How to Read Pet Food Labels: What to Look For, What to Avoid — The Ultimate Guide for Indian Pet Parents.

wpwagsandpaws
May 19
3 min read

As loving pet parents, we want to make the best choices for our furry companions — and it all starts with what goes into their bowl. But with so many pet food products flooding the Indian market, full of unfamiliar terms and tiny print, reading a pet food label can feel overwhelming.

Don’t worry — we’re here to break it down simply and clearly, so you can confidently pick healthy, nutritious food for your dog or cat.

Why Reading Pet Food Labels Matters in India

India’s pet food industry is booming, with more options than ever before. But not all products are created equal. Some may contain low-quality fillers, artificial additives, or unclear ingredients that could harm your pet’s health over time.

Knowing how to read labels helps you avoid poor-quality products and select foods that provide real nutrition and wellness benefits for your pet.

1. Ingredients Come in Order of Quantity

Just like human food, pet food ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. That means the first three ingredients matter most.

✅ Look for: Named, high-quality proteins such as chicken, lamb, duck, or salmon as the top ingredients. These ensure your pet gets real, wholesome nutrition.

🚫 Avoid: Vague terms like “meat meal,” “animal digest,” or “meat by-products,” as well as fillers like corn, wheat, or animal fat, which add little nutritional value.

2. Avoid Artificial Preservatives & Colors

Your pet doesn’t need bright colors, artificial flavors, or harmful chemicals in their food.

✅ Look for: Preservative-free products or those using natural preservatives like Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), which help keep food fresh without toxins.

🚫 Avoid: Artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, and synthetic dyes that can negatively impact your pet’s health.

3. Grain-Free Isn’t Just a Trend — It’s a Thoughtful Choice

While not all grains are bad, some Indian pets have sensitivities to common grains like corn, wheat, or soy.

✅ Look for: Grain-free or gluten-free recipes that are easy to digest and reduce allergy risks. Wags and Paws offers grain-free, preservative-free pet food tailored to Indian pets’ unique needs.

🚫 Avoid: Foods with excessive fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, especially if your pet shows signs of food sensitivity or allergies.

4. Watch for Hidden Additives and Fillers

Some ingredients may sound harmless but are synthetic fillers or unnecessary bulking agents.

🚫 Avoid: Propylene glycol, sugar, salt, cellulose (yes, that’s wood pulp!), and vague “flavors” or “digest” in the ingredient list.

5. Choose Transparency & Quality You Can Trust

If you can’t understand what an ingredient is or why it’s included — that’s a warning sign.

Good pet food brands openly share what they use, where ingredients come from, and why they matter. At Wags and Paws, we use only human-grade, air-dried, preservative-free ingredients you can pronounce — no junk, no fillers, no surprises.

Bonus Tips for Indian Pet Parents Shopping for Pet Food

Always check the expiration date to ensure freshness.
Look for brands that follow international quality standards like AAFCO or FSSAI guidelines.
Consider your pet’s age, breed, and health conditions when choosing food.
Try small quantities before buying in bulk.
Consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary advice.

Final Woof: Be an Informed Pet Parent

Pet food labels shouldn’t be a mystery. You have every right to know what’s fueling your best friend’s body. The more you understand, the better choices you make — for their health, happiness, and longevity.

Next time you pick up a pet food packet or treat, flip it around and ask yourself:

Would I feel safe feeding this to my own family?

With Wags and Paws, the answer will always be yes.

Explore our range of preservative-free, grain-free, nutrient-rich pet foods crafted especially for Indian pets — because your furry friend deserves nothing less!