Facing the dazzling array of pet food on the shelves, how to choose a truly nutritious and safe food for furry children? Learning to read ingredient and nutrient lists is an essential skill for every pet owner.
Step 1: Look at the top three positions on the ingredient list
According to regulations, the ingredient list must be arranged in descending order of the amount of raw materials added. The primary ingredient determines the core nutritional value of this grain. The pet consumption education guide released by the Shandong Consumers Association suggests that consumers should prioritize the combination of “fresh meat (such as chicken breast, boneless beef)+internal organs+vegetables” and use products with grain powder, meat powder, and animal by-products as the main ingredients with caution. The protein source should be clearly labeled as animal derived (such as chicken protein, fish protein). For carnivorous pets such as felines, it is not recommended to choose formula products mainly based on plant protein.
Step 2: Look at the nutrition chart
The nutritional content table directly reflects the nutritional level of the product. Focus on the following indicators:
Crude protein is the most important nutritional indicator. According to the standards of the American Feed Management Association (AAFCO), adult cats require a minimum of 26% crude protein for maintenance, and kittens require a minimum of 30%; Adult dogs should not be less than 18%, and puppies should not be less than 22%. The crude protein content of high-end cat food is generally above 35%.
Crude fat is a source of energy, typically between 10% and 20%. Being too high can easily lead to obesity, while being too low can affect the health of fur and fur. It is advisable to use no more than 5% crude fiber, as excessive fiber can affect nutrient absorption. The calcium phosphorus ratio is a key indicator of bone health, with an ideal ratio of approximately 1:1. Taurine is an essential nutrient in cat food, but cats cannot synthesize enough taurine in their bodies and must supplement it from their diet – a lack of taurine can lead to blindness in cats.
In addition, consumers should also pay attention to avoiding implicit risks: products that refuse to add artificial preservatives (such as BHA/BHT), synthetic colors, and sweeteners can require merchants to provide third-party testing reports, with a focus on indicators such as aflatoxin and Salmonella.
Different stages of life have different nutritional requirements. The main diet for puppies should contain high levels of crude protein and fat, and lactating female cats can increase their protein intake appropriately. It is recommended to choose a low phosphorus and easily digestible formula as the main food for elderly pets. With the increasing aging rate of pets – by 2024, 23% of dogs and 12% of cats will have entered the aging stage of being over 7 years old, and the demand for specialized and prescription foods for elderly pets will continue to grow. During the Double
Eleven period in 2025, the transaction volume of prescription/functional food for dogs and cats will increase by over 100% year-on-year, and the high-end pet category will maintain rapid growth.
Choosing grains is not about the more expensive the better, but about the more suitable the better. Understanding the ingredient list and nutrition list, and selecting the appropriate formula based on the pet’s age, weight, and health condition (such as allergies), is the first step in ensuring the pet’s health.