Pet Food Labeling Loopholes and Misconceptions

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Have you ever thought about what is actually in your pet's food? Most people buy pet food that their
vet recommends, the brand from a commercial they saw, or maybe whatever is on sale. But the multi-billion dollar pet food industry may surprise you with what they put in your pet's food and how it can be deceiving to the consumer.

There are many varieties of pet food. "Beef for dogs", "Cat Food with Tuna Flavor", "Turkey and Potato Formula" but what do they mean? 

The 95 Percent Rule

If the product contains the named ingredient and is not modified, it must contain at least 95 percent of that ingredient (not including the water weight). So "Beef for Dogs" or "Tuna for Cats" would qualify. However, if it's a wet food, that percentage drops down to minimum of 70 percent of the listed ingredient.     

Pet Food Brands on store shelves

The 25 Percent Rule

If the product uses some sort of modifying word like "Formula, "Dinner", "Entree", "Treat", "Nugget", etc, then the product must contain at least 25 percent of that ingredient for dry food. However, that percentage drops down to 10 percent if it's a wet food. 

The 3 Percent Rule

If the product contains the word "with", the percent drops down to just 3 percent. For example "Cat Food with Salmon".   

The Flavor Rule  

If the product says "Dog Food with Lamb Flavor", there is no minimum percentage of lamb that needs to be included. In fact, the product doesn't even need to include any of the "flavored" ingredient. The problem with products like these is that they are placed next to items with higher percentages of actual ingredients and may deceive consumers.   

Combination Rule

If the product is a combination of ingredients, for instance "Salmon and Lobster for cats", then the combination must equal the minimum percent required. Also, the first ingredient listed must make up the majority of the two. So in essence, there could be 85 percent salmon and 10 percent of lobster. Also, this combination rule only applies to meats/proteins, so if the product name was "Turkey and Potatoes for Dogs", then there must be at least 95 percent turkey. 

Dry pet food

Other Loopholes 

Claims that a pet food is for a specific breed or age have no regulations. So if a product is made for "Seniors" or "Labradors", the manufacturer could very well be using the same formula as the "regular" product and may be charging a higher price.   

The Bottom Line 

The primary governing body for pet food in the US is AAFCO in addition to the FDA. All manufacturers must list the ingredients in descending order of weight. Marketers may use some of these loopholes to position various types of pet food in a potentially deceptive way, but just know the facts. If you're concerned about what's in your pet's food, check the ingredients or talk to your veterinarian.