Choosing the Right Food for Your Furry Friend

Are you confused by pet food labels? You’re not alone! At Highbury North Pet Hospital in London, Ontario, one of the most common questions we hear is, “What’s the best food for my pet?” With so many brands, buzzwords, and claims on packaging, choosing the right food can feel overwhelming. Learning how to decode ingredients, guaranteed analysis, and what truly makes a food healthy for your pet is very important!

This blog from an East London, ON vet walks you through how to read pet food labels effectively, what to look for, and how to make confident decisions about your dog or cat’s nutrition.

Why Understanding Pet Food Labels Matters

Good nutrition is the foundation of your pet’s long-term health. Whether you’re buying dry kibble, canned food, or freeze-dried raw diets, understanding the label helps you:

• Ensure nutritional completeness
  
• Avoid low-quality ingredients
  
• Support specific health needs (e.g., weight, allergies, kidney care)
  
• Know what your pet is truly eating
  

Reading labels also helps you avoid marketing traps and make informed comparisons between brands. It can also help you steer clear of foods with sub-par ingredients, which may lead to obesity and/or other health problems. 

What’s Required on a Canadian Pet Food Label?

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), pet food sold in Canada must include:

• Product name
  
• Intended species (dog, cat)
  
• Guaranteed analysis
  
• Ingredient list
  
• Manufacturer information
  
• Feeding instructions
  

Optional claims like “grain-free” or “human-grade” may appear, but not all of them are regulated or defined by law. That’s why it’s so important to look deeper, and also to understand the basics of good dog and cat nutrition.

Pet Food Ingredients Explained

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight before processing. The first thing on the label is the highest proportion percentagewise of all the ingredients, with the rest following in order. This means moisture-rich items like “chicken” appear higher than dry ingredients like “rice flour,” even if they contribute less protein after cooking.

Look for:

• Named proteins: “chicken,” “turkey meal,” “salmon” are better than generic terms like “meat by-products”
  
• Whole grains or vegetables: Brown rice, oats, sweet potato
  
• Avoid fillers or vague terms: Corn gluten, meat meal, “animal digest,” artificial preservatives
  

Note that “meal” (e.g., chicken meal) isn’t bad—it’s a concentrated protein source. But unnamed meals (e.g., “poultry meal”) can be of questionable quality. 

What Does the Guaranteed Analysis On Pet Food Tell You?

The guaranteed analysis shows the minimum or maximum percentages of:

• Crude protein
  
• Crude fat
  
• Crude fibre
  
• Moisture
  

This gives a snapshot of nutrient content but not digestibility. For example, a food may have high protein, but if it’s from poor sources, your pet may not absorb it well, and may not get the benefits.

Use this section to compare between foods, especially if your pet has special needs (e.g., weight loss, kidney disease, or puppy growth). You can find a great source of pet food ingredients explained here.

What About “Complete and Balanced” Claims?

Look for a statement that the food meets AAFCO or NRC standards. These organizations establish nutritional requirements for dogs and cats.

A good label should include something like:

“Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.”

If a food doesn’t meet these standards, it may serve in a pinch but likely will not be suitable for long-term feeding.

Marketing Terms vs. Nutritional Truth

Be wary of unregulated claims such as:

• “All natural” – No legal definition in Canada
  
• “Holistic” – Purely a marketing term
  
• “Premium” or “Gourmet” – No regulated meaning
  
• “Grain-free” – May be useful for allergies, but not inherently healthier
  

Always verify these claims by reviewing the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis. When in doubt, ask your vet—especially if your pet has allergies, sensitivities, or chronic illness. 

How Do You Know What’s Right for Your Pet?

Choosing the right food depends on:

• Life stage (puppy, adult, senior)
  
• Species and breed size
  
• Activity level
  
• Health conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, allergies)
  
• Weight management goals
  

Your vet can recommend foods tailored to your pet’s needs. Prescription diets are often best for pets with medical issues, while high-quality commercial foods work well for healthy pets. Ask your vet for specific advice on your pet’s nutritional needs. 

Tips for Switching Pet Food Safely

If you’re changing your pet’s food, do it gradually over 7–10 days by mixing the new food with the old in increasing amounts. Otherwise, your furry pal may get an upset stomach.

Watch for signs of digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhoea, or refusal to eat. These may indicate a sensitivity—or simply a need to slow the transition.

Make Informed Choices for a Healthier Pet

Learning how to read pet food labels is one of the best ways to advocate for your pet’s health. Visit our Service Page  to learn more about the services we offer and the type of pets we see.

Reach Out To Set An Appointment At Our East London, ON Pet Hospital

Do you have questions about dog and cat nutrition? Are you unsure whether or not you are choosing healthy pet food? At Highbury North Pet Hospital in London, Ontario, we’re happy to help you select the right nutrition plan for your dog or cat. Bring your current food label to your next appointment—we’ll review it together and recommend options to support your pet’s needs.

This blog is meant to be informational only, always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice or treatment plan to fit your pet’s needs.