Understanding Nutritional Declarations

When switching to a raw diet, you may encounter confusion about nutritional declarations on labels. For example, one might find a raw food labeled with 12% protein while another claims 24%. Here’s why such discrepancies can occur:

Understanding Protein Declarations

1. Protein Content Realism:
   • 12-16% Protein: These values can seem low but may reflect realistic content for products with bone and offal and/or vegetables and fruit.
   • 20-26% Protein: Often unrealistic and may not account for bone and other components.
2. Analytical Methods:
   • Chemical Analysis (CA): Measures actual nutrient content.
   • Nutritional Calculation: Uses data from resources like the USDA Nutritional Database, often missing values for bone and cartilage.

Examples of Nutritional Analysis on Labels:

Below are some examples of nutritional averages/guarantees from Chicken Breast (meat only), our 100% Chicken (meat and bone only) and an example of a raw pet food label that is likely inaccurate which also contains meat only.

The final example totals over 107%, suggesting potential inaccuracies. Calcium and phosphorus are part of the ash component and aren’t included in this total. A significant deviation from 100% in the combined values of moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre and ash typically indicates incorrect information. This raises questions about whether the food has undergone proper chemical analysis. In this case, the declared protein level is likely too high, as lean chicken breast, one of the highest-protein meats, offers about the maximum protein content available.

Considerations:

• Vegetable and Fruit Inclusion: Enhances moisture and balances protein. Our Chicken & Ostrich Meal, with 12-13% protein, includes veggies and offal, which is ideal for a balanced diet.
• Nutritional Balance: Whole raw diets should include a mix of meat, bone and offal. Our foods aim to match wild diets closely, including necessary plant matter for balanced nutrition.
• Transparency of Ingredients: Choose raw pet foods with detailed labels that specify each ingredient. Labels that only list a protein source without detailing the specific part of the animal can obscure the quality of the ingredients you’re feeding your pet. Clear, precise ingredient lists ensure you know exactly what you’re providing for your pet’s health and well-being.

Key Takeaway: Understanding nutritional labels and formulations helps you make informed choices. Not all raw foods are equal—knowledge about nutrient balance and formulation will guide you in selecting the best diet for your pet.