What’s in Your Dog’s Bowl? Decoding Indian Pet Food Labels

Do you really know what you’re feeding your dog?

In a typical Indian home, pet food decisions often come down to: “Which brand is popular?” or “What’s affordable?” But how often do we pause and read the label?

Between the flashy packaging and confusing ingredient lists, it’s easy to feel lost. But knowing what goes into your dog’s bowl can make a huge difference — for their health, energy, and even lifespan.

Here’s your no-jargon, vet-backed guide to understanding Indian pet food labels 👇

🏷️ 1. Ingredients are listed by weight — not importance!

The first few items on the label matter the most — they’re present in the largest quantities. If “meat” or “chicken” isn’t among the top three, you might want to rethink.

Look out for:

• Named protein sources like “chicken” or “lamb” (better)
• Generic terms like “meat derivatives” (avoid if possible)
• “Meal” or “by-product” can mean ground-up bone or organs

🧂 2. What’s hiding under ‘permitted additives’?

This often includes:

• Preservatives (like BHA, BHT — not ideal long-term)
• Colours and flavours (often artificial)
• Binders (used in low-meat foods to hold kibble together)

Tip: If the list of additives is too long or sounds like a chemistry class, it’s worth questioning.

📊 3. Decoding the nutritional panel

Indian pet food labels usually have:

• Crude protein: Dogs need this for muscles and energy. Look for 18–22% in adult dog food.
• Crude fat: Needed for coat health. Around 8–15% is healthy.
• Fibre: Aids digestion. 3–5% is a good range.
• Moisture: Lower in dry food, higher in wet. Doesn’t impact nutrition directly.

🇮🇳 4. Made in India vs Imported — what’s the difference?

Many Indian-made brands now match up to global standards. The key is to check for:

• FSSAI registration (basic safety)
• Transparent sourcing (do they mention where ingredients are from?)
• Vet endorsements or real reviews

Imported doesn’t always mean better — and desi brands often cater better to Indian climate and sensitivities.

🧼 5. Avoid marketing traps

Phrases like:

• “All-natural”
• “Human-grade”
• “Recommended by breeders”

…aren’t always regulated in India. Always read the back, not just the front!

✅ What you can do:

• Read the first five ingredients
• Compare protein and fat levels by your dog’s age and activity
• Choose brands that are transparent about sourcing and additives
• Rotate between two trusted brands every few months (after consulting your vet)