How to Read Pet Food Labels: A NZ Guide for Choosing the Best Nutrition

Choosing the right food for your furry (or feathery!) family member doesn’t need to be ruff. Whether you’re shopping for a kibble lover or a food-fussy feline, understanding pet nutrition labels is key to feeding your pet well. At Petdirect, we believe that good nutrition is the foundation of a happy, healthy life – and with every packet, pouch or tin, there’s a story to decode. This guide will help you make sense of those labels, empowering you to make informed, tail-wagging food choices in Aotearoa.

What To Look For On A Pet Food Label

First things first – know what you’re looking at. Pet food labels in New Zealand must include:

• Brand and product name
• Ingredients list, usually in descending order by weight
• Guaranteed analysis (protein, fat, fibre, moisture)
• Feeding directions and life stage suitability
• Manufacturer information and country of origin

Brands like Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet usually spell this out clearly, helping you find a match for your pet’s life stage and specific needs.

Understanding Ingredients By Order And Naming

Ingredients are listed by weight before cooking, so water-heavy items like chicken or beef may top the list. Be mindful of ingredient splitting – breaking similar ingredients (like different types of grains) into separate entries can make them seem less prominent.

Look for high-quality ingredients and identifiable proteins, like “chicken meal” or “salmon.” You’ll find this transparency in many of our NZ-loved brands like K9 Natural, ZIWI and Animals Like Us.

Guaranteed Analysis: Protein, Fat, And Fibre

The guaranteed analysis section tells you the minimum or maximum levels of key nutrients. Keep an eye on:

• Crude Protein: Vital for growth and muscle maintenance
• Crude Fat: A source of energy and fatty acids
• Crude Fibre: Helps digestion and stool quality
• Moisture: Influences texture and shelf life (especially with wet food)

For active breeds like the Border Collie or growing puppies, higher protein content may be beneficial. Compare across ranges like dry food and wet food to find the right balance for your pet's needs.

Special Diets And Highlighted Benefits

If your pet has specific health needs, like sensitive digestion or weight control, check the packaging for clearly labelled nutritional benefits such as:

• Joint support
• Skin and coat health
• Grain-free formulations
• Limited ingredient diets

These features can be backed by science, as found in science-backed nutrition lines like Pro Plan or Hill's Science Diet. Always align food to your pet’s age, size and health conditions.

Choosing The Right Food Category

Different pets need different fuel! Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Dogs: Check out our full range of dog food with options for puppies, dry food, wet food and freeze-dried diets
• Cats: Explore nourishing cat meals including kitten, dry food, wet food and natural options
• Birds: Our bird food section includes seeds, premium mixes and nutritious vitamin supplements

And if you’ve got a fan of variety, our cat and dog toppers make mealtimes extra tasty.

We Get Pet – And We Get You

At Petdirect, we understand that reading labels can feel a bit like learning a new language. That’s why we offer expert advice and trusted brands with clear nutritional information to help you feel confident in every bowl you serve. Whether you’re a new pet parent or you’ve got a lifelong companion, we’re here to support your journey with quality health supplements, top-rated food picks and personalised options through our Autodeliver service.

Your Label-Reading Sidekick

Understanding pet food labels might seem daunting at first, but once you know what to look for, it becomes second nature. From high-quality proteins to targeted benefits, each label holds the key to your pet’s well-being. And remember – when in doubt, stick with trusted, transparent brands and reach out to our Petdirect experts for guidance. Your cat, dog or bird relies on you to make the best choice – and we’re with you every beak, bark and purr of the way.

Ready to shop smarter for your pet’s nutrition? Explore our full range of cat and dog food and find the perfect fit today – thanks to our deep understanding of what pets truly need.