How to Read Cat Food Labels

Cat parents have all had that moment of standing in the pet food aisle and staring at rows of cat food bags and cans, trying to figure out which one is best for their cat. With all the numbers, percentages, and scientific terms, it can feel like decoding a foreign language. Pet food labels pack in a lot of information, but once you know what to look for, understanding them becomes much easier.

To make sense of today’s pet food labels, it helps to take a quick step back in time. In 2015, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) launched the Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) project to make labels clearer, more transparent, and easier for pet parents to understand. Manufacturers have until 2030 to update labels to this new format. During this time, you might notice that your favorite cat food brands start to look a little different. While that might seem confusing at first, these updates are designed to help you find the best options for your family pet.  

In this article, we’ll walk you through the old and new label formats and show you exactly how to read and understand the new versions. Once you know what certain claims mean, which key terms to pay attention to, and how to spot ingredients that support your cat’s health, you’ll feel confident choosing the right food to keep your kitty happy and thriving.

Old Labels vs. New Labels

There are 4 major changes that will be required on all pet food labels:  

1. Pet Nutrition Facts Box: This new format for calorie and nutrient information parallels what we see on human food packaging. 
2. Ingredient Statement: Ingredient lists have now been updated to clarify the use of parentheticals and to make ingredient names easier to understand.
3. Purpose Statement: This statement identifies the species, life stage, and product type to support consumers in choosing the best products for their pets (e.g., “COMPLETE KITTEN FOOD”).
4. Handling and Storage: These optional instructions provide consumers with information on how to handle and store pet food properly.  

Historically, pet food labels have varied in format and in the messaging of nutritional information. This variance made it challenging for pet parents to make sense of what they were buying and how much to feed. PFLM formatting will bring consistency to labeling, making it easier to find just the right food for your pet.  

New labeling standards are making pet food packages look and feel more like human food labels, so it’s easier to understand what’s inside. Calories will now be broken down into proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, giving you a clearer picture of your pet’s nutrition. Instead of listing “crude fiber,” labels will now show “dietary fiber.” Whenever possible, vitamins and minerals will appear with both their scientific and everyday names to give pet parents a better idea of what they are giving to their cat.

Measurements will also be more practical, using familiar units like cups, treats, or cans to help you easily calculate your kitty’s daily portions. Plus, the front of the package will clearly state the food’s intended use and which life stage it’s made for (e.g., “COMPLETE ADULT CAT FOOD”). Dry cat food packages will include the handling and storage statement, “Store in a cool, dry place,” while cans will indicate, “Refrigerate after opening.”

In the next sections, we’ll break down each of these label updates so you can confidently read and understand your cat’s food labels like a true pro.

Government Regulations for Cat Food

There are a lot of federal and state regulations pet food manufacturers must comply with. Some of those regulations dictate what you’ll find on your cat’s food label.  

The following items are required on all pet food labels:  

• Overview: The overview will include the brand name, like Purina Cat Chow. It also indicates the formula name or primary ingredient(s), like chicken and rice.  
• Net Weight Statement: This statement tells you how much food is in the package.  
• Pet Nutrition Facts Box: This is an overview of the nutritional information in a package, including:  
  • Total calories
  • Protein
  • Fat
  • Carbohydrates
  • Dietary fiber
  • Total weight in grams
  • Serving size measurements
• Purpose Statement: The information displayed on the front of a package identifies which life stage the product is intended for and the type of product in the package (treat, food, etc.).
• Manufacturer/Distributor Name & Address: This tells you who made or distributed the food so you can contact them with any questions.  
• Product Traceability Information: Based on the information on Purina cat food labels, we can tell you when the food was made and even the exact plant that produced the package.  
• Expiration Date: This indicates how long a particular package of cat food will be good for and when it has expired and should not be fed to a cat.
• Ingredient List: The ingredients appear in descending order based on content weight.  
• Nutrient List: The nutrient list shows the product’s nutrient content. It must include the minimum levels of protein and fat and maximum levels of total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and moisture. Including percentages for additional nutrients is voluntary, but they’re often included as a way to substantiate some of the claims that are made about the product. The nutrients listed must meet (or exceed) the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
• Nutritional Adequacy Statement: To claim that a food is complete and balanced, it must meet or exceed the standards of an established nutrient profile. This statement tells you when the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage, such as adult maintenance or kitten growth.  
• Feeding Directions: These are guidelines to help you determine how much to feed your cat each day. You may need to adjust the amount of food to help her maintain her ideal body condition.  
• Calorie Statement: You’ll see calories listed on a kilocalorie per kilogram basis and as a common unit of measurement, like kilocalories per cup. This will help you when comparing different brands of cat food.  
• Handling and Storage Instructions (optional): These instructions are meant to provide consumers with information on how to handle and store the pet food properly. For example, it might tell you whether the food needs to be refrigerated after opening, stored in a tight container after opening, or kept separate from human food. It might also mention handling directions, such as washing your hands after touching your pet’s food.

Nutrients vs. Ingredients on Cat Food Labels

What’s the difference between nutrients and ingredients? Ingredients in your cat’s food may include things like chicken, fish, corn, or rice, among others. These ingredients provide nutrients like protein and carbohydrates.  

Nutrients in a complete and balanced cat food include:  

• Protein: According to Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, a Purina veterinarian, “Cats have higher protein requirements than most mammals – even dogs and humans. Cats need 22 amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Although cats can make some amino acids themselves, they have to get others from their food,” says Dr. Lobos. While they can digest both plant- and animal-based proteins, only animal proteins provide them with those essential amino acids. Dr. Lobos recommends cats consume about 2.3 grams of protein per pound of body weight. “For example, a 10-pound cat would need about 23 grams of protein per day,” she says.
• Fat: Although low-fat foods are still popular with people, our pets need fat for energy and to protect their bodies and build neurons, according to Dr. Lobos.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Unlike dogs, who need 23 essential vitamins and minerals, cats need 25. Look for cat food labels that state they are complete and balanced. This means the manufacturer has provided the right amount of vitamins and minerals to ensure the food meets your cat’s nutritional needs.
• Carbohydrates: Like fat, carbs often get a bad rep with humans, but they’re another good source of energy for our pets. Grains like rice and corn are some of the most popular sources of carbohydrates. In grain-free foods, however, you’ll see alternative sources of carbs, like potatoes or peas.
• Dietary Fiber: To avoid things like cat constipation, it’s important to ensure that they get the proper amounts of fiber for their life stage so your kitty can have regular bowel movements and good digestive health. Fiber helps support their gastrointestinal health and create a more balanced diet.

What About Those Hard-to-Pronounce Ingredients?

Many consumers are unfamiliar with all those hard-to-pronounce ingredients, which makes them question their safety. Fortunately, a quick internet search can tell you those long names are just the scientific names for vitamins or minerals. For example, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate sounds intimidating. If you look it up online, however, you’ll see that’s the scientific name for vitamin C.  

Claims on Cat Food Labels

Pet food regulations differ from those for human food. Although there is no standard definition for “natural” human food, there is one for pet food.  

“Natural” means there are no chemically synthesized ingredients other than vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Of course, you’ll still see the scientific names for ingredients on the label, but now you know those are safe and beneficial for your cat.  

The USDA has defined “organic” as it applies to both human and pet foods. Understanding the difference between natural and organic cat food can help you decide if either is right for your cat.

You may also see phrases like “formulated to meet” or “animal feeding test” on your cat’s food label. “Formulated to meet” means the cat food has been analyzed to meet the AAFCO nutrient profile for the life stage indicated on the package. “Animal feeding test” means the food was fed to cats using an AAFCO-approved feeding protocol. A feeding test validates the product meets the AAFCO nutrient profile for the life stage indicated on the package.

How to Decide Which Cat Food Is Right for Your Cat

Once you know how to read cat food nutrition labels, it’s easier to evaluate and compare various options and choose the one that best meets your cat’s needs. Take your time and talk to your vet about which pet food will be right for you and your loved one.

Explore all the cat food options Purina offers to find your feline friend’s new favorite food.

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