You’ve probably heard the old saying about what happens when we assume, right? Turns out, there’s some truth to it—especially when it comes to picking out dog food. Many of us assume that the labels on dog food bags give us an accurate picture of what’s inside. We might also believe the ingredients are listed in order of importance or quantity. Makes sense, doesn’t it? But unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
I used to think I could confidently make decisions about my dogs’ nutrition just by reading the labels. After all, they’re regulated, right? Like many pet parents, I considered myself a savvy, careful shopper—always scanning labels for the best ingredients for both my two- and four-legged family members. I gravitated toward whole foods and minimally processed options, convinced I was making smart choices for my dogs. Turns out, I wasn’t quite as informed as I thought.
I guess I didn’t account for the fact that some manufacturers can manipulate the laws to their own advantage. They may not be dishonest, but many can be misleading. Below are listed some of the features of a dog food label that may not mean exactly what you think.
Ingredient Order
The ingredients must, by law, be listed in order by their weight, starting with the one with the highest weight listed first. But what does it mean by weight? Dry weight? What if the main ingredient is chicken weighed fresh compared with other equally important ingredients weighed dry? The chicken would weigh more because of the moisture content but actually contain fewer nutrients. So an item that naturally contains more moisture will appear higher on the list than a nutritionally dense food item that is dry. As it turns out, some of the items are weighed wet, and some are dry, and it may not be on the label which is which. The ingredient list is important, but it might not have as much information as we thought.
Related: 9 Best Dry Dog Foods
Ingredients
As animal lovers, we have been brainwashed to think that dogs’ diets must contain the things we would prefer for our own, but dogs are not little humans. Dogs do not like the exact same things that we do, and individual dogs have preferences. One of my dogs very definitely does not like certain foods that the other will eat with relish and vice versa. We cannot assume that just because the ingredients sound good to us, our dogs will be happy and healthy eating them.
Label Claims and Buzzwords
Take a stroll through the dog food aisle or do a quick internet search, and you’ll see all sorts of flashy claims: “hypoallergenic,” “super-premium,” “human-grade,” and more. These buzzwords sound impressive, but here’s the catch—not all of them are legally defined. In fact, terms like “highly digestible” or “high-quality ingredients” can be slapped on a package without much oversight. Sure, you’d hope companies have done the testing or have solid evidence to back up those claims, but no one is standing over their shoulders to make sure. To make matters trickier, companies can sometimes legally use certain terms on their websites that aren’t allowed on the actual printed label. Confusing, right? While some terms are regulated by government agencies, many of the phrases we rely on to make decisions are just marketing fluff. The key takeaway? Don’t rely solely on label claims—dig deeper.
Formulation
Have you ever stopped to think about who actually formulates your dog’s food? It’s an important question! Reputable pet food brands typically have a qualified veterinary nutritionist on staff—someone who knows the ins and outs of canine nutrition and can ensure the recipe meets your dog’s needs. Ideally, this expert should be available to answer questions about the food. On the flip side, if a diet is formulated by someone without formal training—perhaps just a well-meaning employee following legal guidelines—it may not be the best choice for your pup’s long-term health. Your dog deserves more than just the bare minimum, so don’t hesitate to ask about the credentials of the people behind the recipe.
Packaging
At the end of the day, pet food companies are businesses, and businesses need to sell. That’s why you’ll find eye-catching designs, clever slogans, and heartwarming images on dog food bags—marketing teams know exactly how to reel us in. And while the food inside the package might be great, you can’t rely on a glossy photo or a cute tagline to tell you everything you need to know. Even the most popular brands with big TV commercials aren’t automatically the best option for your dog. To make an informed decision, ask questions. Call the company and find out where they source their ingredients. Do they use real, quality proteins? How transparent are they about their processes? A pretty bag might grab your attention, but it’s the answers to those questions that really matter.
I don’t shop for pet food by reading labels anymore, and I don’t recommend it to my clients. I read research papers. I pick brands with live people willing to talk to me about their products. I find veterinarians (like veterinary nutritionists) who have more knowledge on the subject than I do, and I talk to them and attend their classes. Then, I try to pass my education on. iHeartDogs has put together a great list of Best Dog Foods to help readers choose from the best options on the market.
You still get what you pay for (as in everything), but take the time to ask a professional so that you know what you are getting and what you are paying for. Truly high-quality diets will never be cheap, but a high price tag alone does not ensure quality.
Learn More About the Benefits of Fresh Dog Food
Research and development and laboratory testing all cost money. National ad campaigns do, too. I am much less likely to suggest or purchase pet food that I see on national TV because I would prefer that they spend their money on research and development. Don’t be dazzled by fancy websites and convincing advertisements alone.
Just because you have been told by actors that something is good, don’t forget to ask your veterinarian. Your vet knows and cares about you and your pets personally and will be able to help you sort through the misinformation out there. Although all dogs have specific requirements, each one is an individual with each dog’s specific likes and needs.