Choosing the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming. The pet store shelves are full of options, each claiming to be the “healthiest” or most “natural” choice.
Understanding dog food labels helps you move past the marketing and aesthetic packaging to make informed decisions. Labels contain the information that matters most: what’s inside the food, how it meets nutritional standards, and whether it’s right for your dog’s needs.
In Australia, pet food labelling often follows Australian Standard AS 5812:2023 Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food (referred to as AS 5812 below), which outlines what manufacturers must include on packaging. Other credible international frameworks from international organisations, such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) share more definitions for nutritional adequacy and ingredient terms, which are also referenced in AS 5812.
This article helps educate pet owners about their dog’s diets. Every dog is different, so if you’re unsure about the best feeding approach or if your dog has special dietary needs, always check with your veterinarian before making changes.
The Basics: What Dog Food Labels Include
Dog food labels in Australia often comply with the AS 5812 . It is a voluntary standard that was developed with input from the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Here’s what compliant dog food label should include:
1. Product Name and Intended Species
The label must clearly state that it is dog food and include the words “PET FOOD ONLY” (or equivalent wording). A dog silhouette or image is often shown for quick identification.
2. Net Weight
All packaged pet foods must show the net weight or volume, helping owners compare cost per kilogram or per serve.
3. Ingredient List
Ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight, based on their amount before cooking. This means moisture-rich ingredients like fresh meat will often appear first, even if the actual nutrient contribution is smaller once cooked.
4. Guaranteed or Typical Analysis
This section lists minimum or maximum levels of key nutrients such as protein, fat, fibre, and moisture. It may also include other nutrients like calcium, omega-3s, or glucosamine if the product makes a claim about them.
This requirement ensures that labels are transparent and allows pet owners to compare foods nutritionally.
5. Nutritional Adequacy Statement
This statement tells you whether the food is “complete and balanced” for a particular life stage or “intended for supplementary feeding only.”
- Complete and balanced: the diet meets the full daily nutrient requirements for dogs according to AAFCO or FEDIAF guidelines.
- Supplementary food: this is designed to be fed alongside other foods or as an occasional treat.
6. Feeding Directions
Labels must include feeding guidelines, usually based on your dog’s body weight, to help owners estimate how much to feed. However, these are only general guides. Your dog’s age, activity level, and body condition score (BCS) determine their actual needs.
7. Manufacturer Information and Batch Codes
The name and address of the company responsible for the product must be displayed, along with a batch code or date mark. This information helps with traceability in case of product recalls or quality issues.
8. Consumer Protection Statements
Under Australian Consumer Law, pet food labels must not mislead or misrepresent the product. This includes accuracy in flavour naming (e.g. “beef” must be at least 25% beef in the meat component per AS 5812).
⛳️ Green and Red Flags: How to Read the Ingredient List
Learning to read the ingredient list is key for avoiding diet sensitivities or allergens, as well as maintaining your dog’s weight and nutrition levels. You’ll also be able to spot both quality indicators and potential red flags.
Green Flags (Quality Indicators)
- Proteins are named first: Ingredients like “chicken,” “beef,” or “salmon” listed early suggest the food uses defined protein sources.
- Clear nutritional adequacy: Look for “complete and balanced” according to AAFCO or FEDIAF.
- Transparent additives: Vitamins, minerals, and preservatives should be named individually (e.g. “Vitamin E,” “calcium carbonate”) rather than grouped together.
- Balanced formula: Good-quality foods will show appropriate levels of protein, fat, and fibre within the guaranteed analysis (see “Dog Food Label Cheat Sheet’ section below to see what this means).
Red Flags (Things to Look Twice At)
- Vague ingredients: Terms like “meat and animal derivatives” or “cereals and cereal by-products” may be hiding what it actually contains.
- Excessive fillers or colours: Artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners are unnecessary for dogs.
- Unrealistic shelf life: Very long shelf lives without clear preservatives may indicate over-processing.
- “Grain-free” claims: These are not necessarily healthier for dogs. Some dogs may thrive on grains unless they have specific sensitivities.
💡 Reminder: Ingredients are listed by pre-cooked weight, so moisture-heavy items like fresh chicken can appear first even if their dry contribution is smaller than ingredients like meal or rice.
Dog Food Label Cheat Sheet
This section breaks down key label terms that are simplified for pet owners but aligned with the AS 5812 guidelines.
Intended For (Life Stage)
Dog foods are formulated for specific life stages such as Growth (puppies), Adult Maintenance, All Life Stages, or Reproduction (pregnancy support). This label ensures the nutrient levels meet the physiological needs of that life stage.
Always choose food suited to your dog’s age and activity.
Nutritional Adequacy Statement
This is a mandatory statement that should indicate “complete and balanced” or “intended for supplementary feeding only”. It confirms whether the food provides full daily nutrition or should be paired with other foods. “Complete and balanced” food can be fed as a sole diet while anything else should be considered supplementary.
Guaranteed Analysis
This term means it lists the minimum and/or maximum levels of nutrients such as protein, fat, fibre, and moisture. It allows for comparison between foods but it is important to note that wet and dry foods have different moisture contents.
You may need to use a dry-matter basis for fair comparison.
By-products
These are edible animal parts other than muscle meat, such as organs, lungs, and kidneys, that can be rich in nutrients. They’re permitted under the standard ingredient definitions. However, the quality depends on sourcing and manufacturing and not just the presence of the term itself.
🍗 “Chicken” vs. “Chicken Meal”
Both terms are accepted, and “meal” generally delivers more protein by weight due to its lower water content.
- Chicken: Fresh meat containing natural moisture.
- Chicken meal: Rendered, concentrated protein from chicken with most moisture removed.
Additives and Preservatives
All preservatives, colours, or flavours must be listed by their common name or FSANZ code number. For example, ingredients like sulphur dioxide (220) or sodium metabisulphite (223) must be clearly identified.
Feeding Directions
This section provides guidelines for how much and how often to feed. These are only a starting point so you can always adjust based on your dog’s body condition score (BCS) and energy needs.
Moisture and Energy Content
Some food labels also list kilocalories (kcal) or metabolisable energy (ME). These figures help owners manage calorie intake and prevent dog obesity. Energy requirements vary greatly between breeds and activity levels.
Why Do Dog Food Ingredients Matter?
Ingredients tell us how the food was produced, its nutrition quality, and how suitable it is for your dog’s individual needs.
Some dogs develop food sensitivities or allergies to specific proteins, grains, or additives. Reading labels helps you identify what’s in each recipe and avoid known triggers.
Hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets simplify formulations, using one protein and one carbohydrate source to help isolate allergens. These can be helpful under veterinary guidance.
If your dog experiences symptoms like chronic itching, ear infections, or digestive upset, it’s best to consult your vet before changing foods. They can help you identify true intolerances through elimination diets or allergy testing.
💡 Knose Pet Insurance covers eligible treatments for food allergies or food poisoning.
Quick Comparison Table: Dog Food Types
| Type | Description | Pros | Considerations |
| Dry food (kibble) | Cooked and dehydrated extruded pellets. | Convenient, cost-effective, long shelf life. | Lower moisture content. Some dogs find it less palatable. |
| Wet food (canned or pouched) | High moisture content (70–80%). | Hydrating, tasty, softer texture for seniors or small breeds. | Per-meal cost can be higher. Shorter shelf life once opened. |
| Air-dried or freeze-dried | Gently dried raw ingredients. | Retains nutrients, high in protein, easy to store. | Often more expensive. Must be handled hygienically. |
| Raw or fresh food | Raw meat and veg blends or lightly cooked fresh meals. | Minimal processing, appealing aroma and taste. | Requires refrigeration and strict hygiene. Not all raw diets are nutritionally complete. |
💡Tip: To fairly compare nutrients between wet and dry foods, convert to a dry-matter basis. For example, if a wet food label lists 10% protein and 75% moisture, its dry-matter protein content is closer to 40%.
Nutritional Tips for Daily Feeding
Good nutrition supports every aspect of your dog’s health. It’s the main factor that contributes to your dog’s shiny coat or muscle tone, as well as digestion and immune functions.
Here are a few general feeding principles:
- Choose well-balanced meals: Foods labelled as “complete and balanced” ensure essential nutrients are present in the right ratios.
- Watch portion sizes: Overfeeding leads to obesity, one of the most common preventable conditions in dogs.
- Match food to life stage: Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. Feeding a puppy adult food too early can limit growth; feeding a senior high-energy puppy food may cause weight gain.
- Store correctly: Keep dry food sealed and in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate wet or fresh foods after opening.
- Consult your vet: If your dog has special needs (e.g. kidney disease, allergies, or obesity), your vet can recommend therapeutic diets or feeding strategies.
- Transition gradually: When switching foods, do it over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset. Here’s an in-depth guide to transitioning to new pet food.
Always Seek Professional Veterinary Advice
Every dog is unique. Breed, size, age, and health all affect nutritional needs and what’s right for one dog may not suit another.
This is also why Knose provides pet owners a pet insurance with customisable options, so they can tailor their policy to their pet’s needs.
If you’re ever uncertain about which food to choose, how to interpret label information, or how much to feed, it’s always safest to consult a qualified veterinarian.
At Knose, we believe informed pet owners make better choices, but professional veterinary guidance is essential for making sure that your dog’s individual nutritional needs are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does “complete & balanced” mean in a dog food label?
It means the food meets all essential nutrient requirements for a specific life stage, according to AS 5812 standards.
- Is “grain-free” dog food better?
Not necessarily. Grains are not inherently bad and can provide energy and fibre. Only avoid them if your vet identifies a sensitivity.
- Are by-products bad for dogs?
Not necessarily. Organ meats and other by-products can be nutrient-rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Their quality depends on the source and processing.
- What’s the difference between “chicken” and “chicken meal”?
Both are valid ingredients under the AS 5812. “Chicken” is fresh and moisture-rich while “chicken meal” is dried and more concentrated in protein.
- How do I compare wet vs dry food fairly?
Use a dry-matter basis calculation to compare nutrients fairly. This removes moisture from the equation for accurate protein/fat comparisons.
- How many calories should my dog eat per day?
It depends on your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Use the label feeding guide as a starting point, check your dog’s body condition score (BCS), and ask your vet for tailored advice.
Natural Supplements for Dogs
Knose believes in helping dogs live their best lives. Our partner, PetWell, is an Australian brand dedicated to supporting dogs’ health and wellbeing through natural, science-backed supplements.
Their product range targets common issues such as anxiety, joint pain, allergies, and digestion. When looking for supplements for your dog, always consult your vet and research the brands with the best reputation.
References and Further Reading
- AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles: Nutrient profiles and pet food labelling definitions.
- FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) Nutritional Guidelines: Nutritional guidelines for pet foods for European pet food industry.
- WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Global Nutrition Committee: This committee works to help members understand the important role of nutrition and provides pet food evaluation guidance.
- Australian Standard AS 5812: Pet food manufacturing, labelling, and safety standards.
- ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission): Australian national competition, consumer, fair trading and product safety regulator, relating to product advertising compliance for pet foods.
Disclaimer:
Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) at knose.com.au. Distributor – Knose.com.au Pty Ltd (ABN 70 680 822 986, AR 1311940), AFSL holder – ThePetInsuranceCompany.com.au Pty Ltd (ABN 38 620 795 735, AFSL 536651). Insurer – Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921). Any advice is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs.
Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Marie Boncan
