April 30, 2025
3 min read

Decoding Dog Food Labels: What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Food for Your Pup

Confused by dog food labels? Learn how to understand ingredients, guaranteed analysis, and the AAFCO statement.

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Decoding Dog Food Labels: What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Food for Your Pup

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Choosing the right dog food shouldn’t feel like solving a mystery—but with confusing labels, tricky marketing, and unfamiliar ingredients, it often does. At TelaVets, we believe every pet parent deserves to understand exactly what’s in their dog’s bowl—and how it impacts their health.

Here’s how to confidently read and decode dog food labels, so you can make the best nutritional choices for your furry best friend.

🏷️ Understanding the Dog Food Label: What to Look For

Every dog food bag or can has a required set of details, but knowing how to interpret them is key to choosing the right food.

1. Product Name

This tells you more than you think. For example:

  • “Chicken Dog Food” means chicken makes up at least 70% of the product.
  • “Dog Food with Chicken” means only 3% chicken.
  • “Chicken Flavor”? That just means the taste is chicken—no actual meat required.

✅ TelaVets Tip: Look for foods that list a real, named protein (like “chicken,” “beef,” or “salmon”) first in the ingredients.

2. Ingredient List

Ingredients are listed in order of weight before cooking. That means water-heavy ingredients like meat might look more dominant than they are after processing.

✅ Look for:

  • Whole proteins: chicken, lamb, turkey, salmon
  • Named meals: “chicken meal” (a concentrated protein source)
  • Whole grains or healthy carbs: brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes
  • Natural fats: chicken fat, fish oil
  • Vegetables, fruits, and added vitamins

🚫 Avoid:

  • “By-products” and “meat meals” without a specific source (e.g., “animal meal”)
  • Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)

3. Guaranteed Analysis

This section breaks down the minimum or maximum percentages of key nutrients:

  • Crude protein
  • Crude fat
  • Crude fiber
  • Moisture

✅ TelaVets Tip: Active dogs typically need higher protein and fat. Senior or less active dogs benefit from lower fat and higher fiber.

4. AAFCO Statement

Look for a nutritional adequacy statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

It should say something like:

“Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.”

This means the food is complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage.

✅ TelaVets Tip: Choose foods based on your dog’s life stage—puppy, adult, or senior. “All life stages” foods aren’t always the best fit.

🐾 Why Nutrition Matters: Common Issues Linked to Poor Diets

Even popular or expensive foods can fall short. Here's what can happen when your dog’s food isn’t working for them:

🐕 Obesity and Weight Gain

Too many carbs, poor-quality fats, or large portions? Recipe for weight issues.

🐶 Skin & Coat Problems

A dull coat or flaky skin often means missing omega-3s or key vitamins.

🤧 Food Sensitivities

Chronic ear infections, itching, or GI upset can be signs of food intolerance or allergies.

🦴 Joint Problems

Missing joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and omega-3s can make arthritis worse.

💩 Digestive Troubles

Gas, loose stools, and vomiting? Could be an imbalance in the formula—or the wrong food altogether.

👩‍⚕️ How TelaVets Helps You Feed Smarter

At TelaVets, our licensed veterinarians take the guesswork out of dog nutrition. During your virtual consultation, we:

  • Review your current dog food
  • Discuss symptoms or concerns (itching, weight changes, stool quality, etc.)
  • Recommend vet-approved foods tailored to your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle
  • Provide portion guidance
  • Offer supplement suggestions if needed
  • Help you manage weight, allergies, or sensitivities

Whether you’re feeding kibble, canned, fresh, or raw—we’ll help you make sure your pup is getting everything they need to thrive.

📦 Need prescriptions or supplements? We deliver them straight to your door—fast and hassle-free.

🐾 Why Pet Parents Trust TelaVets

  • 🐶 100% Licensed Vets with experience in canine nutrition
  • 📱 Virtual Convenience — no need to drag your dog to the clinic
  • 🛒 Product Guidance — know what to buy (and what to avoid)
  • 💡 Personalized Advice for your dog’s unique needs
  • 💰 Only $65 for a one-on-one consultation
  • 🔄 Unlimited Follow-Ups with membership

🐕‍🦺 Ready to Improve Your Dog’s Health Through Nutrition?

Your dog’s diet is the foundation of their overall wellness. Make sure it’s working for them—not against them.

📅 Book your $65 virtual nutrition consult today and get personalized feeding advice from our licensed vets.

👉 CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about TelaVets online veterinary care

TelaVets is a leading online veterinary care platform that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians through secure video consultations. Our telemedicine service makes professional veterinary care accessible from the comfort of your home. Here's how it works: • Schedule an appointment through our easy online booking system • Join a secure video call with a licensed veterinarian at your scheduled time • Discuss your pet's symptoms, health concerns, and medical history • Receive a professional diagnosis and personalized treatment plan • Get prescribed medications delivered to your door the next day (if needed) Our platform is perfect for non-emergency consultations, follow-up visits, behavioral advice, and managing chronic conditions for dogs, cats, and chickens.

Our licensed veterinarians can diagnose and treat a wide range of non-emergency conditions through virtual consultations:

For Dogs:

For Cats:

For Chickens:

While virtual consultations are great for many conditions, emergency situations requiring immediate physical examination should be handled by your local emergency veterinary clinic.

TelaVets offers transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden fees: • Virtual Consultation: $65 per visit • No membership fees or recurring charges • Same-day appointments available • Follow-up consultations at the same rate • Medication delivery included (prescription costs separate) Our flat-rate pricing makes veterinary care accessible and predictable. You'll know exactly what you're paying upfront, with no surprise bills or additional charges for the consultation itself. We accept all major credit and debit cards, making payment simple and secure. Many pet insurance companies also reimburse telemedicine visits, so check with your provider to see if you're covered.

Absolutely! Every veterinarian on the TelaVets platform is fully licensed and highly qualified: • All vets are licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the United States • Our team includes specialists in small animal care, avian medicine, and exotic pets • Years of experience in both traditional and telemedicine veterinary practice • Ongoing continuing education to stay current with the latest treatments and protocols • Rigorous vetting process to ensure only the most qualified professionals join our team Our veterinarians have the same qualifications and expertise as those you'd find in traditional brick-and-mortar clinics. The only difference is the convenience of meeting them through a secure video platform instead of traveling to an office. You can trust that you're receiving professional, expert care for your beloved pets from anywhere in the United States.

TelaVets is designed for convenience and speed: Appointment Scheduling: • Same-day appointments often available • Flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle • Weekend and evening slots available • Quick online booking process takes just minutes Medication Delivery: • Next-day delivery of prescribed medications • Medications shipped directly to your door • Secure packaging and proper handling of all prescriptions • Tracking information provided for all shipments • No need to visit a pharmacy or wait in line Emergency Support: • While we don't handle true emergencies, we can often accommodate urgent consultations • For immediate emergencies, we'll help you locate the nearest emergency veterinary clinic • Follow-up care after emergency visits can be provided through our platform Our goal is to make veterinary care as accessible and convenient as possible, reducing stress for both you and your pet while ensuring they receive the professional care they deserve.

Preparing for your TelaVets consultation is simple and straightforward: Technology Requirements: • Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone • Stable internet connection for video calling • Quiet, well-lit space for the consultation • The Zoom app (we'll send you a secure link) What to Have Ready: • Your pet (calm and accessible for examination) • Any previous medical records or test results • List of current medications and supplements • Photos or videos of symptoms (if applicable) • Your pet's weight (if known) • Questions or concerns you want to discuss During the Appointment: • Our vet will guide you through any physical examination steps • Be prepared to hold or position your pet as directed • Take notes on treatment recommendations • Ask questions about care instructions The entire process is designed to be user-friendly, and our veterinarians are experienced in conducting thorough examinations through video consultations. They'll walk you through everything step by step.

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