Choosing the right food for your pet can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a long list of ingredients and unfamiliar terminology. At Woonona Petfoods, we’re here to help you make informed choices for your furry companions. Understanding how to read and interpret pet food labels ensures you’re selecting a diet that meets your pet’s unique nutritional needs, whether you're caring for a growing kitten, a senior dog, or anything in between.
What to Look for First
The ingredient list on any pet food product is a great starting point. Ingredients are listed by weight, so the first few items make up the bulk of the food. Look for specific, high-quality protein sources at the top, terms like “chicken,” “lamb,” or “ocean fish” are better indicators of quality than vague terms like “meat” or “animal by-products.”
Be aware that ingredients such as “meal” (like chicken meal or lamb meal) can actually be very nutritious. These are concentrated protein sources that have had most of the moisture removed, meaning they deliver more protein by weight than fresh meat.
The Role of Fibre and Prebiotics
Fibre and prebiotics are essential for gut health. They help maintain a balanced digestive system, support stool quality, and even benefit your pet’s immune system. Ingredients like beet pulp, chicory root, and natural prebiotics are common in high-quality pet foods and are beneficial additions to your pet’s diet.
For adult dogs, we recommend Hill's Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food, which contains natural fibres and high-quality protein to support healthy digestion and maintain muscle. Similarly, Ivory Coat Grain Free Dry Dog Food Ocean Fish & Salmon includes natural prebiotics for gut health, along with protein-rich ingredients and omega fatty acids for coat condition.
Understanding Fats and Oils
Fats and oils play a crucial role in your pet’s health. Look for healthy sources of fat like fish oil, chicken fat, or flaxseed. These provide essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which support skin health, a shiny coat, and brain development.
If you're looking to support your dog’s skin and coat health, ADVANCE™ Adult All Breed Dry Dog Food is a great option. It includes essential nutrients for coat condition and digestive support, along with dental benefits thanks to its kibble structure.
Spotting Fillers and Additives
Not all “fillers” are bad, some, like brown rice or oats, provide beneficial fibre and energy. However, avoid foods that list excessive amounts of artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Instead, opt for brands that use natural preservatives like tocopherols (vitamin E) and rosemary extract.
Artificial colouring adds no nutritional value and can sometimes cause sensitivity in pets. Choosing naturally preserved, nutritionally balanced foods helps support your pet’s health long-term.
Cats Have Unique Needs
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a higher amount of animal-based protein and essential nutrients like taurine, which supports heart and eye health. Taurine should always be present in cat food.
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, Royal Canin Cat Wet Food Pouch Digest Sensitive in Gravy is an excellent choice. This formula offers highly digestible protein and nutrients to reduce faecal odour while supporting muscle and digestive health. It also helps maintain a healthy weight and supports urinary tract function through carefully balanced minerals.
For cats that prefer dry food, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Cat Food provides high-quality protein, vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat, and essential taurine for heart and kidney health.
Targeted Nutrition for Specific Concerns
Some pet foods are specially formulated for targeted health benefits, like dental care. For example, Royal Canin Dry Cat Food Oral Care Adult is designed with a specific kibble shape and texture that encourages chewing, producing a daily brushing effect. It also includes active dental agents to reduce tartar build-up and promote oral hygiene, with visible results in just 28 days.
Dogs also benefit from dental support in their food, and many premium dry foods offer abrasive kibble textures to help reduce plaque.
The Importance of Life Stage and Breed
Always choose a formula that matches your pet’s life stage, puppy or kitten, adult, or senior. Each stage has different nutritional requirements. Puppies and kittens need more calories, protein, and fat to support growth, while senior pets may require joint support and fewer calories.
Breed-specific needs can also play a role. Large breed dogs, for example, benefit from joint support and balanced calcium levels, while indoor cats may need formulas that help reduce hairballs and control weight.
Why Choosing the Right Food Matters
Feeding a high-quality, species-appropriate diet is one of the most impactful ways to support your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing. Good nutrition can help maintain energy levels, promote a healthy weight, improve skin and coat condition, and even support behaviour and mood.
At Woonona Petfoods, we stock a carefully curated selection of trusted pet food brands with clearly labelled, transparent ingredient lists. Whether your pet thrives on grain-free, high-protein, or sensitive stomach formulas, our team is always here to help guide you to the best choice. Visit us in-store to learn more about our top pet food recommendations.
