How to Read Cat Food Labels: A Complete Guide

Updated Septembre 2025 | By Hicham Aouladi • ~8–10 min read

Person pointing at the ingredients list on a dry cat food bag

Cat food labels reveal quality, safety, and fit for your cat’s needs. This guide explains ingredients, guaranteed analysis, AAFCO claims, additives, portions, recalls, storage, and common marketing traps—so you can shop with confidence.

Key takeaways

Look for named animal proteins among the first ingredients.
Compare wet vs dry on a dry-matter basis, not “as-fed”.
Match the AAFCO statement to your cat’s life stage.
Store properly; track lot codes and dates for recalls.

Table of Contents

Ingredients List: What Comes First Matters
Guaranteed Analysis: What the Numbers Mean
Dry-Matter Conversion (Step-by-Step)
Additives & Preservatives
“Complete & Balanced” (AAFCO)
Marketing Claims vs Reality
Feeding Guidelines & Real-World Adjustments
Recalls, Dates & Lot Codes
Packaging & Storage: Keep Food Fresh
One-Minute Label Checklist
FAQ
References

1) Ingredients List: What Comes First Matters

Ingredients list on a cat food bag showing chicken as the first ingredient

Ingredients are listed by weight before cooking. Prefer named animal proteins—chicken, turkey, salmon—early in the list. If cereals, starches, or fillers dominate the top three, practical protein may be lower than it looks.

Prefer: chicken, turkey, salmon, beef; clear sources like “chicken meal.”
Avoid vague terms: “meat by-product,” “animal digest.”
Ingredient splitting: peas/corn may appear as “pea protein,” “pea flour,” “pea fiber”—add them up mentally.
Fresh vs meal: fresh meat has lots of water; it can rank first yet deliver less protein than meals.

Tip: “with chicken” can legally mean a small amount. The ingredients and guaranteed analysis tell the real story.

2) Guaranteed Analysis: What the Numbers Mean

Guaranteed Analysis panel on a cat food label showing protein, fat, fiber, and moisture

This panel lists minimums/maximums for key nutrients. Use it to screen for adequate protein and reasonable fat, fiber, and moisture.

Nutrient	Typical target (guide)
Crude Protein (min)	≥ 30% for dry; for wet, compare on a dry-matter basis
Crude Fat (min)	~12–20% (activity dependent)
Crude Fiber (max)	≤ 3–5%
Moisture (max)	~10% dry; ~75–80% wet

Compare fairly: convert wet foods to a dry-matter basis before comparing to kibble.
Adult cats: most thrive on higher protein and moderate fat.

2b) Dry-Matter Conversion (Step-by-Step)

Moisture = 78% ⇒ dry matter = 100 − 78 = 22%.
Protein 10% “as fed” ⇒ 10 ÷ 22 = 0.455.
Convert: 0.455 × 100 = 45.5% protein (dry-matter).

Quick rule: many quality canned foods land ~40–55% protein on a dry-matter basis.

3) Additives & Preservatives

Prefer: vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Limit when possible: BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin.
Minerals: chelated forms may be more bioavailable than sulfates/oxides.

Thinking about DIY? Read first: Homemade Cat Food: Safety & Balance.

4) “Complete & Balanced” (AAFCO)

The AAFCO statement indicates the diet meets nutrient profiles for a life stage (growth/kitten, adult maintenance, all life stages) or has passed standardized feeding trials.

Match the life stage to your cat.
“Formulated to meet” vs “feeding trials” are different routes—overall brand quality still matters.
Find the statement near the guaranteed analysis.

5) Marketing Claims vs Reality

“Natural” ≠ organic or chemical-free.
“Grain-free” isn’t automatically better; some cats do fine with select carbs.
“Holistic” isn’t regulated—judge by ingredients, analysis, and brand quality.
“With chicken” can legally mean a small amount; verify with the list and analysis.

Also see: Raw Diets: Pros, Cons & Safety.

6) Feeding Guidelines & Real-World Adjustments

Serving charts are starting points. Adjust for age, activity, body condition, and health. Track stool quality, appetite, and energy when changing amounts.

Use a measuring cup or gram scale.
Re-check portions after spay/neuter, weight change, or season change.
Two-week trial: weigh your cat, adjust ±10% if needed, consult your vet if unsure.

Helpful: Recognize & Manage Cat Obesity.

7) Recalls, Dates & Lot Codes

Record the lot code and “Best By” date.
Check recall alerts from trusted sources periodically.
Rotate stock using First-In, First-Out.

8) Packaging & Storage: Keep Food Fresh

Dry: resealable bags or airtight containers; keep the original bag (lot code) inside.
Wet: refrigerate after opening; use within 48–72 hours.
Avoid dented/bulging cans or damaged bags.

Type	After opening	Notes
Dry kibble	Best within 4–6 weeks	Seal tightly; avoid heat/humidity
Canned (refrigerated)	48–72 hours	Cover surface; watch smell/texture

One-Minute Label Checklist

First ingredient is a named animal protein.
Protein/fat/fiber look reasonable for your cat’s life stage.
AAFCO statement matches kitten/adult/all life stages.
No obvious ingredient splitting to hide carbs.
Prefer natural antioxidants (mixed tocopherols) when possible.
Lot code/dates visible; storage plan in place.

FAQ

Is “grain-free” always better?

No. Some cats do well with select carbohydrates. Prioritize protein quality, total carbs, and overall balance.

Which is better first—fresh meat or meat meal?

Either can work if it’s a named source. Meals are more protein-dense; fresh meats include more water by weight.

Do I need to match life stage exactly?

Yes—kitten, adult, senior, or all life stages should match your cat according to the AAFCO statement.

About the Pawfect Cat Care Editorial Team

We create clear, vet-reviewed guides so cat owners can make confident decisions. Educational only — not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

References

Educational only — full disclaimer.

Written by Hicham Aouladi

Writer and lifelong cat enthusiast focused on practical care, nutrition, and behavior tips. I break down vet-backed guidance so every cat parent feels confident at home.

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