The importance of understanding dog-food labels cannot be overemphasized, especially now, in the wake of the pet-food recalls of 2007. The adage says, "We are what we eat," and the same applies to our dogs. If our dogs eat junk food with cheap or inappropriate ingredients, they will eventually suffer for it.
The Regulation of Labels
The makers of dog foods cannot label dog foods as they wish; they are requiredto follow a number of different regulations as to what must be on the label. This can help the consumer because certain information is required to be on the label, but it can also hunt the consumer because other information is not allowed. This quagmire has been created by a number of different agencies.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a division called the Center for Veterinary Medicin (CVM). The CVM specifies what ingredients are allowed in foods and what manufacturing processes are allowed, and they set the standards for health claims for the foods. For example, if a manufacturer says a food will prevent or help treat a specific condition, that claim must be substantiated through the FDA first.
Want to read the full story? Pick up the November 2007 issue of DOG WORLD today, or subscribe to receive the best dog articles, dog news, and dog information every month!