{"id":18770,"date":"2025-10-31T16:30:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T21:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/?p=18770"},"modified":"2025-10-31T09:39:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T14:39:01","slug":"decoding-pet-food-labels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/decoding-pet-food-labels\/","title":{"rendered":"Decoding Pet Food Labels: What Pet Parents Should Know Before Buying"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve ever stood in the pet food aisle feeling overwhelmed by words like <em data-start=\"398\" data-end=\"426\">meal, by-product, natural,<\/em> or <em data-start=\"430\" data-end=\"442\">grain-free<\/em>, you\u2019re not alone. Pet food packaging can be confusing. Even for the most caring pet parents. But understanding what goes into your pet\u2019s bowl is one of the most important steps in supporting their health and longevity. This guide breaks down how to read pet food labels, explains what key pet food ingredients mean, and offers professional advice on choosing the best diet for your furry family member.<!--more--><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"904\">Why Understanding Pet Food Labels Matters<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"1147\">Pet food marketing often focuses on buzzwords like \u201cpremium,\u201d \u201call-natural,\u201d or \u201cgourmet,\u201d but these terms don\u2019t always mean better nutrition. Labels are regulated differently for pets than for humans, and not all claims are created equal.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1231\">Learning to interpret the ingredient list and nutritional information helps you:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1403\">\n<li data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1259\">\n<p data-start=\"1234\" data-end=\"1259\">Avoid misleading claims<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1260\" data-end=\"1329\">\n<p data-start=\"1262\" data-end=\"1329\">Choose foods that truly support your pet\u2019s age, breed, and health<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1403\">\n<p data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1403\">Prevent allergies or sensitivities caused by poor-quality ingredients<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1405\" data-end=\"1683\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7515 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Petworks-Pet-Care-Service-Pro-Tips-e1736622469982.png\" alt=\"pet food ingredients\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" \/>\u201cThen I looked at the labels of \u2018quote-unquote pet food\u2019\u2026 there were three or four carcinogens, dyes, coloring agents and flavor enhancers; the only thing it was really missing was <strong data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"265\">food<\/strong>.\u201d &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/dr-marty-goldstein-of-petworks\/\">Dr. Marty Goldstein<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1685\" data-end=\"1688\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1729\">Step 1: Check the Ingredient List<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1731\" data-end=\"1903\">The ingredient list is your roadmap to what\u2019s inside the bag or can. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. So the first few items make up most of the food.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1905\" data-end=\"1931\">Here\u2019s what to look for:<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"1933\" data-end=\"1974\">\u2705 <strong data-start=\"1940\" data-end=\"1972\">High-Quality Protein Sources<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1975\" data-end=\"2177\">The first ingredient should ideally be a <em data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2023\">named<\/em> animal protein, such as \u201cchicken,\u201d \u201csalmon,\u201d or \u201cbeef.\u201d This ensures that your pet is getting protein from a specific source rather than a vague blend.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2294\">Avoid generic terms like \u201cmeat,\u201d \u201cpoultry,\u201d or \u201canimal meal,\u201d which can indicate lower-quality or mixed proteins.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2296\" data-end=\"2346\">\u2705 <strong data-start=\"2303\" data-end=\"2344\">Whole Grains or Healthy Carbohydrates<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2347\" data-end=\"2544\">Grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are rich in energy and fiber. However, some pets with sensitivities may do better on grain-free diets, using alternatives like sweet potato or lentils.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2546\" data-end=\"2571\">\u2705 <strong data-start=\"2553\" data-end=\"2569\">Healthy Fats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2748\">Look for named fat sources like <em data-start=\"2604\" data-end=\"2617\">chicken fat<\/em> or <em data-start=\"2621\" data-end=\"2631\">fish oil<\/em>. These provide energy and support coat and skin health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are especially beneficial.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2750\" data-end=\"2799\">\u26a0\ufe0f <strong data-start=\"2758\" data-end=\"2797\">Watch Out for Fillers and Additives<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2800\" data-end=\"2998\">Ingredients such as corn gluten meal, soy, or artificial colors and preservatives can signal lower-quality food. While not inherently harmful in small amounts, they offer little nutritional value.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3000\" data-end=\"3003\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3005\" data-end=\"3053\">Step 2: Understand the Guaranteed Analysis<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3182\">This section of the label lists the minimum percentages of protein and fat and the maximum percentages of fiber and moisture.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3184\" data-end=\"3249\">Typical guaranteed analysis for adult dog food might look like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3250\" data-end=\"3353\">\n<li data-start=\"3250\" data-end=\"3278\">\n<p data-start=\"3252\" data-end=\"3278\">Crude Protein (min): 25%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3279\" data-end=\"3303\">\n<p data-start=\"3281\" data-end=\"3303\">Crude Fat (min): 14%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3304\" data-end=\"3329\">\n<p data-start=\"3306\" data-end=\"3329\">Crude Fiber (max): 4%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3330\" data-end=\"3353\">\n<p data-start=\"3332\" data-end=\"3353\">Moisture (max): 10%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3355\" data-end=\"3512\">Keep in mind that moisture content varies between dry kibble and canned food\u2014so always compare protein and fat values on a \u201cdry matter basis\u201d for accuracy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3514\" data-end=\"3612\">For cats, higher protein and lower carbohydrates are ideal, reflecting their carnivorous nature.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-6834 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243.png\" alt=\"pet food ingredients\" width=\"704\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243.png 704w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243-300x56.png 300w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243-640x119.png 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 704px) 100vw, 704px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><em><strong>Are you finding this article useful?<\/strong> <\/em>Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/request_quote\">over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals<\/a><\/span> throughout the United States? <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/join\">Sign up here <\/a><\/span>for a free Petworks account, and we&#8217;ll email you a\u00a0 10% discount code, good towards your first pet care services booking on Petworks!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3619\" data-end=\"3661\">Step 3: Look for the AAFCO Statement<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3883\">The <strong data-start=\"3667\" data-end=\"3725\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafco.org\/\">AAFCO<\/a><\/span> (Association of American Feed Control Officials)<\/strong> statement is one of the most important pieces of information on a pet food label. It indicates whether the product meets established nutritional standards.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3885\" data-end=\"3934\">There are typically two statements to look for:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3935\" data-end=\"4158\">\n<li data-start=\"3935\" data-end=\"4035\">\n<p data-start=\"3937\" data-end=\"4035\">\u201cFormulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4036\" data-end=\"4158\">\n<p data-start=\"4038\" data-end=\"4158\">\u201cAnimal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that this product provides complete and balanced nutrition.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4160\" data-end=\"4353\">If a food doesn\u2019t have an AAFCO statement, it may not provide balanced nutrition. Always make sure your pet\u2019s food meets AAFCO standards for their life stage (puppy\/kitten, adult, or senior).<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4355\" data-end=\"4358\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4360\" data-end=\"4408\">Step 4: Don\u2019t Be Misled by Marketing Words<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4410\" data-end=\"4527\">Labels are full of tempting terms that sound healthy but can be misleading. Here\u2019s what some of them actually mean:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4529\" data-end=\"5185\">\n<li data-start=\"4529\" data-end=\"4682\">\n<p data-start=\"4531\" data-end=\"4682\"><strong data-start=\"4531\" data-end=\"4543\">Natural:<\/strong> Ingredients derived from plant, animal, or mineral sources. However, \u201cnatural\u201d doesn\u2019t necessarily mean organic or free from processing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4683\" data-end=\"4812\">\n<p data-start=\"4685\" data-end=\"4812\"><strong data-start=\"4685\" data-end=\"4697\">Organic:<\/strong> Must meet USDA organic standards, meaning the ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4813\" data-end=\"4970\">\n<p data-start=\"4815\" data-end=\"4970\"><strong data-start=\"4815\" data-end=\"4830\">Grain-Free:<\/strong> Excludes corn, wheat, and rice, but may include other starches like potatoes or peas. This doesn\u2019t automatically make the food healthier.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4971\" data-end=\"5040\">\n<p data-start=\"4973\" data-end=\"5040\"><strong data-start=\"4973\" data-end=\"4986\">Holistic:<\/strong> A marketing term\u2014not regulated or defined by AAFCO.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5041\" data-end=\"5185\">\n<p data-start=\"5043\" data-end=\"5185\"><strong data-start=\"5043\" data-end=\"5059\">Human-Grade:<\/strong> Refers to food made in a facility approved for human consumption. Look for official certification rather than just wording.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"5187\" data-end=\"5190\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"5192\" data-end=\"5248\">Step 5: Pay Attention to Life Stage and Breed Size<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5250\" data-end=\"5531\">Not all pet foods are created for every animal. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets each have unique nutritional needs. Large-breed dogs may need food lower in calories and calcium to support joint and bone health, while small breeds often benefit from more calorie-dense formulas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5533\" data-end=\"5801\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7515 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Petworks-Pet-Care-Service-Pro-Tips-e1736622469982.png\" alt=\"pet food ingredients\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" \/>\u201cThe guaranteed analysis provides no information about the quality or digestibility of the diet, and you can also get very little information from an ingredient list.\u201d &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/utia.tennessee.edu\/person\/?id=14357\">Angela Rollins,\u202fDVM,\u202fPhD,\u202fDACVN<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5803\" data-end=\"5806\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"5808\" data-end=\"5869\">Step 6: Check Expiration Dates and Storage Instructions<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5871\" data-end=\"6046\">Freshness affects nutrition. Always check expiration or \u201cbest by\u201d dates before buying. Store dry food in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6048\" data-end=\"6157\">If your pet eats wet or raw food, refrigerate opened cans and discard uneaten portions within a day or two.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6159\" data-end=\"6162\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"6164\" data-end=\"6202\">Step 7: When to Talk to Your Vet<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6204\" data-end=\"6468\">If your pet has allergies, sensitivities, or chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or kidney disease, your veterinarian should help guide your food choice. Prescription or veterinary-formulated diets are often needed for pets with specific medical needs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6470\" data-end=\"6634\">A DVM or <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/hire\/animal-nutritionist\">certified animal nutritionist<\/a><\/span> can also help interpret complex labels and recommend trusted brands that align with your pet\u2019s age, breed, and activity level.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6636\" data-end=\"6639\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"6641\" data-end=\"6683\">Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Food<\/h3>\n<ol data-start=\"6685\" data-end=\"7107\">\n<li data-start=\"6685\" data-end=\"6798\">\n<p data-start=\"6688\" data-end=\"6798\"><strong data-start=\"6688\" data-end=\"6740\">Compare brands using the first five ingredients.<\/strong> This gives you the best snapshot of the food\u2019s quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6799\" data-end=\"6908\">\n<p data-start=\"6802\" data-end=\"6908\"><strong data-start=\"6802\" data-end=\"6835\">Rotate proteins occasionally.<\/strong> This helps prevent allergies and keeps mealtime exciting for your pet.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6909\" data-end=\"7000\">\n<p data-start=\"6912\" data-end=\"7000\"><strong data-start=\"6912\" data-end=\"6938\">Look for transparency.<\/strong> Reputable brands disclose sourcing and testing information.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7001\" data-end=\"7107\">\n<p data-start=\"7004\" data-end=\"7107\"><strong data-start=\"7004\" data-end=\"7026\">Avoid overfeeding.<\/strong> Even premium food can cause weight gain if portions aren\u2019t measured correctly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr data-start=\"7109\" data-end=\"7112\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"7638\" data-end=\"7677\">\ud83d\udc3e FAQs About Pet Food Ingredients<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"7679\" data-end=\"7896\"><strong data-start=\"7679\" data-end=\"7734\">Q: What should be the first ingredient in pet food?<\/strong><br data-start=\"7734\" data-end=\"7737\" \/>A: Look for a named animal protein, such as chicken, beef, or salmon. This ensures your pet\u2019s main source of protein is high-quality and species-appropriate.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7898\" data-end=\"8097\"><strong data-start=\"7898\" data-end=\"7936\">Q: Are grain-free diets healthier?<\/strong><br data-start=\"7936\" data-end=\"7939\" \/>A: Not always. Some pets benefit from grain-free diets, but others do well with whole grains. Discuss your pet\u2019s needs with a veterinarian before switching.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8099\" data-end=\"8347\"><strong data-start=\"8099\" data-end=\"8161\">Q: What\u2019s the difference between meat meal and whole meat?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8161\" data-end=\"8164\" \/>A: Meat meal is a concentrated protein source made from rendered meat. While it can be nutritious, quality varies. Whole meat contains more moisture but is generally higher quality.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8349\" data-end=\"8529\"><strong data-start=\"8349\" data-end=\"8413\">Q: How do I know if a food is truly \u201ccomplete and balanced\u201d?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8413\" data-end=\"8416\" \/>A: Look for the AAFCO statement on the label\u2014it verifies that the food meets established nutritional standards.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8531\" data-end=\"8687\"><strong data-start=\"8531\" data-end=\"8565\">Q: Can I mix wet and dry food?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8565\" data-end=\"8568\" \/>A: Yes. Mixing can improve hydration and palatability. Just ensure you\u2019re not overfeeding by adjusting portion sizes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8531\" data-end=\"8687\">As Dr. Blake summarizes, \u201cNutrition is the foundation of preventive health care. Every pet parent should know exactly what they\u2019re putting in their pet\u2019s bowl, it\u2019s one of the simplest ways to improve their well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8531\" data-end=\"8687\">Reading and understanding pet food labels empowers you to make informed, health-driven choices for your furry family member. By focusing on clear, high-quality pet food ingredients and avoiding marketing traps, you\u2019re giving your pet the best chance for a long, healthy life.<\/p>\n<!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-18770-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/169-Old-Redding-Rd-22.m4a?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/169-Old-Redding-Rd-22.m4a\">https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/169-Old-Redding-Rd-22.m4a<\/a><\/audio>\n<h3 data-start=\"7576\" data-end=\"7805\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/infos\/about\">About Petworks<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7722\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dr-Marty-Goldstein-Natures-Blend-Petworks-Nutrition.png\" alt=\"Dr Marty Goldstein Nature's Blend - Petworks Nutrition\" width=\"111\" height=\"109\" \/>In 2021, Dr. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/dr-marty-goldstein-of-petworks\/\">Marty Goldstein DVM<\/a><\/span> joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/hire\/animal-nutritionist\">Animal Nutrition<\/a><\/span>\u00a0care division. Dr Marty Nature&#8217;s Blend is\u00a0on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible.\u00a0Dr. Marty\u2019s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet\u00a0parents in North America.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/William-Bishop-Jr-Petworks-Pet-Nutrition.png\" alt=\"Bill Bishop Blue Buffalo Pet Nutrition\" width=\"96\" height=\"99\" \/>In 2022, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/blue-buffalo-dog-food\/\">Blue Buffalo<\/a><\/span> Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">About The Author<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10642\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kevin-Kinyon-2025.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"91\" height=\"108\" \/><\/em>Petworks<\/span><\/a> Co-Founder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kinyonkevin\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Kevin Kinyon<\/span><\/a> is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve ever stood in the pet food aisle feeling overwhelmed by words like meal, by-product, natural, or grain-free, you\u2019re not alone. Pet food packaging can be confusing. Even for the most caring pet parents. But understanding what goes into your pet\u2019s bowl is one of the most important steps in supporting their health and &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/decoding-pet-food-labels\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Decoding Pet Food Labels: What Pet Parents Should Know Before Buying&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18777,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[146],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-animal-nutrition"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.3.1 (Yoast SEO v25.3.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Pet Food Labels: What Pet Parents Should Know Before Buying<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to read and understand pet food labels, including what pet food ingredients really mean. 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