How to Read Dog Food Labels: A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Owners

As a dog owner in Malta, ensuring your furry companion receives the best possible nutrition is a top priority. With countless options available locally and imported from neighbouring countries, deciphering dog food labels can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to educate and empower you to understand dog food labels, recognize misleading terms, and make informed decisions for your dog’s health.

The Basics of Dog Food Labels

Understanding AAFCO Standards

While most dog food sold in Malta adheres to European or AAFCO (American Feed Control Officials) standards, it’s essential to recognize the labels:

• "Complete and Balanced": Indicates the food provides all essential nutrients for a specific life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior).

• "For Intermittent or Supplemental Feeding Only": This food is not nutritionally complete and should be paired with other foods or supplements.

Guaranteed Analysis

All pet food sold in Malta includes this section on the label. Look for the minimum or maximum percentages of key nutrients:

• Crude Protein: Essential for muscle development and maintenance.

• Crude Fat: Provides energy and supports a healthy coat.

• Crude Fibre: Aids digestion.

• Moisture: Indicates water content, affecting the texture and shelf life.

Ingredients List

Local brands and importers may vary in how they list ingredients:

• Weight before processing: Fresh meats (e.g., chicken) include water weight, potentially skewing their prominence on the list.

• Splitting ingredients: Similar components (e.g., “corn” and “corn gluten”) may be listed separately to downplay their overall proportion.

Decoding Common Terminology

Poultry vs. Named Meat

• Poultry: This generic term, often seen on imported brands, can include chicken, turkey, or other fowl.

• Chicken/Beef/Turkey: A named meat is a better indicator of quality.

Meal vs. By-product

• Meat Meal: Rendered, dried meat with concentrated protein. Named meals (e.g., “chicken meal”) are preferable.

• By-products: Includes organ meats, feet, or bones. While not inherently bad, these ingredients can vary in quality.

Free-range and Cage-free

These terms often refer to how animals are raised but aren’t strictly regulated. Look for certifications (e.g., organic) for clarity.

Grain-Free

Maltese dog owners often see grain-free options marketed as superior. However, unless your dog has a grain allergy, foods containing rice or oats are still nutritious.

Grain-free foods replace grains like wheat or corn with alternatives such as sweet potatoes or lentils. This is not inherently superior unless your dog has a grain allergy or intolerance.

Natural vs. Organic

• Natural: Common on imported brands sold in Malta. It refers to minimal processing, no synthetic additives.

• Organic: Less common locally but follows strict agricultural standards. Always check for certifications.

Examples of certifications for organic dog food include:

1. EU Organic Certification (Euroleaf)

• Logo: A green leaf made of white stars, representing compliance with EU organic farming regulations.
• Significance: Ensures that the ingredients are grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or GMOs.
• Common in Malta: Products imported from the EU may carry this label.

2. USDA Organic (United States)

• Logo: A circular green-and-white badge with "USDA Organic."
• Significance: Indicates that the product meets the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s organic standards, including 95% organic ingredients.
• Common in Malta: Rare, but some U.S. brands imported to Malta may carry this label.

3. Soil Association Organic (UK)

• Logo: A circular emblem with the Soil Association name.
• Significance: Ensures food meets strict UK organic standards, including high animal welfare practices.
• Common in Malta: Occasionally found on UK imports.

4. BIO Organic (Germany)

• Logo: A hexagonal green-and-white symbol with "Bio."
• Significance: Indicates compliance with Germany’s organic food regulations, closely aligned with EU standards.
• Common in Malta: Found on German-made organic pet food.

5. Australian Certified Organic (ACO)

• Logo: A circular logo with the ACO symbol and text.
• Significance: Ensures compliance with Australian organic farming and production regulations.
• Common in Malta: Rare but may appear on niche products.

When shopping locally, customers can look for the EU Organic Certification (Euroleaf), as it is the most relevant to products sold in Malta and across Europe. Always verify these certifications on the product packaging or official brand websites to ensure authenticity.

Ingredients to Watch Out For

Fillers and Additives

Imported brands, especially lower-priced options, may include:

• Corn and Wheat: Common fillers, low in nutritional value for dogs.

• Artificial Colours and Flavours: Unnecessary additives that may cause allergies.

Preservatives

• Ethoxyquin, BHA, and BHT: Artificial preservatives are occasionally found in products available locally and linked to health concerns.

• Tocopherols (Vitamin E) and Rosemary Extract: Safer, natural alternatives increasingly present in Malta's premium brands.

Sugar and Salt

Excessive amounts can lead to obesity or other health issues.

Tips for Making Informed Choices

Match Food to Life Stage

Ensure the food matches your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Puppies and active breeds require more protein and fat, while senior dogs benefit from lower-calorie options.

Research the Brand

Investigate the manufacturer’s sourcing and production practices. Reputable brands often provide transparency and conduct rigorous quality checks.

Allergen Awareness

If your dog shows signs of allergies (e.g., itchy skin, digestive upset), consult your vet. Dogs living in Malta often benefit from hypoallergenic diets tailored to our climate.

Check the Calorie Content

Portion control is key, especially for smaller breeds that dominate in Malta, like Maltese Terriers or Jack Russells. Ensure portion control by reviewing the calorie content per serving, especially for weight management.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Ambiguous Terms: Phrases like “high-quality protein” without specifying the source.

• Long Ingredient Lists: May indicate over-processing or excessive fillers.

• No AAFCO Statement: Lack of nutritional adequacy certification.

Empowering Dog Owners

Understanding dog food labels enables you to make informed decisions and prioritize your pet’s health. Use this guide as a reference whenever you’re selecting food for your dog.

We will break down specific brands and their dog food options next! If you have questions that you want answered about any specific product, or label terminology etc., leave us a message over on WhatsApp, and we'll make sure to provide you with your desired answers!

For more tips and personalized recommendations, feel free to explore our website or reach out to Woofy Meals. Together, we can ensure your dog’s nutrition is as tail-waggingly great as they deserve! Or visit our Tailored Meal Plan service and get started on a purely customised feeding routine.