Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
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An Orange cat eating from a bowl filled with mixed food
Staff Author
|September 21, 2015
Pet food labels provide basic and limited information. The labels focus on ingredients, nutrient levels (known as "guaranteed analysis") and nutritional adequacy or a statement by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which verifies the testing method for nutrient guidelines.
At Hill's Pet Nutrition, we believe other considerations must be recognized when deciding on your cat's food to enrich her well-being.
Nutrient Needs
Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis can be confusing and somewhat misleading. It provides minimum and maximum levels of some of the nutrients, four of which are required on every label. Those required nutrients are:
The minimum amount guarantee provides the lowest amount of the nutrient in the food, not the actual amount. For example, the minimum fat guarantee may be 8 percent, but legally the product can contain 15 percent fat or more. Similarly, a product with a maximum guarantee of 5 percent fiber may actually contain only 1 percent. Additionally, because moisture levels will vary from product to product, it makes it difficult for consumers to compare products.
To further evaluate the product, we advise you to obtain the actual nutritional content from the manufacturer through the product information toll-free number on the product packaging.
Young pets may need several visits in their first year for vaccinations. Adult pets generally benefit from annual check-ups, while senior or special-needs pets might require more frequent visits.
Nutritional Adequacy Statement or "AAFCO Statement"
Every pet food label must contain a statement and validation of nutritional adequacy. AAFCO regulations allow two basic methods for pet food manufacturers to substantiate claims.
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Clinically Proven
The term "clinically proven" on a package or pet food label means the claim must be supported by two clinical studies. All Science Diet dry pet foods contain clinically proven antioxidants. Many Hill's® Prescription Diet® therapeutic cat foods are clinically proven to support cats with various health conditions.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
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An Orange cat eating from a bowl filled with mixed food
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.