{"id":44080,"date":"2026-09-28T11:56:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T16:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/?p=44080"},"modified":"2026-10-19T14:44:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T19:44:41","slug":"pet-food-ingredients-101-what-to-look-for-on-a-pet-food-label","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/pet-food-ingredients-101-what-to-look-for-on-a-pet-food-label\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Food Ingredients 101: What to Look for on a Pet Food Label"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When standing in the pet food aisle, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by labels promising high protein, grain-free nutrition, premium ingredients, and complete wellness. But what do those claims actually mean, and how can you tell whether a food is right for your dog or cat?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a question that inspired the creation of Nulo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founder Michael Landa didn’t set out to create a pet food company. Through his work in pet care, he noticed an alarming trend: more dogs and cats were struggling with obesity, diabetes, and weight-related health issues. As a biomedical engineer, he approached the problem the same way he would any complex challenge, by digging into the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What he found surprised him. Many pet foods relied heavily on carbohydrates and plant-based ingredients while containing less animal protein than pet owners might expect. That discovery led him to create Nulo around a simple but powerful belief: dogs and cats thrive when their diets prioritize animal-based protein and thoughtfully selected ingredients that support long-term health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, that philosophy remains at the core of every Nulo recipe and provides a useful framework for understanding what to look for when evaluating any pet food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should You Look for on a Pet Food Label?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Quick Answer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most important things to look for on a pet food label are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. A named animal protein as the first ingredient<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Appropriate protein levels for your pet’s life stage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Quality ingredient sourcing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Functional ingredients that support health<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Complete and balanced nutrition<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Ingredients that align with your pet’s needs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    While packaging claims can grab attention, the ingredient list and nutritional information often tell a much more complete story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It’s also worth remembering that many of the concerns that inspired Nulo’s founder decades ago remain relevant today. Pet owners are increasingly looking beyond marketing claims and asking deeper questions about protein sources, carbohydrate levels, digestive health, and ingredient quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why Is Animal Protein So Important in Pet Food?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Quick Answer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Animal protein provides essential amino acids that help support muscle development, energy, healthy metabolism, immune function, and overall wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is where Nulo’s “protein-first” philosophy begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When Michael Landa started researching pet nutrition, one question kept coming up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why are foods designed for carnivorous and omnivorous animals often built around carbohydrates rather than animal protein?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That question became a driving force behind Nulo’s nutritional philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Today, Nulo recipes are intentionally designed to feature animal-based proteins prominently because dogs and cats are biologically adapted to utilize those nutrients efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When evaluating a pet food, look for recognizable protein sources such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n