How to Read a Dog Food Label

Know what’s in the bowl – and why it matters.

Know what’s in the bowl – and why it matters.

Dog food labels can be confusing – but they hold the key to understanding what you’re really feeding your dog. Here’s how to decode the essentials:

  1. Check for ‘Complete & Balanced’
    This means the food meets nutritional standards for daily feeding. All Within recipes are complete and balanced – no extras needed.
  2. Look for named ingredients
    The best foods clearly state what’s inside. Ingredients like ‘fresh chicken or ‘duck’ are far better than vague terms like ‘meat meal’ or ‘animal derivatives’.
  3. Ingredients are listed by weight
    The first few items make up most of the food. Look for real meat, natural fibres, and functional ingredients near the top of the list – not fillers or grains.
  4. Understand the extras
    Functional ingredients like prebiotics, omega oils, and joint support compounds (like glucosamine) add real value. Within’s Formula Biotics blend is a great example – purposefully added to support gut health and immunity.
  5. Be cautious with additives
    Long lists of artificial colours, preservatives, or unnecessary fillers are red flags. If the label reads like a chemistry set, it’s worth questioning.

A good food should be clear, clean, and purposeful – just like what goes into every pouch of Within.