How to Read Pet Food Labels

• Posted on 26 October 2025
• By Dr. Jill Tack
• Posted in by products, cat food label, dog food label, how to choose the best cat food, how to choose the best dpg food, how to read pet food label, ingredients to avoid in pet food, pet food fillers, pet food regulations, proteins for cats, proteins for dogs
• 0

Learn how to read pet food labels and choose truly healthy food for your dog or cat. The Pet Beastro in Michigan helps you spot fillers, avoid misleading claims, and feed better naturally.

The pet food aisle can be confusing; bags marked “premium,” “gourmet,” or even “organic” make big promises, but many don’t deliver. According to the FDA, those marketing words aren’t regulated. That means a “premium” or “organic” label doesn’t guarantee quality nutrition.

At The Pet Beastro, we believe in helping you see past the packaging so you can make the best choices for your furry family. When you understand what’s on the label, you can confidently feed better, feel healthier, and help your pets live longer.

Here’s how to read between the lines and find real nutrition.

1. Start with the Ingredient List

Ingredients on pet food labels are listed in order by weight. The first five items make up most of what’s in the bag or can, so that’s where to focus your attention.

Look for:

• Real meat or clearly named meat meals like “chicken meal” or “beef liver.”

• Limited ingredients , the shorter the list, the easier it is to digest.

• Whole-food ingredients, like sweet potatoes, blueberries, or pumpkin.

Avoid:

• Generic terms like “poultry meal” or “animal fat.”

• Ingredients that start with corn, soy, or wheat are cheap fillers that can irritate digestion and cause inflammation.

2. Understand Protein Quality: Meat vs. Meal

Protein is the foundation of your pet’s health, but not all proteins are created equal.

• Named meat meals (like “turkey meal”) are fine; they’re just concentrated protein.

• Unnamed meals (like “meat meal” or “animal by-product”) are red flags. You don’t know what animal they came from or what’s actually inside.

Also steer clear of plant-based protein boosters such as soybean meal or corn gluten meal. These cheap fillers add bulk, not nutrition, and most U.S. soy and corn are genetically modified.

Instead, look for foods rich in animal-based proteins, like those from trusted raw or freeze-dried brands we carry in-store at The Pet Beastro.

3. Know the Truth About By-Products

“By-products” sound bad, but not all of them are.

There are two types:

• Nutrient-rich organ meats, such as liver, kidney, and heart, are highly digestible and rich in vitamins.

• Low-quality leftovers like feathers, hooves, and tumors add no nutritional value and shouldn’t be in your pet’s bowl.

When a label lists vague terms like “meat by-products” or “poultry by-products,” it’s best to avoid it, transparency matters. The best brands clearly list what’s inside , and that’s the kind we choose to carry at The Pet Beastro.

4. Watch Out for Marketing Tricks

Labels that say “natural,” “premium,” or “holistic” aren’t always truthful. Always read the ingredient list, not the front of the package.

Even though foods labeled “organic” can vary in standards, the FDA doesn’t regulate “organic” claims for pet food the same way it does for human food.

Our rule of thumb:
If the label feels confusing, that’s a sign to ask questions. Our nutrition experts at The Pet Beastro are happy to help you read through any label and explain what it really means for your pet’s health.

5. Feed Better, Feel Healthier, Live Longer

Choosing the right pet food isn’t about the trendiest label , it’s about real ingredients, proper nutrition, and supporting your pet’s long-term health.

At The Pet Beastro, we research every company we carry. From raw and freeze-dried to gently cooked and grain-free options, you can trust that every product in our stores meets our high standards for safety, nutrition, and transparency.

If you’re in Madison Heights or Warren, Michigan, stop by for a one-on-one pet nutrition consultation on the third week of each month (Mondays at Warren from 4 to 7 PM, Fridays at Madison Heights at the same time). We’ll help you find the perfect food fit , and teach you how to read labels like a pro.

Visit Us

• Madison Heights: 27637 John R Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071

• Warren: 13828 E 14 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088
  Or shop online anytime at thepetbeastro.com for trusted brands and expert guidance.