry pal. However, there are numerous Australian pet food brands that offer preservative free and all-natural diet.

Check On Carbohydrates And Starches In Your Pet Food

Basically, the three main sources of energy from food come through proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Various forms of carbohydrates used in pet diets are usually processed starches which are eventually broken to sugar in your pet’s body. And the same sugar act as junk food that you normally feed on. And, this turns out to be the most harmful substance for your pet.

Therefore, when reading the food label always look for more fresh, natural food diet with ingredients rich in fibres like fresh fruits and vegetables. Feeding them with these chunks will help to improve their health.

Hence, the best thing to look for on label for terms such as 100% natural and contain no synthetic or preservative ingredients, and they don’t have a long shelf life as mentioned.

No doubt, reading through the list of ingredients on the food label you would decipher what most of the substances are and if you feel that there is no clarity in the food label, then it seems that there is something wrong.

Well, no pet food manufacturing company would give you the exact details of the diet, but skimming through the following details, you can make a worthy decision.

  • Check for protein, fat and carbohydrate content in your pet’s food.
  • Whether the recipe is natural or the nutrition comes from synthetic vitamins and minerals, or other natural alternatives.
  • Check for the preservatives or preservation methods that have being used to keep food fresh until the expiry on the shelf or in your fridge. Whether these methods impair the nutritional content of the pet food or have any negative health effects?
  • In case of any ingredients that you don’t recognize, the company should be able to explain what they are and why those are included in the diet.

Pet food industry is constantly striving to bring in natural and healthy diet for furry pals. However, some companies do fail to meet the criteria resulting in dumping the pet food of low quality in the market.

Additionally, the Australian Government is trying to bring in more transparency in pet food industry along with raising the bar and increasing consumer satisfaction and trust in pet food manufacturing companies. Till then these tips can be your mini guide in helping you choose the premium, quality and healthy pet food for your lovable companions.