Posted in The Wellness Den | May 13, 2025
Reading pet food labels shouldn’t require a degree in nutrition—but sometimes it feels that way.
Between flashy marketing, buzzwords like “natural” or “grain-free,” and ingredient lists a mile long, it can be hard to know what’s actually good for your pet… and what’s just well-packaged junk.
As a pet parent (and wellness advocate), I’ve made it a mission to feed my pets with intention—because their health starts in the bowl, just like ours does. 💛
Here’s what I’ve learned to look for (and avoid!) when reading pet food labels—and what we personally use and trust for our own fur babies.
🚫 What to Watch Out For in Pet Food Labels
So many pet foods on store shelves are filled with cheap fillers, vague ingredients, and artificial additives. Here are some red flags:
❌ Meat By-Products or “Animal Meal”
If the source of the meat isn’t named (like “chicken” or “beef”), that’s a problem. “Animal meal” can be anything—and it’s usually poor-quality leftovers.
❌ Corn, Wheat, or Soy Fillers
These cheap fillers add bulk but no real nutritional value. They can be hard on digestion and offer little benefit.
❌ Artificial Colors & Flavors
If it’s bright red or smells like a BBQ chip, skip it. Your pet doesn’t need artificial flavoring—they need real, whole ingredients.
❌ “Flavor” Instead of Real Meat
Ingredients like “chicken flavor” or “beef flavor” aren’t actual meat. Always look for real, named proteins as the first ingredient.
❌ Long Ingredient Lists with Unpronounceables
If you wouldn’t eat it, do you really want your dog or cat eating it daily?
✅ What to Look For Instead
Look for transparency, whole ingredients, and real nutrients—not just calories.
✔️ Named Animal Proteins First
Real chicken, salmon, turkey, or beef should always be the first ingredient. No mystery meats.
✔️ Wholesome Carbohydrates (if included)
Oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice—these are gentle on digestion and provide energy without spiking blood sugar.
✔️ Omega Fatty Acids + Digestive Support
Look for added benefits like omega-3s for skin and coat, and pre/probiotics for gut health.
✔️ Transparent Sourcing + No Artificial Anything
You should recognize the ingredients—and trust where they came from.
🐶 What We Feed & Recommend
After years of research (and a lot of trial and error), we feed and recommend PawTree for both dogs and cats. Their ingredients are clean, purposeful, and clearly sourced—and our pets thrive on it.
Here’s what we personally use:
🔸 For Our Dogs:
Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe – Gentle on tummies, full of real nutrition, and great for sensitive pups.
🔸 For Our Cats:
Real Chicken & Potato Recipe – No corn, wheat, or soy. Just real ingredients our cats love (and actually digest well).
We’ve seen shinier coats, healthier digestion, and happier mealtimes since switching to PawTree—and as someone who works in the pet care world every day, I’ve seen the difference firsthand.
🌿 Why This Matters
Your pet’s food isn’t just fuel—it’s their foundation. Poor nutrition can lead to skin issues, chronic inflammation, digestive distress, behavior changes, and more.
But with the right food? You’ll see them thrive from the inside out.
💬 Want Help Reading Your Pet’s Food Label?
If you’re unsure about what you’re feeding—or curious about what we recommend—please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’m happy to take a look at your current food and help you break it down ingredient by ingredient.
You and your pets deserve better than mystery meat and artificial dyes.
Let’s make every bowl a bowl of wellness. 🐾
Come hang out with us on Instagram at @waiting.4.sunshine for more wellness tips, pet care support, and clean living for you and your animals.
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