Properly Reading Dog Food Labels - Allowing Your Dog to Get the Most Out of Their Food
The dog food label tells us many important facts and figures that may otherwise dissuade or persuade us from purchasing the food.
In short, it is IMPORTANT to read the labels.
To actually read that label, and not to just give it a cursory glance, we will have to first know a little something about what can be found there and what it means.
PRODUCT NAME The first thing most of us notice on any label is the product name.
This, to many, is part of being a savvy shopper; to know what we are buying.
Of course, manufacturers are going to polish up their product in order to appeal to a greater mass.
This is where diligence and observance comes in on the consumer's part; you really have to know what you are buying.
Only 1/4 of the entire product needs to consist of those named products so when you have a product such as that Lamb Dinner, the lamb may not be the main ingredient.
Ingredients must be listed in a descending order of weight.
So, even though the bag says Lamb Dinner, the lamb may be fourth in order.
NET QUANTITY STATEMENT Basically, the net quantity statement is how much of the product is in the container.
There are many regulations stating where this information needs to be displayed and in what format.
The quantity statement is used to compare products in order to determine which offers the best value.
The problem is that very few consumers bother to look at this statement.
Even if they do read the ingredients and other nutritional facts, the net quantity statement goes ignored.
The net quantity statement is one of the most important items to consider when comparing products and price.
It is recommended that consumers compare dog food products on a cost-per-ounce or even a cost per-pound basis.
Also, remember that quality vs quantity is an important indicator when purchasing brands.
If you are comparing the same brand of differing size, but are unsure what to buy in order to save the most, remember that often times the smaller size bags are also the higher price per pound.
In short, it is IMPORTANT to read the labels.
To actually read that label, and not to just give it a cursory glance, we will have to first know a little something about what can be found there and what it means.
PRODUCT NAME The first thing most of us notice on any label is the product name.
This, to many, is part of being a savvy shopper; to know what we are buying.
Of course, manufacturers are going to polish up their product in order to appeal to a greater mass.
This is where diligence and observance comes in on the consumer's part; you really have to know what you are buying.
Only 1/4 of the entire product needs to consist of those named products so when you have a product such as that Lamb Dinner, the lamb may not be the main ingredient.
Ingredients must be listed in a descending order of weight.
So, even though the bag says Lamb Dinner, the lamb may be fourth in order.
NET QUANTITY STATEMENT Basically, the net quantity statement is how much of the product is in the container.
There are many regulations stating where this information needs to be displayed and in what format.
The quantity statement is used to compare products in order to determine which offers the best value.
The problem is that very few consumers bother to look at this statement.
Even if they do read the ingredients and other nutritional facts, the net quantity statement goes ignored.
The net quantity statement is one of the most important items to consider when comparing products and price.
It is recommended that consumers compare dog food products on a cost-per-ounce or even a cost per-pound basis.
Also, remember that quality vs quantity is an important indicator when purchasing brands.
If you are comparing the same brand of differing size, but are unsure what to buy in order to save the most, remember that often times the smaller size bags are also the higher price per pound.
