How to read pet food labels for dogs and cats
Turn the pack over before you decide. Start with what the food is for, then keep the ingredients, analysis and feeding instructions in view.
This guide explains common UK label terms. It is educational, not veterinary advice or a guarantee that a food is suitable for your pet. Labels and local requirements can differ.
Start with the food’s purpose
Look for the animal and life stage the product is intended for. A pack made for an adult dog is different from a product labelled for a growing kitten. Nutritional needs vary with species and life stage. FEDIAF explains those differences.
- Complete
- Designed to cover daily nutrient needs when used as directed, for the pet the food is intended for.
- Complementary
- One part of a feeding plan, such as a mixer or treat. It does not provide a balanced daily diet on its own.
These terms describe how a product is intended to be fed. They are not a personalised suitability check. Read UK Pet Food’s explanation.
Read the two lists separately
Composition tells you which ingredients are used, listed in weight order. Names may describe individual ingredients or ingredient categories.
Analytical constituents describes nutrient levels, including protein, fat, fibre and ash. “Crude ash” is a laboratory measure of mineral content. This panel and the ingredients list answer different questions; neither is a standalone safety verdict. UK Pet Food explains the label headings.
Keep the instructions with the label
Find the feeding guide and its units, rather than judging a portion from a pack photo. Guidelines are a starting point: size, age and activity also matter. FEDIAF explains feeding-guideline context.
Check the best-before date and keep the batch information and manufacturer’s contact details available if you need to ask about the product. See the pack information described by UK Pet Food.
Sources checked on 9 November 2026. Links are provided for further reading; they do not imply endorsement of Sniff.