How To Read Pet Food Labels Like A Pro
Choosing the right pet food can feel overwhelming, especially with all those labels, percentages and ingredients. But don’t worry — we’re here to decode it all! At Petdirect, we get pet, and that includes knowing exactly what goes into their food. Reading pet food labels is key to ensuring your furry whānau is getting the nutrition they need to thrive. Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, this guide will give you the know-how to read pet food labels like a pro.
Understanding Pet Food Ingredients: What Comes First Matters
The first few ingredients listed on pet food labels are the most important. Ingredients are listed in order by weight, so those at the top are most prominent in the recipe. Look for high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb at the top of the list. Better brands like ACANA, Orijen, and ZIWI feature named meats as the primary ingredients, which is a great sign of quality.
Decoding the Nutritional Panel
The guaranteed analysis section tells you the minimum (or maximum) percentages of key nutrients like protein, fat, fibre, and moisture. For example:
- Crude protein: Essential for muscle development and energy
- Crude fat: Supports skin, coat and brain health
- Crude fibre: Aids digestion and stool quality
Compare these values between products to find a formula that supports your pet’s life stage and lifestyle. Brands like Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet offer life-stage specific nutrition clearly outlined on the label.
Spotting Additives: The Good, The Ok, and The Avoid
Pet food will often include vitamins, minerals and preservatives. What should you look for?
- "Natural preservatives" like vitamin E (often listed as tocopherols) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are safer choices
- Artificial colours and flavours are unnecessary and best avoided
- Unclear meat sources, like “meat byproducts” or “animal digest”, aren’t ideal
When in doubt, stick with NZ-made pet food or products with transparent ingredient sourcing. Brands like K9 Natural and Animals Like Us are great examples of clean, honest labelling.
Understanding Feeding Guidelines
Feeding guides on packaging are helpful, but they’re just that — guides. Your pet’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and health all play a role in how much they should eat. For tailored advice, chat with your vet or check out our range of weight management products to help fine-tune your pet’s portions.
Got a picky eater or a pet that needs a boost? Consider adding pet food toppers for extra taste and nutrients. They’re an easy way to add variety and encourage eating — no persuasive "here kitty, kitty" or "good boy" needed!
Claims and Certifications: What They Really Mean
Some pet food labels feature terms like "complete and balanced", "grain-free", or "single protein". Here’s what they mean:
- Complete and balanced: This means the food meets established standards for pet nutrition (like those set by AAFCO or FEDIAF)
- Grain-free: No grains included — though not always necessary for pets unless advised by a vet
- Single protein: Great for pets with food sensitivities or allergies
Want to simplify your shopping? Explore our top-rated pet food collection, where nutrition meets happy tummies.
Petdirect Perks For Smarter Feeding
We know you want the very best for your pet — and so do we. Our Pet Perks loyalty programme makes it even easier to keep your furry friend’s tail wagging. Earn Airpoints on every purchase as you explore our range of cat and dog food, and simplify life with our handy Autodeliver subscription service.
You’re Now Label-Literate!
Reading pet food labels no longer needs to feel like learning a new language. By understanding the ingredients, nutritional values, and what marketing claims really mean, you can make confident choices for your beloved cat or dog. A label is more than just marketing — it's your pet’s recipe for wellness.
Still have questions or want to try something new? Browse our featured products or treat your pet to something special from our treats collection. At Petdirect, we get pet — so you can get feeding right!