Have you ever wondered what exactly is in your pet's favorite treats? Understanding pet treat ingredient lists can help you make informed decisions about what you are feeding your furry friend.
How are ingredients listed?
Ingredients on pet treat labels are listed in descending order by weight. This means that the first ingredient listed is the most prominent in the treat, while the last ingredient listed is present in the smallest amount.
What to look for?
Look for whole food ingredients such as chicken, beef, or sweet potatoes. Avoid treats with fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, as these provide little nutritional value and can be hard for pets to digest.
Understanding common terms
Terms like "by-products" or "meal" may sound unappealing, but they can actually be nutritious sources of protein for your pet. By-products are the parts of the animal that are not typically used for human consumption, but are still rich in nutrients.
Meal is a concentrated form of protein that has been ground into a powder. It is a highly digestible and nutritious ingredient for pets.
Reading the guaranteed analysis
The guaranteed analysis on pet treat labels provides information on the minimum percentages of crude protein and fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. This can help you determine if the treat meets your pet's dietary needs.
Next time you pick up a bag of pet treats, take a moment to read the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis. Your furry friend will thank you for making informed choices about their snacks!