Know what to watch for when reading pet food labels. These red flags indicate a brand that's cutting corners, hiding the truth, or just doesn't care about your dog's health.
🚩 Vague Protein Sources
What to look for: "Meat meal," "poultry by-products," "animal digest," or "meat and bone meal"
Why it's bad: If they won't tell you which animal it came from, there's a reason. "Poultry" could be chicken, turkey, duck—or all three mixed together from different batches. Transparency starts with knowing what's actually in the bag.
🚩 Ingredient Splitting
What to look for: Multiple forms of the same ingredient listed separately (e.g., "corn," "ground corn," "corn gluten meal")
Why it's bad: This tricks you into thinking protein is the first ingredient when corn is actually the dominant component. If you combined all the corn varieties, it would be listed first—which is why brands split them up.
🚩 Controversial Preservatives
What to look for: BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, TBHQ
Why it's bad: These synthetic preservatives have been linked to health concerns in multiple studies. Natural alternatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) and rosemary extract work just fine—if a brand cares enough to use them.
🚩 Artificial Colors
What to look for: Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, or any numbered color additive
Why it's bad: Dogs don't care what color their food is. These dyes exist purely for human perception—and some have been linked to hyperactivity and allergic reactions. There's zero nutritional benefit.
🚩 "Globally Sourced" Claims
What to look for: Vague sourcing language like "premium ingredients from around the world" or "globally sourced"
Why it's bad: This is corporate-speak for "we won't tell you where it comes from." Quality brands disclose their ingredient origins because they're proud of them. Opacity breeds recalls.
🚩 Generic Manufacturing
What to look for: No mention of where the food is made, or references to "co-packing" without naming the facility
Why it's bad: If a brand doesn't own its manufacturing, it has less control over quality. Many recalls trace back to contract manufacturers producing for multiple brands. You deserve to know who's actually making your dog's food.
🚩 Marketing Over Substance
What to look for: Buzzwords like "holistic," "natural," "premium," or "gourmet" without specifics to back them up
Why it's bad: These terms are largely unregulated in pet food. A brand can slap "premium" on a bag of corn and chicken by-products. Look past the marketing—read the ingredient list.
How to Use This Guide
When evaluating a new pet food brand:
- Read the ingredient list, not just the marketing on the front of the bag
- Count how many red flags you spot
- Check if the brand meets our four quality standards
- Make an informed decision based on facts, not feelings
Found multiple red flags? Move on. Your dog deserves better than deceptive marketing and corner-cutting ingredients.