Learn About Pet Food Labels : Part 3

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 3 of 3)

Feeding Directions

Feeding directions tell how much of the product should be offered the animal. At minimum, they should include verbiage such as "feed ___ cups per ___ pounds of body weight daily." On some small cans, this may be all the information that can fit. However, feeding directions for other pet foods are much more elaborate, especially on dry product labels.

The feeding directions should be taken as rough guidelines. They tend to overestimate an animal's needs, possibly to make sure that highest calorie requirements (such as those of working dogs, pregnant and lactating dogs, and certain active breeds) are met. So don't be afraid to adjust portions to your pet's needs, especially if you feel it's gaining too much weight.

Calorie Statement

Until recently, calorie statements were not allowed on pet food labels. New AAFCO model regulations allow manufacturers to substantiate calorie content and include a voluntary statement.

If a calorie statement is made on the label, it must be expressed on a "kilocalories per kilogram" basis. Kilocalories are the same as the "Calories" consumers are used to seeing on food labels. A "kilogram" is equal to 2.2 pounds. Manufacturers may also express the calories in familiar household measurements (cup, pound) along with the required statement.

Other label statements are not required but sometimes appear on the label nonetheless (see "Premium? Natural? Light?").

Pet owners have a right to know what they are feeding their animals. The pet food label contains a wealth of information, if you know how to read it. Don't be swayed by marketing gimmicks or eye-catching claims. If you have a question about the product, contact the manufacturer, your state regulatory agency, or FDA.

When There Are Health Risks

If there is scientific evidence showing an ingredient or additive presents a health risk to animals, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine can prohibit or require manufacturers to modify its use in pet food. For example, propylene glycol is used as a humectant in semi-moist pet foods, giving these products their unique texture and taste. It was affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for use in human and animal food before the advent of semi-moist foods.

It was known for some time that propylene glycol caused a red blood cell disorder in cats called Heinz body formation, but it could not be shown to cause overt anemia or other clinical effects. However, recent reports of scientifically sound studies show that propylene reduces red blood cell survival time, renders red blood cells more susceptible to oxidative damage, and has other adverse effects in cats consuming the substance at levels found in semi- moist food. Therefore, the center is working to amend the regulations to expressly prohibit the use of propylene glycol in cat foods.

Another somewhat controversial pet food additive is ethoxyquin. Ethoxyquin was approved as a food additive more than 30 years ago as an antioxidant chemical preservative in animal feeds. A few years ago, the center began receiving reports from dog owners attributing myriad adverse effects to the presence of ethoxyquin in dog food. The reported effects include allergic reactions, skin problems, major organ failure, behavior problems, and cancer. However, there is little available scientific data to support these contentions, or to show other adverse effects in dogs at levels approved for use in dog food. As such, there is no sound scientific basis to warrant a change in the regulatory status of ethoxyquin at this time.

Premium? Natural? Light?

Many pet foods are labeled as "premium," and some now are "superpremium" and even "ultrapremium." Other products are touted as "gourmet" or "natural." None of these terms have any official FDA or state regulatory standing. Products labeled as premium or gourmet are not required to contain any different or higher quality ingredients, nor are they held up to any higher nutritional standards than are any other complete and balanced products. Products labeled "natural" do not approximate the natural diet of the animal, as the products do not contain whole bodies of birds or small mammals. Nor do they exclude artificial ingredients, since all complete and balanced products must contain some chemically synthesized ingredients, such as vitamin supplements. (Some products will include the disclaimer "natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals.")

For the most part, "natural" can be construed to mean the product contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Artificial flavors are rarely employed anyway, and artificial colors are not really necessary, except to please the pet owner's eye. If used, they must be from approved sources, the same as for human foods. Especially for high-fat dry products, some form of preservative must be used to prevent rancidity. Natural-source preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E), can be used in place of artificial preservatives. However, they are not as effective. If a product smells bad, or the pet doesn't eat it or gets sick, take the product back to the store or contact the manufacturer.

Following trends in human foods, many pet food labels carry the claim to be "lite" or "light." However, unlike human foods, there are presently no standards for "light" pet foods. A manufacturer's light product is only light relative to another of the company's products. In some cases, one company's light product may contain more calories than another's regular product. AAFCO is considering new model regulations to address this problem.

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.