How to Read Pet Treat Labels: What to Look For

How to Read Pet Treat Labels: What to Look For

Understanding pet treat labels is crucial to ensuring the health and wellbeing of your furry friend. Many pet products contain fillers, artificial colours, preservatives, and by-products that can negatively impact your pet’s health over time. Here’s how to decode labels and make informed decisions:

1. Check the Ingredient List Order

Ingredients are listed by weight, from highest to lowest. Look for treats where high-quality proteins (like beef, chicken, or lamb) are the first ingredient. Avoid treats where fillers like corn, wheat, or soy appear at the top — these offer little nutritional value and can cause allergies.

2. Look for Simple, Recognizable Ingredients

Natural treats usually have a short ingredient list — often just one or two components. Avoid complex chemical names, preservatives, artificial colours, flavours, and by-products. If you can’t pronounce it or don’t recognise it, it’s best to steer clear.

3. Beware of By-products and Fillers

By-products are often low-quality parts of animals. Fillers like grains or starches are used to bulk out the product but add little value and may upset sensitive pets.

4. Check for Additives and Preservatives

Many treats contain synthetic preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, which have raised health concerns. Natural preservatives such as vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or rosemary extract are preferable and safer.

5. Consider Nutritional Information

Look at the guaranteed analysis section if available. It shows the minimum protein, fat, fibre, and moisture content. Higher protein and moderate fat levels usually indicate a quality treat suitable for active pets.

6. Look for Certifications and Ethical Claims

Certifications like "organic," "human-grade," or "ethically sourced" indicate higher quality standards. Brands that disclose sourcing and manufacturing practices offer more transparency.

At My Fur Baby, we keep it simple: our treats contain just one ingredient — ethically sourced, natural meat or vegetable, air-dried to preserve nutrients. No fillers, no additives, no nasties. Reading labels shouldn’t be complicated — it should help you choose what’s best for your pet.

By choosing treats with clean labels and simple ingredients, you’re giving your pet the nutrition they deserve, free from harmful additives. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your pet’s health and happiness.