Dog Food Labeling: EU Law, FEDIAF, and Best Practices

What does a dog food label mean?

Dog food labeling refers to the legally required labeling of dog food on packaging, which requires manufacturers to transparently disclose ingredients, analytical constituents, additives, and usage instructions. It is the most important source of information for pet owners to assess the quality, suitability, and nutritional completeness of a food—and it is regulated throughout the EU by Regulation (EC) No. 767/2009 as well as by national feed regulations.

In everyday life, pet food labels come in two main forms: as an open declaration listing the percentage of individual ingredients—such as 60 percent chicken, 20 percent potato—and as a closed declaration using general terms like "meat and animal by-products." The choice of declaration format does not directly indicate anything about quality—but it does determine how transparent the food is to the consumer.

Background and Academic Context

EU Feed Regulation 767/2009 serves as the primary legal basis. Among other things, it requires the identification of the animal species, a list of feed materials, the analytical constituents (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, crude ash, moisture), additives, best-before date, and manufacturer information. It establishes the minimum standard—manufacturers may voluntarily exceed these requirements.

The European industry association FEDIAF also publishes Nutritional Guidelines, which establish minimum and maximum levels of nutrients in complete and complementary pet foods to meet nutritional requirements. The FEDIAF guidelines (2024) are not legislation, but they serve as an industry standard and are adhered to by most reputable manufacturers. The scientific basis for these values comes from research by the National Research Council, whose Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (NRC, 2006) continues to serve as a reference to this day.

An important line of research on discrepancies between label claims and actual content: Olivry and Mueller (2019) demonstrated that even commercial hypoallergenic diets contained undeclared traces of protein in some cases—suggesting that label claims are not always complete. Maine et al. (2015) also demonstrated that label claims on commercial dog foods differed from actual DNA findings in a relevant sample.

Vitomalia-Position

At Vitomalia, we recommend that pet owners look specifically for pet foods that clearly list their ingredients with the percentage of each main component, clearly state the animal species, and indicate that they meet FEDIAF or NRC nutritional standards. We recommend approaching terms such as “animal by-products” without further explanation with skepticism, as well as marketing terms without a legal definition such as “premium,” “super-premium,” or “natural.”

We reject: the blanket demonization of all by-products—which can include high-quality organ meats such as liver, heart, or tripe—and categorical statements that equate the labeling format directly with quality. The truth lies in the combination of labeling, manufacturer transparency, and nutritional suitability for the individual dog.

When does food labeling become important for dogs?

This is important when selecting any food, but especially for dogs suspected of having food allergies, for elimination diets, for chronic conditions requiring dietary management, and when choosing complete and balanced foods for puppies, pregnant dogs, or senior dogs with special needs. Trade-off: Insufficient labeling prevents an informed choice, while a too literal interpretation of the label without industry context leads to misinterpretations.

Practical application

1. Check the animal species: Specific terms such as "chicken" or "lamb" are acceptable, but "poultry" is a general term whose composition is unknown.
2. Order of ingredients: Individual ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The first three to five ingredients set the tone.
3. Look for percentage figures: An explicit declaration such as "60 percent chicken" is more informative than simply listing the ingredients in order.
4. Analytical constituents: crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber, for a general nutritional classification.
5. Check the ingredients: Vitamins, minerals, and any preservatives are listed. For complete and balanced pet foods that meet nutritional requirements, ask if they comply with FEDIAF standards.
6. Manufacturer transparency: Reputable manufacturers will provide information on the origin and batch number upon request. A lack of willingness to provide this information is a red flag.

Common Mistakes and Myths

• "Animal by-products are generally of inferior quality." False. Offal such as liver, heart, and lungs is nutrient-rich. The problem lies in the term being used as a catch-all—not the ingredients themselves.
• "The word 'premium' on the packaging guarantees quality." Myth. "Premium" is not a legally protected term. What matters are the details in the ingredient list and the manufacturer's reputation.
• "The order of ingredients on the label says it all." Not quite. Fresh meat contains a lot of water, so after drying, it may make up a smaller proportion of the final product than the label suggests.
• "Grains are always bad." The research findings are mixed. Olivry and Mueller (2018) show that animal proteins are significantly more likely to be allergens than grains.
• "If it doesn't say FEDIAF on the label, it's not a complete feed." Wrong. What matters is the legal designation "complete feed" and the verifiable fulfillment of nutritional requirements—the use of the FEDIAF logo is voluntary.

State of the art in 2026

The evidence regarding the gap between declared and actual content is well documented. Consensus: transparent labeling is more consumer-friendly; FEDIAF compliance is the industry standard; and EU minimum requirements are clearly defined. Open questions concern uniform audit standards, the validation of DNA-based content controls, and the scientific assessment of functional food claims. Initial indications suggest that the move toward stricter audit requirements is underway in some member states.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an open and a closed declaration?

An open declaration lists individual ingredients with their percentages. A closed declaration uses general terms such as "meat and animal by-products" without further breakdown.

What does "complete pet food" mean?

A feed that contains all nutrients in the correct amounts according to FEDIAF or NRC nutritional requirements and does not require supplementation. See also complete feed.

Does the label provide any information about the product's safety?

It provides guidance. However, tolerance varies from dog to dog—if intolerance or an allergy is suspected, a professionally supervised elimination diet is necessary.

What is FEDIAF and why is it important?

The European industry association that develops nutritional guidelines based on NRC research. While these guidelines are not legally binding, they are considered the industry standard for pet food that meets nutritional requirements.

Related terms

• Complete pet food
• Meeting demand
• Food allergy
• Raw food diet
• Energy requirements
• Elimination diet
• Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio

Sources and further reading

1. Regulation (EC) No. 767/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. On the placing on the market and use of feed. Official Journal of the European Union, L 229, 1–28.
2. FEDIAF (2024). Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. European Pet Food Industry Federation, Brüssel.
3. National Research Council (NRC, 2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC.
4. Olivry, T., & Mueller, R. S. (2019). Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (5): discrepancies between ingredients and labeling in commercial pet foods. BMC Veterinary Research, 15, 22.
5. Maine, I. R., Atterbury, R., & Chang, K. C. (2015). Investigation into the animal species contents of popular wet pet foods. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 57, 7.