How Pet Foodstuff Is Labeled
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Companies are obliged to label the nutritional composition of the pet foodstuff
they manufacture, just like is the case with human foodstuff. In addition
to providing information on the composition of the pet foodstuff, the foodstuff
package must also contain the manufacture’s contacts, the net weight of
the product and which animals the foodstuff is meant for.
In 2001, the Competition Bureau Canada issued new guidelines of labeling
pet foodstuff so that the industry has a uniform labeling style. Pet foodstuffs
differ from human foodstuff because most of them are meant to singly provide
the required nutrients to the pet. As a result, most of them are labeled
as “complete and balanced” after tests have been carried out to ascertain
that they indeed provide all the nutrients required by the pet.
The nutritional composition of pet foodstuff is tested in two ways. The
most common method is using standardized animal feeding tests. In this
method, the pet for which the foodstuff is intended is fed for a fixed
duration of time, under which it is observed to see how it responds to
the foodstuff. If any of the animals falls sick during this feed trial
period, it is accorded veterinary care.
The second method is using nutritional profiles, which came about through
the help of feeding tries. This test is carried out to ascertain whether
the foodstuff meets the pet’s nutritional requirements during its different
stages of life. It is done to ensure that manufactures have indicated
true information on the composition and suitability of the foodstuff to
the pet. Any claim that is put on the package must be true and should
be able to be proven by the manufacturer if needed.
Like human foodstuff, the pet foodstuff ingredients are listed in descending
order in the ingredients panel, starting with the largest ingredient.
In the “guaranteed analysis” section, the amount of fats, proteins, fibers,
vitamins, water and minerals in the foodstuff are outlined.
The final information in the foodstuff packages is the recommended feed
amount that should be given to the pet. This usually varies for different
types or breeds of pets. Also, the foodstuff to be given usually depends
with the age or stage of life that the pet is in.
Since 2001, the pet foodstuff industry has relatively followed a uniform
way of labeling pet foodstuff than in earlier years. As a result, consumers
can easily know the composition of different pet foodstuffs and make choices
on whether or not to buy them in an easy way. If you are in doubt or have
questions regarding how much intake you should give your pet, consult
your veterinary doctor. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer
to give your queries. You will usually find the manufacture’s telephone
or other form of contact at the back of the foodstuff package.
