Understanding fish food labels can be confusing. All pet food labels are regulated at the federal level by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine. They establish certain standards that must be adhered to by all companies producing pet foods. Some states also have their own regulatory bodies for pet food labels, but not every state does this.
In understanding fish food labels, consumers generally begin with the product name. Product names can have a surprisingly strong impact on consumers. In many research studies, product names alone have been found to have great influence over the purchasing decisions made by pet owners. The more technical aspects of fish food labels can be a little more difficult to comprehend, so it is sometimes helpful to do some independent research when you are searching for food for your fish.
An important aspect in understanding fish food labels is the "95%" rule. Under this rule, 95% of the product ingredients must be the primary ingredient that is listed on the label. In contrast, the "25%" rule implies that 25% of the product ingredients must be the primary ingredient that is listed. The "25%" rule is typically found in dry food products.
In understanding fish food labels, it is also important to understand the significance of the flavor listings. There are no specified percentages that a manufacturer is required to meet under this rule, so flavor claims made on labels do not have to be overwhelming. In order for a fish food to pass this regulation, it simply must contain enough flavor for that particular flavor to be detected in the food.
The net quantity statement will tell you how much product is in a container. There are numerous regulations that the FDA enforces in regards to this feature of pet food labels, so the best thing that you, as a consumer, can do is to research individual products on your own if you have questions or concerns about any of them. Another thing to consider in understanding fish food labels is the actual ingredients section. The ingredients should be listed in order of their predominance by weight. In other words, the more of a particular ingredient that is present in the food, the higher it should be listed in the ingredients section.
Some manufacturers will include guarantees on their labels, so if you are very concerned about product content, you may want to utilize these products. It is also good to remember in understanding fish food labels, that feeding directions should be listed on the packaging.
