Pet Food Ingredients Explained

Choosing the right food for your pets in Singapore can feel like reading a very long Terms and Conditions. Between flashy packaging and pet food ingredients longer than a Changi Airport queue, deciding becomes quite a challenge. 

Just as we grow increasingly conscious of what we eat (hi, organic everything!), our pets deserve the same level of care. Knowing what goes into your pet’s bowl is the first step to a happy and healthy furry companion.

Decoding Pet Food Labels

Understanding pet food labels is the first step to selecting the right nutrition for your cat or dog. These bits of information are not just there to take up space! In Singapore, pet food sold commercially is expected to meet AAFCO standards. The Association of American Feed Control Officials is an independent body that has guided feed regulators worldwide with ingredient definitions, lab standards, and labelling rules for over 110 years. Before you add to cart, look for "formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional levels" on the packaging.

Pet food labels list ingredients by weight, with the first one being the main ingredient. If you see chicken first, there’s more of it than anything else. But watch out, because “chicken meal” and “chicken by-product meal” are very different.

Also pay attention to Guaranteed Analysis (GA). All pet foods are required to have this on the label. It’s a list of important information about the nutrient content of your pet’s food. It’s similar to the nutrition labels on human food, but instead of exact amounts, it lists minimums for crude protein and fat, and maximums for crude fibre and moisture. What does ‘crude’ mean? When it comes to pet food labelling, ‘crude’ simply means ‘total’. 

Key Ingredients to Look For in Pet Food

Before you make a beeline for checkout, check the label for these essentials to support your pet’s health.

• Protein
  It’s tempting to shop based on the cutest packaging, but the real thing to focus on is protein. Cats are the obligate carnivores of the family, and they need about 26% to stay healthy. Dogs can handle a little more variety in their diet and do well with 18% of protein. Recognisable protein sources in pet food is always the best choice like chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or turkey. For our discerning feline friends, try salmon or tuna, which they naturally crave. For quality protein options for cats and dogs, shop Boneve pet food here.

• Fats
  Healthy fats are a must for a balanced diet for pets. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are especially useful in Singapore’s humidity, where skin grumbles and itchy patches can appear more often. Healthy fats for cats are particularly important since felines require more fat in their diet than dogs.

• Carbohydrates
  Cats and dogs need carbs to move and keep the zoomies going. Simple and complex carbohydrates are not only an energy source, but they also provide fibre for gut health. Brown rice or sweet potatoes are good options; just don’t forget to feed in moderation.
  

• Essential Vitamins and Minerals
  Just like how we pop our daily multivitamins, pets need vitamins and minerals to stay in pink health. There's plenty of natural boosts to choose from! Superfoods like blueberries, spinach, and cranberries work as natural antioxidants. And don't forget to look for Taurine in cat food. Cats absolutely need it to keep their hearts pumping strong and their eyes sharp.

Making Sense of Pet Food Terms

With so many words plastered on pet foods, it’s hard not to get confused. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common terms and what they actually mean for our furry companions.

Ingredients to Avoid: The Red Flags in Your Pet's Bowl

Just as you'd avoid expired laksa from a dodgy hawker stall, certain fillers in pet food should make you run in the other direction. 

• Artificial Preservatives
  Better to skip it when you see BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. They may keep food fresh for longer but are known to cause health issues in pets. Natural options like vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) and rosemary extract work just as well without harming your furry family.

• Artificial Colours
  Colours may be cute but they serve no nutritional purpose. Your dog won’t care if their food looks like tiny kopi buns, and your cat won’t appreciate rainbow bits in their bowl. Skip the artificial colours since they can trigger allergies and health issues too.

• Excessive Fillers
  Some pet foods are stuffed with corn gluten meal, wheat middlings, or soy flour. Looks filling but these ingredients lack nutrition. They can even upset your pet's tummy or cause allergies. A big no on our pet food shopping list!
  

• Sugar or Sweeteners
  Ingredients such as corn syrup, sucrose, caramel, and especially xylitol are best avoided in pet food. These sweet saboteurs offer nothing but empty calories. Over time, they can lead to obesity and ruin your pet’s oral health. Skip the sugar rush! Your pet's waistline (and dentist bills) will thank you
  

• Rendered Fats or Unnamed Oils
  Vague labels like “animal fat” or “vegetable oil (unspecified)” are a red flag. They may be made from questionable sources and can go rancid, affecting both taste and nutrition. When shopping for pet food, look for chicken fat or salmon oil instead.
  

Common Allergens: When Good Ingredients Go Bad

Allergies are a tricky business. Just like in pet food, what works for other pets doesn’t apply to all. Grain allergies in dogs get significant attention, but true grain allergies are relatively rare. Food intolerance in cats is quite easy to spot. They often show as a skin issue, ear infection, or digestive upset. For pets living life without the grains, nurturepro™ grain-free has the perfect recipes.

Singapore’s sticky heat isn’t doing pets any favours, especially when it comes to food sensitivities. It can make things worse and show up as constant scratching, pesky ear infections, tummy troubles, or in more serious cases, breathing difficulties.

If you suspect signs of allergy, call your vet immediately. They might suggest an elimination diet to help identify the troublemaker in your pet’s food. 

Common Pet Food Misconceptions

Let's bust some pet food misconceptions that are as persistent as Singapore's humid weather. The biggest cat food misconception and dog food misconceptions revolve around protein choices and feeding routines.

Special Features and Labels

Today’s pet foods often carry a range of labels, sometimes as many as you’d see at a busy Singaporean food court. “No GMO”, “free-range chicken”, “grass-fed beef”, or “grain free” are often peppered on packaging. These often mean healthier choices and more ethical practices behind the product.

Premium options sometimes come with higher price tags. It’s best to weigh your pet’s needs against your budget before popping that bag into the cart.

We’ve only scratched the surface! In our next article, we’ll roll up our sleeves and dig in (without making a mess of the kibble!).

Food for Thought

Understanding pet food ingredients is simpler than it looks. Choose quality proteins and fats, skip the artificial stuff, and fact-check if something feels off.

Next time you’re in the pet food aisle, pick up a bag, read the label, and decode it like the savvy shopper you are. Your furry pets will thank you, usually with extra cuddles and kisses!

Ready for a better dining experience? Shop Yappy Pets for quality nutrition in pet food.