Deciphering Cat Food Labels

Evaluating cat food labels can be challenging and confusing for pet owners. These labels provide an important way for pet food manufacturers to communicate nutritional information to consumers. However, food labeling requirements for cat foods vary significantly from those for human food. It is important to understand some of the rules regulating cat food labels to better interpret the information they contain.

How is cat food labeling regulated?

The label on your cat food is a legal document. In the United States and Canada, several organizations oversee and regulate the pet food industry and thereby influence what is included on a cat food label. In the U.S., the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) holds the most influence. AAFCO has developed model laws and regulations that are used in various states for animal feeds. AAFCO also serves as the go-to source for ingredient definitions, standardized food testing, official terminology, and feeding trial protocols.

In Canada, pet food labeling guidelines are regulated by the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act, administered by Industry Canada. The Canadian government's Competition Bureau also has a working group that upholds a voluntary code of conduct for the labeling and advertising of pet food. These guidelines require that feeding instructions appear on the product label, and they address misrepresentations of business claims as well as deceptive endorsements or testimonials.

AAFCO has developed several “nutrient profiles” for cats, based on their life stage: growth, reproduction (gestation and lactation), and adult maintenance. A nutrient profile is a list of nutrients that cats require (e.g., calcium, phosphorus), and the amount they need of each. Usually, the profile indicates the minimum amount required, but sometimes it also indicates the maximum amount. These nutrient profiles are based on research and are updated each year based on new information.

While AAFCO provides recommendations and guidelines, it is the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that has the authority to regulate cat food production. Any health claim on a product label is subject to evaluation by the CVM. For example, a formulation that claims to help manage chronic renal (kidney) disease must be proven to do so. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects ingredients to ensure proper handling and ensures that pet food is labeled such that it is not mistaken for human food.

In Canada, multiple federal government departments are involved in regulating pet food labels. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates imported pet foods that contain certain animal products, and Health Canada enacts legislation to prevent the circulation of unsubstantiated health claims on pet food labels, much like the FDA. Products that pass certain tests can display the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Seal of Certification.

What information is found on cat food labels?

Several key elements must be printed on pet food labels in the United States and Canada. These include:

• Manufacturer name
• Product name
• Intended species
• Net weight
• Ingredient statement
• Guaranteed analysis (nutrient content, listing minimums and maximum percentages rather than exact amounts)
• Feeding guidelines
• Nutritional purpose (life-stage) statement

Additional information that may be present on the label but is not required includes calorie content, a universal product code (UPC), a nutrition claim, and a freshness date.

When evaluating cat food, it is most important to check that the nutritional adequacy statement is appropriate for your cat’s life stage. The nutritional adequacy statement indicates that the cat food is complete (contains all essential nutrients) and balanced (in the correct proportions) for a given life stage.

A company is permitted to use a nutritional adequacy statement if they have used computer formulation software and nutrient profiles of ingredients to determine whether the food will meet the minimum nutrient requirements or if they have performed a feeding trial. Feeding trials are preferred but are more expensive and time consuming.

To compare nutrients, it’s best to look for information beyond that available on the food label; ideally, consult a “typical analysis”, which you can request directly from the manufacturer or sometimes find on their website. A typical analysis provides measurements for each nutrient, based on laboratory analysis of the food (rather than the general maximums and minimums of a guaranteed analysis).  

How closely should I follow the feeding guidelines on a cat food label?

The feeding guidelines on cat food labels are designed for the average population of cats that will eat the food. These guidelines are developed based on the energy (calories) in the food and on the energy requirements of cats. Often, these guidelines will present a range of cat weights a corresponding range of volume to feed per day.

"The feeding guidelines on cat food labels are designed 
for the average population of cats that will eat the food."

Feeding guidelines on pet food labels should be treated as a suggested starting point, because they are based on averages and there are a variety of equations that can be used to come up with these recommendations. Consult your veterinarian if you need an individual recommendation for your cat; they will adjust the feeding amount up or down to target the number of calories your cat needs to maintain a healthy body weight. If your cat seems to need a lot more or a lot less volume compared to what the label suggests, consult with your veterinarian before making any adjustments.

What should I know about the ingredient list on my cat’s food?

Ingredient lists are somewhat useful when evaluating a cat food, but there are limitations. Manufacturers can use certain tactics to create an ingredient list that is more attractive to a cat owner. For instance, ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight, and ingredients that contain a high amount of moisture are heavier. When meat is listed first, cat owners often view the food as superior; however, being listed first does not necessarily mean it comprises the majority of nutrients.

Whole chicken has a high moisture content, so a small amount of meat may outweigh some of the dry ingredients in the cat food, and so meat is listed first in the ingredients list, even though the predominant portion of ingredients may actually be grains. Having mostly grains in the food is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be misleading to pet owners who are using the ingredient list to evaluate the cat food.

Deciphering cat food labels can be challenging. It can be confusing to evaluate and compare cat foods based on just the information included on a label. The most important piece of information on the cat food label is the nutritional adequacy statement, because it tells us if the food is complete and balanced and which life stage it is intended for.

Checking the company website for a typical analysis is the best way to evaluate the nutrient profile of a cat food. Reputable pet food companies are transparent in the data they supply about their cat food products and are generally willing to provide additional information if requested. Your veterinarian can not only help you sort through the information on cat food labels but can also guide your nutritional choices based on your cat’s breed, age, and lifestyle. Remember that nutrient profiles are established based on average, healthy cats. If you need a profile that is more tailored to your individual cat, you can work with your veterinarian to select the right food.