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Nutrition · Dogs and cats

How to read a dog or cat food label

A label cannot tell you whether a food is “good” through one number or its first ingredient. Intended use, nutritional completeness, composition, analytical constituents, additives and feeding directions need to be read together. This guide follows EU Regulation 767/2009 and resources from FEDIAF and WSAVA.

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Summary

The important points, first

  • First check the species, life stage and whether the product is complete or complementary.
  • Composition and analytical constituents describe different aspects of the product.
  • The ingredient list alone does not establish quality or nutritional adequacy.
  • Feeding amounts and calories need to reflect the individual animal, with veterinary advice when appropriate.
01

Complete or complementary: the key distinction

Regulation (EC) 767/2009 defines complete feed as compound feed which, by reason of its composition, is sufficient for a daily ration. Complementary feed is sufficient only when used with other feed. For dogs and cats, this wording indicates whether a product is intended as the everyday diet or only part of it.

Also check the species and any life stage stated on the pack. A product for an adult dog should not automatically be treated as suitable for a puppy or a cat.12

02

Composition and analytical constituents are different

“Composition” lists the feed materials used. “Analytical constituents” report values such as crude protein, crude oils and fats, crude fibre and crude ash under pet food labelling rules. Additives are declared separately according to the applicable requirements.

These details describe the product but cannot determine on their own whether it suits a particular animal. Health, age, weight, activity, neuter status, other foods and actual amounts all form part of nutritional assessment.123

03

Why the ingredient list is not enough

WSAVA notes that many owners give the ingredient list more weight than it can support. An ingredient name does not describe its nutritional quality, digestibility or nutrient bioavailability: the formulated and tested finished product must meet the stated nutritional needs.

WSAVA suggests asking who formulates the food, what their qualifications are, how quality control and research are conducted, and whether the company can provide nutritional information not shown on the label. EU rules also require contact information through which purchasers can request additional information.451

04

Feeding directions and the individual pet

Feeding instructions are required but remain a starting point. The actual amount depends on the animal and everything else consumed, including treats and table food. AAHA recommends individual nutritional assessment and a comprehensive diet history, ideally at every examination.

When a pet has a disease, takes medication, is growing or pregnant, changes weight or has persistent signs, food choice and quantity should be discussed with a veterinarian. Do not alter a therapeutic diet without professional advice.61

Editorial transparency

Sources and checks

Numbers in the text lead to the exact source. Commercial blogs and social posts are not used as evidence.

  1. 1
    European Union regulation

    Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed

    European Parliament and Council · EUR-Lex · Definitions and mandatory requirements for labelling, complete/complementary feed and additional information.

    Link checked on 15 Sept 2026
  2. 2
    European labelling code

    Pet Food Labelling — A Guide for Customers

    FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood · European guide to interpreting mandatory label sections.

    Link checked on 15 Sept 2026
  3. 3
    Veterinary guideline

    Global Nutrition Toolkit

    World Small Animal Veterinary Association · Tools for nutritional assessment and responsible interpretation of pet food information.

    Link checked on 15 Sept 2026
  4. 4
    Veterinary guideline

    Frequently Asked Questions & Myths — Global Nutrition Committee

    World Small Animal Veterinary Association · Explains why an ingredient list does not establish nutritional quality, digestibility or bioavailability.

    Link checked on 15 Sept 2026
  5. 5
    Veterinary guideline

    Selecting a pet food for your pet

    WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee · Questions on formulation, expertise, quality control and manufacturer nutrition information.

    Link checked on 15 Sept 2026
  6. 6
    Veterinary guideline

    2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

    American Animal Hospital Association · Individual nutritional assessment and collection of a comprehensive diet history.

    Link checked on 15 Sept 2026

This guide explains label information and does not make individual diet recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for advice tailored to your pet.

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