What are we actually feeding our pets? Here’s how to decode pet food labels, nutritional claims

SINGAPORE – Standing in a pet shop or scrolling online, many pet owners face the same quiet anxiety in the face of overwhelming options and opinions: Am I feeding my pet the right thing?

The stakes feel higher because, unlike people’s varied diets, most pets depend on one primary food source for their complete nutrition.

In essence, a pet’s daily meal serves as both sustenance and medicine, making the pet owner’s choice critical to the animal’s long-term health.

Understanding what matters – and what does not — can help owners make calmer, more confident decisions.

What to look out for on pet food labels

1. Complete and balanced: This term means that the diet meets established nutritional standards for a particular life stage. In Singapore, one of the primary nutritional standards referred to is the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.

I have seen labels stating AAFCO-approved on pet food products in Singapore, but this is misleading because it only sets the standards but does not actually approve each product. Instead, pet owners can look out for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the product label.

2. Life stage: Each pet food product should clearly state the life stage that it was designed for, such as whether it is for puppies or kittens, or adult animals. This is important, as the nutritional needs at each life stage can be very different. For example, a puppy requires more than double the amount of calcium and phosphorous per unit of body weight than an adult dog.

There are some products that claim to be able to meet all life stages. While it is technically possible to achieve the minimum standards, it is likely that the product is not optimised for each life stage.

3. Marketing terms that sound meaningful, but often are not: Words like “premium”, “holistic”, “superfood” and “human-grade” are powerful marketing tools. They create emotional reassurance, but most have no strict nutritional definition. These terms are also not regulated.

“Grain-free” is another popular example. While it may be necessary for a small number of pets with specific intolerances, most dogs digest grains well. For many owners, choosing grain-free is driven more by human food trends than veterinary need.

Even the term “therapeutic” diets or those for specific medical conditions such as “renal” or “liver” diets are currently not regulated by law.

This does not mean such diets are inherently harmful, but it does mean they should not be chosen simply because they sound healthier or have such claims on the label.

4. Nutritional analysis: small numbers, big clues: The nutritional analysis panel lists the major nutrients such as protein and fat levels. It is surprising to many pet owners that there is no regulation that prescribes how often nutrition testing needs to be performed on pet food products.

5. Local manufacturer or distributor information: The next time you buy a packet of pet food or pet treat, check whether there is a local manufacturer or distributor information somewhere on the label.

Licensed pet food manufacturers, importers and distributors are required by law to include this information on their products.

If you are unable to find the information, check with the retailer. If indeed the information is not available, the product is likely from an unlicensed manufacturer or an unauthorised imported product. Approach such products with caution.

What else can pet owners do – going beyond the pet food label

The general guidance I give to clients is to look beyond the label and do some research on the company that manufactures the pet food.

How long has this company been around and who founded the company?

Where is its manufacturing plant and are the country’s pet food manufacturing laws robust?

How does the company determine its nutrition analysis?

Who is designing and formulating the food products, and are they responsive to pet owners’ queries?

Is the company able to provide peer-reviewed evidence to support its claims?

Does it make sweeping statements to sell its products?

These questions can tell you a lot about a pet food company and its products.

For me, claims must always be backed up with evidence, and the failure of any company to produce this is a red flag.

As a pet owner, it is your right to request such information from the manufacturer; its response (or lack thereof) can be telling about the company.

Armed with the right knowledge, you can now approach pet food selection with confidence rather than confusion.

Look beyond the marketing terms, ask the tough questions and remember that the best choice for your pet is not the one with the most appealing packaging. It is the one backed by transparency, evidence and a company willing to stand behind its claims.