Dog Food Label Sensibility

In the age of green thumbs and return of the farmers market, most forget about healthy dog food choices. This comes to no surprise though with the multitudes of brands reaching out to the consumer with advertising remarks such as "more scientifically balanced", "organic", "veterinary recommended" and so on. Where does one start without knowing the basics of what all the labels mean? Reading a label on human food is much different than reading a dog food label. Here are some tips to help guide the conscience pet owner.

Part One: General Display Information

1. Brand Name: There are so many brand names that a shoppers head can hurt after going through all the names. Some of the more popular brands are Eukanuba, Iams, Purina, and et cetera. Tip: Stick to the name brands that are the most common, going astray from the name brand foods usually can cause future health problems such as toxins, high sugar (glycemia) issues, allergies and et cetera.

2. Benefit Class*: This class refers to the benefits that the canine will receive by eating the food provided in the bag. Some examples are nutritionally complete, hair maintenance, weight lose, and so on. There are too many to mention.

3. Canine Class**: Each class depends on the age of the canine. Usually these options are puppy, adult or geriatric. It is important to choose the correct age category for your canine.

a. Puppy Level: A puppy needs to have a puppy level since it supplies nutrients that are deficit from the mother's milk. Yes, the puppy will be of age to be adopted however until the first year is much like the first year of a human baby's life.

b. Adult Level: This level is for adult canines from the age of 1 until around 10 years of age. Most canines will be able to eat this food level until the very end. It is suggested that a canine steer clear of this level until it is suggested by a veterinarian.

c. Geriatric Level: Older (geriatric) canines usually need a little less of adult nutrients for muscle growth however needs more assistance in arthritis, hip building help and et cetera. Tip: Double check with a veterinarian before changing any canine from the adult level to this geriatric level.

4. Quantity***: Most commonly the quantity that a canine food bag comes in 5, 20 and 40 pound bags. This can vary among the brand that is chosen though. Tip: Choose only the amount that your canine can eat in one month. Never purchase a 40 pound bag for a toy canine. Canine food does in fact go bad and looses the nutritional benefits sitting out too long without consumption.

*The "Benefit Class" is set up by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

** The "Canine Class" is set up by the AAFCO and all canine food bags should state which level the food is intended for consumption. Never buy a canine food that does not indicate its level.

*** The "Quantity" is regulated by the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) which is a division of the Food and Drug Administration. In addition, they require each canine food bag to contain the contents such as the manufacturer's address and ingredient list.

Part Two: For more specific information about the contents of canine foods the Information Panel is provided which is equally toilsome to understand. Here are some basic tips:

1. General Analysis: This lists the minimum levels of crude protein and fat along with the maximum levels of fiber and water that the food contains.
a. Crude is the amount of protein that the canine food contains however does not mean the amount the canine will consume. It basically is just the general idea of the percentage of fat however does not take guarantee the quality of the ingredients.
b. Fiber and water are important for the fact that they work together to digest the food. It is important to note that high water content will wash away the benefits of a good fiber quantity. Plus, who wants to pay money every month for water? Tip: Buy high protein and lower water levels.
c. Comparing levels of the phosphorus levels is also important in this section. Phosphorus levels interact with the increase of Renal Disease which is one of the number one causes of canines.

2. Ingredients List: This is the general list that we are used to in human food lists. It is important to read the amounts listed under this category since it is the main reason why your canine is eating this type of food. Each item is listed by weight from top to bottom. It is important though that one takes special attention to the amounts and the order of each item.
a. Coloring: As canine owners we tend to lean towards the food that resembles a "healthier" choice for our canines. Even for the advertising awareness savvy, the coloring may have slipped past the radar. Coloring has been added to canine food for the mere appearance for the owners. It is important though to check to make sure a canine food does not contain FD&C red No. 40, Blue No. 2, Red No. 2 and Violet No. 1 since they are harmful to your canine. In fact, the last two color additives were banned from American canine food brands.
b. Sugar: As mentioned above, sugar is harmful to the canine. The sugar entices the canine, increases the moisture level and aids in bacterial contamination prevention. A canine does not need sugar; in fact it can cause future problems such as diabetes.

3. Feeding Guidelines: This allocated how much a canine should consume at its current weight. It is important to stick to the suggested amount to keep your canine at a healthy weight. If your canine seems to be overweight or underweight, talk to a veterinarian before changing the suggested amount on the bag.