Pets must eat just like human beings. In the food stores, pets have their foods well labeled. Understanding the labels is a very vital exercise in rearing of pets. For example, you may meet labels like ‘Brand X All-Natural Happy Paws Dog Food." I know you have seen such labels before on TV. They are normally shown in a manner so appealing to the eye. However, getting to know what packed indie is this label is good. How are the nutrient values? Are they accurate? What does that entire catchy label mean?
It is always good to establish the amount in the labels. There are three recommended rules; the 95%, 25% 0r 3% rule. In the 95% rule, the product that appears on the label should have a larger share of the ingredients. F it says ‘beef for dogs,' then it should be beef and not water added for processing. The rule is used with ingredients of animal origin; thus a can of beef for dogs should have 95% beef.
If there is a word in the label like ‘Shrimp Dinner', the ingredient named should be at least 25%. This is a 25% rule. It is assumed that much of the ingredients not mentioned may be another food altogether. The 3 percent rule has to do with simple, innocent words like ‘with'. If a pet food label has such a word in its product name, then there is only 3 percent of that product.
Analysis of Nutrients and Ingredients
Once you know that the ingredients are in the can, you need to establish the presence of nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals. In other words, you need to establish the presence of all the substances needed for proper nutrition in the food. All pet labels should state the minimum percentages of the nutrients like protein and fat and maximum percentage of crude fiber and moisture. For example, in dog foods, there are normally minimum percentage levels of phosphorus, calcium and sodium. For cats, labels will list the quantities of taurine, magnesium that are necessary for feline nutrition.
Moisture Content
The moisture content in pet foods depends on its type. Dry pet foods have a little percentage of moisture. Moist pet foods have more moisture content. Those that are canned have the highest levels of moisture. While choosing the foods, ensure you compare one type of food with another. More on how to calculate the content of moisture for different foods can be got from the FDA website.
It is important to know what is in your pet's food. You should always aim at having the nutrition requirements in pet foods instead of focusing on the labels. Before choosing any petted food, know the nutritional requirements for your pet. Vets can help you with more advice on the right pet foods to go for when you have established the nutritional requirements. With all these information, you will not just be swayed by attractive food labels but you will focus on the ingredient-nutrient analysis.
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