Last reviewed: 10 May 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Lucas Martins
How to read a dog food label
The short answer
A UK dog food label must list ingredients in descending order of weight, state whether the food is 'complete' or 'complementary', and show analytical constituents (protein, fat, fibre, ash). The first ingredient matters most. Named meats (e.g., 'chicken 26%') are more transparent than vague terms (e.g., 'meat and animal derivatives'). Understanding these basics helps you compare products objectively.
Why dog food labels are confusing
Pet food labelling in the UK follows the Animal Feed (Composition, Marketing and Use) Regulations. These rules permit broad category terms that can obscure the actual ingredients. The front of the bag is marketing; the back is the regulated label. Learning to read the back is the first step to making informed choices.
1. The ingredient list
Ingredients are listed in descending order of weight at the time of manufacture. This means the first ingredient makes up the largest proportion of the food.
What to look for
- Named animal protein as the first ingredient (e.g., "chicken", "salmon", "lamb")
- Percentage declarations (e.g., "chicken 26%") which show transparency
- Specific ingredient names rather than vague categories
- Whether grains or fillers dominate the first five ingredients
What to watch
- "Meat and animal derivatives" — an umbrella term that hides the source
- "Cereals" without specifying which grains — could include any combination
- "Vegetable protein extracts" — a cheap protein filler, often soya-based
- Artificial colours (E102, E110, E129) — no nutritional value
2. Analytical constituents
Every UK pet food label must declare: crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, crude ash, and sometimes moisture. These percentages allow you to compare products on a nutritional basis.
Crude protein
Measures total nitrogen-based compounds. A higher percentage generally indicates more protein, but quality depends on the source (named meat vs. vegetable extract).
Crude fat
The total fat content. Important for energy density. Very active dogs may benefit from higher fat; overweight dogs may need less.
Crude fibre
Indigestible plant material. Important for gut health and stool quality.
Crude ash
The mineral content remaining after incineration. A very high ash content (above 10%) may indicate excessive bone meal.
Dry matter basis: To compare wet and dry foods fairly, convert the analytical values to a "dry matter" basis by removing the moisture content. A wet food with 10% protein and 75% moisture has roughly 40% protein on a dry matter basis.
3. Complete vs complementary
UK regulations require every pet food to be labelled as either "complete" or "complementary":
Complete
Designed to be the sole food source. Must provide all required nutrients for the life stage stated (e.g., "complete for adult dogs").
Complementary
Must be fed alongside other food to provide a balanced diet. Common examples include treats, mixer biscuits, and some wet food toppers.
4. Front of pack vs back of pack
The front of the bag is designed to sell. The back of the bag is regulated. Key differences to watch:
- "With chicken" on the front only requires 4% chicken in the recipe
- "Rich in chicken" requires at least 14% chicken
- "Chicken dinner" or "chicken recipe" requires at least 26%
- Only "chicken" as the product name requires at least 65% chicken
Safety notice
This page provides general educational information about dog nutrition. It is not a veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan. If your dog is unwell, has a diagnosed condition, is under 12 months old, or is pregnant or lactating, please contact a veterinary surgeon registered with the RCVS.
Frequently asked questions
What does "meat and animal derivatives" mean on a dog food label?
It is a legally permitted umbrella term covering various animal-sourced ingredients. It does not specify which animal or which parts. Labels using this term are less transparent than those naming specific meats (e.g., "chicken 26%").
Should the first ingredient be meat?
In higher-quality foods, a named meat is typically the first ingredient. However, fresh meat contains water, so its weight drops significantly after cooking. Dry foods may list a meat meal (e.g., "chicken meal") which is already dehydrated and gives a more accurate picture of protein content.
What are "analytical constituents"?
They are the nutritional breakdown required on all UK labels: crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, crude ash, and moisture. These numbers help you compare the actual nutritional content between products.
Is "complete" food better than "complementary" food?
"Complete" means the food is designed to be the sole diet for a healthy adult dog. "Complementary" means it must be fed alongside other food. Neither is inherently better, but a "complete" food must meet all daily nutritional requirements.
About the Founder: Dr. Lucas Martins — Built with transparent criteria, careful label review, and clear educational boundaries.