How to Read a Pet Food Label
Guaranteed Analysis • AAFCO Statement • First 5 Ingredients & Dry-Matter Math
1. The 3 Label Boxes That Tell You the Whole Story
2. Two Ways That Work — Pick What Fits Your Home
Named Meat vs. Named Meal: The Water Argument
Ingredients are weighed before cooking, which is why understanding fresh meat vs. meal matters:
Named Fresh Meat ('Chicken', 'Deboned Salmon', 'Beef')
Fresh meat still carries its natural water when weighed before cooking, so it weighs heavily at the top of the ingredient list and provides clean, whole-muscle protein.
Named Meat Meal ('Chicken Meal', 'Lamb Meal', 'Salmon Meal')
Under AAFCO definitions, a named meal is cooked down with water and fat removed, then ground—so a named meal in slot #2 or #3 contributes concentrated protein once water is gone!
What Product Names Legally Mean (AAFCO's 95% / 25% / 3% Rules)
AAFCO strictly regulates how an ingredient can be used in the name on the front of a bag or can:
'Beef Dog Food' (95%+) vs. 'Chicken Dinner / Entrée / Formula' (25%+)
'Beef Dog Food' means beef is at least 95% of the product (not counting added water). 'Dinner', 'Entrée', 'Platter', or 'Formula' means at least 25%.
'With Cheese' (3%+) vs. 'Chicken Flavor' (Trace Flavor Only)
'With ___' requires at least 3% of that ingredient, while '___ Flavor' only means a listed ingredient gives the flavor.
How to Compare a Wet Can With a Bag of Kibble (Dry-Matter Basis)
Never compare the raw protein % on a wet can directly with a dry kibble bag—water skews the number!
Step 1: Subtract Moisture % From 100 to Find 'Dry Matter'
A kibble at 10% moisture is 90% dry matter. A wet can at 78% moisture is 22% dry matter.
Step 2: Divide Protein % by Dry Matter % (× 100)
A wet can with 10% protein and 78% moisture is actually 45% protein on a dry-matter basis (10 ÷ 22 × 100)—often higher in protein than a 28% protein kibble (31% dry-matter)!
3. Flagship Brands We Carry & How Each Maker Describes Its Line
How to Store Kibble & Wet Food So It Stays Fresh:
Store kibble inside its original barrier bag (squeeze air out, clip shut, & drop the whole bag into your bin!)
Pouring loose kibble into plastic tubs oxidizes fats—plus the bag has the lot code & best-by date
Cover opened cans/trays immediately and refrigerate; follow the maker's fridge day limit
We carry OTC vet-formulated foods, never prescription diets (for Rx or diagnosed conditions, follow your vet!)
4. Four Keys from Our Pet Nutrition Team
Formulated vs. Feeding-Trial Tested
Look at the AAFCO sentence: 'formulated to meet' means built to AAFCO nutrient profiles; 'animal feeding tests substantiate' means fed in AAFCO trials.
Check 'Complete' vs. 'Supplemental'
If a can or pouch says 'intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only,' it's a delicious topper or mixer—not a standalone daily diet!
Frequent Buyer Program at All 6 Stores
Just give your phone number at the register—no punch cards to lose! Buy 10 to 12 bags of most food brands and your next bag of the same size is free.
Special Requests Welcome
Don't see the exact recipe or bag size your pet eats on our shelf today? Ask at the counter—we log special requests in our Command Center with zero deposit and call you when it's in!
Bring-Home Shopping Checklist
Tap items to check them off on your phone while you shop at Salem Pet Supply.
What to Bring or Check in Store
Label Check on Your New Bag
Home Storage & Bowl Gear
Complete Reference Notes & Oregon Keeping Guide
The 3 Label Boxes That Tell You the Whole Story
Never Go by the Front Picture Alone — Flip the Bag Over and Check These 3 Spots Together!
Temperature & Humidity Zones
| Zone | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Guaranteed Analysis | As-Fed % | Min Crude Protein %, Min Fat %, Max Fiber %, Max Moisture % |
| 2. AAFCO Adequacy Line | Meal vs. Topper | 'Complete & Balanced' (Meal) vs. 'Intermittent/Supplemental' (Topper) |
| 3. AAFCO Life Stage | Match Stage | Growth (Puppies/Kittens), Maintenance (Adult), or All Life Stages |
| 4. First 5 Ingredients | Heaviest First | Listed by weight before cooking; check for named meat & named meal |
| 5. Classic vs. New Box | Both Formats | 2023 'Pet Nutrition Facts' box adds calories per cup & dietary fiber |
Two Ways That Work (100% Stocked Store Options)
Named Meat vs. Named Meal: The Water Argument
Ingredients are weighed before cooking, which is why understanding fresh meat vs. meal matters:
- Named Fresh Meat ('Chicken', 'Deboned Salmon', 'Beef'): Fresh meat still carries its natural water when weighed before cooking, so it weighs heavily at the top of the ingredient list and provides clean, whole-muscle protein.
- Named Meat Meal ('Chicken Meal', 'Lamb Meal', 'Salmon Meal'): Under AAFCO definitions, a named meal is cooked down with water and fat removed, then ground—so a named meal in slot #2 or #3 contributes concentrated protein once water is gone!
What Product Names Legally Mean (AAFCO's 95% / 25% / 3% Rules)
AAFCO strictly regulates how an ingredient can be used in the name on the front of a bag or can:
- 'Beef Dog Food' (95%+) vs. 'Chicken Dinner / Entrée / Formula' (25%+): 'Beef Dog Food' means beef is at least 95% of the product (not counting added water). 'Dinner', 'Entrée', 'Platter', or 'Formula' means at least 25%.
- 'With Cheese' (3%+) vs. 'Chicken Flavor' (Trace Flavor Only): 'With ___' requires at least 3% of that ingredient, while '___ Flavor' only means a listed ingredient gives the flavor.
How to Compare a Wet Can With a Bag of Kibble (Dry-Matter Basis)
Never compare the raw protein % on a wet can directly with a dry kibble bag—water skews the number!
- Step 1: Subtract Moisture % From 100 to Find 'Dry Matter': A kibble at 10% moisture is 90% dry matter. A wet can at 78% moisture is 22% dry matter.
- Step 2: Divide Protein % by Dry Matter % (× 100): A wet can with 10% protein and 78% moisture is actually 45% protein on a dry-matter basis (10 ÷ 22 × 100)—often higher in protein than a 28% protein kibble (31% dry-matter)!
Flagship Brands We Carry & How Each Maker Describes Its Line
We Quote AAFCO & the Maker's Own Label — Let's Flip the Bag Over Together on the Floor!
- Meat-First & WholePrey (Acana, Orijen & Nulo): Acana leads with 'fresh or raw meat as our first two ingredients'; Orijen builds around 'WholePrey Nutrition'; Nulo focuses on 'High Animal-Based Protein to support lean muscles.'
- Gut-Focused & Family-Owned (NutriSource, Fromm & Farmina N&D): NutriSource includes its 'Good 4 Life' gut-support system; Fromm is a 5th-generation Wisconsin family maker (since 1904); Farmina N&D ('Natural & Delicious') highlights a 'Low Glycemic Index' and natural antioxidants.
- Simple, Traceable & Unique Proteins (FirstMate, PureVita, Zignature, Taste of the Wild & Open Farm): FirstMate ('The Best Nutrition is Simple'), PureVita ('Limited ingredients, single-source proteins'), Zignature ('formulated without grain or chicken'), and Open Farm ('100% traceable').
How to Store Kibble & Wet Food So It Stays Fresh:
- Keep Original Kibble Bag: Store kibble inside its original barrier bag (squeeze air out, clip shut, & drop the whole bag into your bin!)
- Why Keep the Bag?: Pouring loose kibble into plastic tubs oxidizes fats—plus the bag has the lot code & best-by date
- Opened Wet Cans: Cover opened cans/trays immediately and refrigerate; follow the maker's fridge day limit
- Vet & Rx Rule: We carry OTC vet-formulated foods, never prescription diets (for Rx or diagnosed conditions, follow your vet!)
Keeper Note: When to Call Your Vet First: Choosing an everyday food, life-stage switch, or portion check is something we help with right here! Always see your veterinarian first if your pet has signs of illness (vomiting, blood, not eating, open sores, trouble breathing), a diagnosed condition or prescription diet, or takes medications that could interact.
Essential Keeper Rules & Pro Tips
- Formulated vs. Feeding-Trial Tested: Look at the AAFCO sentence: 'formulated to meet' means built to AAFCO nutrient profiles; 'animal feeding tests substantiate' means fed in AAFCO trials.
- Check 'Complete' vs. 'Supplemental': If a can or pouch says 'intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only,' it's a delicious topper or mixer—not a standalone daily diet!
- Frequent Buyer Program at All 6 Stores: Just give your phone number at the register—no punch cards to lose! Buy 10 to 12 bags of most food brands and your next bag of the same size is free.
- Special Requests Welcome: Don't see the exact recipe or bag size your pet eats on our shelf today? Ask at the counter—we log special requests in our Command Center with zero deposit and call you when it's in!
Complete Store Setup Checklist
What to Bring or Check in Store
- Your Pet's Current Food Brand & Recipe Name (or Photo of the Bag)
- Your Pet's Age, Current Weight & Activity Level
- List of Any Current Treats, Chews & Table Scraps
- Any Proteins Your Pet Is Avoiding
Label Check on Your New Bag
- AAFCO 'Complete and Balanced' Statement Verified
- Correct Life Stage Verified (Growth, Adult Maintenance, or All Life Stages)
- First 5 Ingredients & Primary Named Protein Checked
- Maker's Transition & Daily Feeding Chart Located on Back of Bag
Home Storage & Bowl Gear
- Heavy-Duty Bag Clip + Airtight Bin (Keep Food Inside Original Bag!)
- Standard 8 oz Measuring Cup or Digital Kitchen Gram Scale
- Stainless Steel or Ceramic Food & Water Bowls (Washed Daily)
How We Help With Pet Nutrition at All 6 Oregon Stores
- We Flip the Bag Over Together (AAFCO Rules & the Maker's Own Label): At Wilsonville Pet Supply, Critter Cabana (Newberg), Gresham Pet Supply, Tigard Pet Supply, Salem Pet Supply, and South Salem Pet Supply, we never rely on front-of-bag marketing slogans or make medical promises. Bring a photo of your current food bag and we'll compare the Guaranteed Analysis, the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, and the first five ingredients side by side.
- Frequent Buyer Program at Every Register: Just give your phone number at checkout at any of our 6 stores—buy 10 to 12 bags of most dog and cat food brands (Fromm, NutriSource, PureVita, Acana, Orijen, Nulo, Farmina N&D, FirstMate, Zignature, Open Farm, Stella & Chewy's, Primal, Northwest Naturals, and more) and your next bag of the same size is free! Because we track it by phone number in our POS, we can also look up the exact recipe your pet bought last time.
- Zero-Deposit Special Requests & Vet Referral Standard: Don't see the exact bag size or formula your pet eats on our shelf today? Ask at the counter and we'll log a special request in our Command Center with zero deposit. Remember: we carry over-the-counter and vet-formulated diets (not prescription diets), so always see your veterinarian first if your pet has signs of illness (vomiting, blood, not eating, or a cat straining in the litter box), a diagnosed medical condition, or takes medications.
Common Questions (FAQ)
How can I get help with How to Read a Pet Food Label at your stores in Oregon?
Stop by any of our 6 family-owned Oregon stores—Wilsonville Pet Supply, Critter Cabana (Newberg), Gresham Pet Supply, Tigard Pet Supply, Salem Pet Supply, or South Salem Pet Supply. Bring a photo of your pet's current food bag and our team will gladly walk the aisle with you and compare labels.
How does your Frequent Buyer Program work on dog and cat food?
Just give your phone number at the register at any of our 6 locations—there are no paper punch cards to keep track of. On most major kibble, raw, freeze-dried, and gently cooked brands, when you buy 10 to 12 bags of the same size, your next bag is free!
Do you sell veterinary prescription diets, or over-the-counter specialty diets?
We do not sell veterinary prescription diets (if your veterinarian has prescribed a therapeutic Rx diet for a diagnosed medical condition, follow your vet's instructions). We stock a deep selection of over-the-counter vet-formulated, limited-ingredient, novel-protein, wholesome-grain, grain-free, wet, freeze-dried, and frozen raw diets.
What if my dog or cat is a picky eater or has a sensitive stomach when switching foods?
Always follow the gradual transition schedule printed on the back of your new food bag—mixing a small amount of the new food into the old food over 7 to 10+ days—and never starve a cat to force a food switch. Ask our crew about single-ingredient toppers, bone broths, plain canned pumpkin, or fermented goat's milk to support a smooth transition.
