The order of ingredients in a dog food list generally indicates the relative amounts of each ingredient present. The first ingredient is typically the one that makes up the largest portion of the food.
This is useful to know when you are comparing various foods. For example, if the first ingredient on an ingredient label is wheat or cereal or rice, you know that the food has a low amount of animal protein.
A canned dog food label typically includes the following information:
- Product name: The name of the food, often with a description of the ingredients (e.g., "Chicken and Beef Stew")
- Net weight: The total weight of the food in the can.
- Ingredients: A list of ingredients in descending order of quantity.
- Guaranteed analysis: The guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein, fat, and crude fiber, as well as the maximum percentage of crude ash.
- Caloric content: The number of calories per serving.
- Feeding guidelines: Recommendations for how much to feed your dog based on its weight and activity level.
- Manufacturer's information: The name, address, and contact information of the manufacturer.
It's important to note that the order of ingredients is not the only factor to consider when choosing a dog food. You should also look at the overall quality of the ingredients, the nutritional content, and the manufacturer's reputation.