As a responsible pet parent, you only want the best food for your dog. But with so many options out there — and new, “healthy” pet food trends popping up all of the time — it can be hard to know which dog foods actually meet your pup’s nutritional needs. 

In this article, we’ll teach you how to read dog food labels — including which key words to look out for, and why they matter — so you can make an informed decision about what to feed your pup. 

How to Read Dog Food Labels: The Quick Read

• The first 5 ingredients listed on a dog food label matter the most, since they’re listed by weight and make up the majority of the food content.
• Look for a dog food that has a real, premium animal protein as the #1 ingredient, like our Jinx kibble and wet food recipes.
• Added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics help to ensure a complete and balanced diet.
• A guaranteed analysis lists the min/max % of nutrients in a food.
• AAFCO is the regulatory body that sets the standards for pet food in the US.
• There are many pet food trends and buzzwords out there — from “organic” to “natural,” “freeze-dried” to “air-dried,” “fresh” to “gently cooked.” Taking a few minutes to learn and understand these terms (by reading this article!) can help you make an informed decision for your pup.

Understanding A Dog Food Label Ingredients List

Dog food ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The first five ingredients matter the most, as they make up a significant portion of the food. Look for a high-quality dog food that lists real animal proteins as the #1 ingredient — like Jinx — followed by nutrient-rich foods that contribute to a healthy and complete diet. Comparing dog food packaging by the first few ingredients listed, and the price of the dog food per pound, can help you make an informed decision about the right food for your pup.

Decoding the Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis lists the minimum and/or maximum percentage of nutrients in a dog food, such as protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. A protein range of 25%-35% in a dry food is ideal for most dogs, depending on their activity level. The guaranteed analysis for dry and wet food will differ because of the moisture content in wet food. 

Using AAFCO to Qualify Food

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the nutritional standards for pet food. All dog foods are required to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, which are divided into two nutrient profiles for growing puppies and gestating-lactating mothers, and for adult maintenance. Look for dog foods that exceed AAFCO standards — like our Jinx recipes — to ensure optimal nutrition.

Checking The Calorie Count Statement

A dog food’s calorie statement is located on the dog food packaging under a heading titled “Calorie Content.” Calorie statements must be shown as “kilocalories per kilogram” or “kcal/kg”. The calorie content will be distinct from (though likely near) the guaranteed analysis.

You’re probably thinking, “This all sounds complicated — what even is a kcal?.” But actually, the requirement that all pet food labels express calorie statements in these terms makes it easier to compare products. 

A kilocalorie is the same as a calorie (aka a big calorie or food calorie). It means the same thing as a calorie on a human food label, but is a more scientifically accurate term. A kilogram is a weight equal to 2.2 pounds. 

Still confused by all of these fancy terms and numbers? Just think of it this way: When reading a dog food label, approach the kilocalories in the same way that you would look at the calorie count on a snack for yourself. For example, our Jinx Beef & Sweet Potato Kibble contains “3,580 kcal/kg, 380 kcal/cup.” Meaning, 1 cup of food for your pup contains 380 calories.

Product Naming Rules for Dog Food Labels

The AAFCO has a few rules around  product naming on dog food labels that can help you better understand what’s in your pup’s food, how much of it is in there, and who the food is intended for. These rules include:

The 95% Rule

When it comes to dog food names, at least 95% of the product must be the named ingredient. So, a dog food called “Chicken for Dogs,” or “Salmon Dog Food,” must include at least 95% of chicken or salmon, respectively. In addition, this main product must be at least 70% of the total product when counting the added water. 

According to AAFCO regulations, the remaining 5% of ingredients should be those required for nutritional reasons —  like vitamins and minerals — and small amounts of any other ingredients.

The 25% Rule

What is the 25% rule? Well, when you see dog foods named things like, “Beef Dinner for Dogs,” “Chicken and Sweet Potato Entrée,” or “Lamb Platter,” that’s the 25% rule in action. 

If the named ingredients comprise at least 25% of the product (not counting the water for processing) — but less than 95% — then the product name must include a qualifying term, like “dinner,” “entrée,” or “platter.” If more than one ingredient is included in a “dinner,” then the combination of the named ingredients must total 25% of the product. The ingredients should also be listed in the same order as found on the dog food label’s ingredient list. 

So, what’s in the other 75% of a dog food that’s following the 25% rule of naming? Lots of times, you’ll find that these products contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat — stuff your pup doesn’t need, that could make them feel unwell or contribute to weight gain.

At Jinx, our product names are a reflection of our balanced approach to kibble. We’re committed to giving your pup just the right amounts of protein and superfoods to support their optimal health — so they can live a healthy, happy life as your best pal. That said, you’ll never see a “dinner,” “entrée,” or “platter” from us. 

The “With” Rule

When you see a dog food label that says things like “Doggie Dinner with Beef,” the “with” ingredient has to make up at least 3% of the product. 

Just the addition of that one word — “with” — dramatically changes the percentage requirement of the ingredient, and is a good reason to pay attention to the product name.

If you see “with” on the front of your pup’s dog food packaging, turn the bag around and look at the ingredient list. You'll often find that it actually doesn't contain much of the “with” ingredient at all — it’s usually buried further down the ingredient list. Always look for the named protein on the front of the packaging as the first listed ingredient on the ingredient list — like it is with our Cage-Free Chicken Kibble (notice the absence of “with” in the name) and other products.

The “Flavor” Rule

The word “flavor” is a bit tricky. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, if a dog food label says something like, “Beef Flavor Dog Food,” then a specific percentage of the named flavor (in this case, beef) isn’t required, but the dog food must contain enough of the ingredient to be able to be detected. The word “flavor” must appear on the label in the same size, style, and color as the word “beef.” 

So basically, when you see a dog food that’s labeled “beef flavor” or “chicken flavor,” there’s probably not much real beef or chicken in there at all.

Understanding Specific Dog Food Label Terms

It seems that there are always new health trends and buzzwords in pet food, making it difficult for pup parents to know which “healthy” options are scientifically-backed, and which aren’t.

Does “organic” mean the same as “natural?” Is “grain-free” dog food actually better than dog food that contains grains? And what in the world are “novel proteins?” 

Familiarizing yourself with these terms can help you make an informed decision about your pup's diet. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common terminologies you'll find on your best pal’s dog food packaging.

Organic

According to the AAFCO, dog food labeled as “organic” has to meet the production and handling requirements set by the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP). Since specific organic regulations for pet foods are still being developed, the NOP says that pet foods claiming to be organic must meet the same regulations as human foods. So, to be considered organic, a food must check these boxes:

• Zero artificial preservatives, flavors, or coloring
• Zero antibiotics or growth hormones in meat or meat by-products
• Little-to-no fillers

Natural 

While the terms “natural” and “organic” are sometimes used interchangeably, there’s a small difference between the two.  “Organic” refers to the conditions in which the plants or animals used in the food were grown or raised, while “natural” does not. Like organic foods, dog foods labeled as “natural” also contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Grain-Free

If a dog food is labeled as “grain-free,” that means that it doesn’t contain any grains like wheat, soy, corn, rice, oats, or barley. Most grain-free dog foods include legumes like peas, lentils or potatoes instead of grains, to make up for the additional carbohydrates, vitamins, and nutrients that your dog needs for a complete and balanced diet.

So, is grain-free dog food better than dog food that contains grains? The answer: it depends. All grains are not created equal, and if you feed your dog grains, you’ll want to opt for whole grains like brown rice or oats, as opposed to filler grains like wheat or corn.

A balanced diet requires a combo of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to support your pup’s overall health. Whole grains are healthy carbohydrates that deliver essential nutrients, minerals, and fiber that your pup needs to support sustained energy levels, healthy digestion, and their general wellness. 

That said, some dogs are allergic or sensitive to grains. Grain-free dog food is a great option for dogs with these allergies — allowing them to get the essential nutrients they need from sources that won’t trigger skin issues or tummy troubles.

Here at Jinx, we offer both grain and grain-free kibble options. Pups who can eat grains love our Grass-Fed Beef, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato recipe, while dogs on grain-free diets go wild for our Grain-Free Atlantic Salmon, Sweet Potato & Carrot recipe.

Novel Proteins

Novel proteins are protein sources that aren’t commonly found in dog foods. These proteins can include meat from animals like kangaroos, bison, beavers, rabbits, and other “exotic” animals. It's hard to know the benefits of novel protein diets, since they all have different digestibility and varying nutrient profiles. However, novel proteins can be a great option for some dogs — especially those that have food sensitivities or allergies to common protein sources like chicken or beef.

Human-Grade 

“Human-grade” is a popular buzzword within the pet food space — but what does it mean? According to the AAFCO, for a pet food to be labeled “human-grade,” all of its ingredients must be edible by humans, and the product needs to be manufactured, stored, packed, and transported in a way that is compliant with human food. Essentially, human-grade pet food has to be made in kitchens licensed to produce food for humans and pets.

Fresh

The term “fresh dog food” doesn’t have a standard definition — but in general it refers to dog food that’s made with fresh ingredients, with few or no preservatives. 

Fresh dog food can be made at home, using ingredients like boiled chicken and rice. You may also come across commercial dog food brands that sell fresh dog food. This kind of fresh dog food is made in a facility using real ingredients, packaged without preservatives, then frozen. It usually contains some combo of meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Air-Dried

The process for making air-dried dog food typically involves mixing fresh ingredients — like meats, fruits, vegetables, and sometimes grains — then slowly drying them at low temperatures to maintain their nutritional value. Air-dried food is technically considered “raw” dog food, because no cooking is involved. 

Gently Cooked

Gently cooked dog food is dog food that's been cooked to a minimum temperature to kill pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, while still retaining the nutritional value of the ingredients. 

What’s the benefit of making dog food this way? Well, this process ensures that the bacteria present in the raw ingredients are killed, but still preserves their optimal nutritional integrity.The protein levels of gently-cooked dog food are also high, due to the lower temperature cooking process.

Freeze-Dried

Freeze-dried dog food has had all of its moisture sucked out via freezing temperatures and a multi-step drying process. Since freeze-dried dog food has had its moisture removed, it’s a shelf-stable product that can last for years. 

Here’s the process: fresh food is frozen solid. Then, it goes into a vacuum chamber that evaporates nearly all of the ice. A second drying phase zaps away any lingering water molecules. By the end, about 97%of the food’s moisture has been sucked out, but most of its nutrients remain.

Freeze-drying is one way to dehydrate dog food — but not all dehydrated dog food is freeze-dried.

Other Things To Look Out For on Dog Food Labels

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with common dog food label terms, you should be able to make a secure decision about what to feed your best bud. However, when reading and comparing dog food labels,  don’t forget to keep these things in mind as well: 

• Check the sell-by date to avoid buying expired or soon-to-be-expired dog food.
• Follow the feeding instructions on the dog food packaging to ensure that you feed your pup the proper amount of food based on their ideal weight.
• Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and should eat dog food specifically formulated for them.

At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love. Our kibble and wet food exceed AAFCO standards, to ensure that all of our products go above and beyond in both nutrition and taste.