Know What’s in the Bag — Smith’s Pets Quick-Check Guide
Ever wondered what’s really in your dog’s dinner? Here’s a handy way to make sense of those labels from the team at Smith’s Pets!
In recent years, raw feeding has become a big trend among dog owners, with many believing it’s the most natural and nutritious way to feed their pets. And while a raw diet can have its benefits, it isn’t always the most practical or even the most suitable option for every dog or lifestyle.
Between busy schedules, storage needs, raw feeding simply doesn’t work for everyone. But here’s the good news: a well-balanced dry or wet food can offer the same health benefits strong muscles, shiny coat, good digestion, and steady energy when it’s made with quality ingredients.
Just because your dog’s food doesn’t look like a freshly caught rabbit or a slab of raw meat doesn’t mean it’s poor quality. The key is understanding what’s in the bag or tin learning to spot real, nutritious ingredients and avoid the cheap fillers that add little more than bulk.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to tell the difference between quality nutrition and clever marketing, so you can feel confident that you’re feeding your dog the best and truly getting your money’s worth.
Ingredients — What Comes First Counts
When it comes to choosing your dog’s food, the ingredient list tells the real story.
Ingredients are always listed in order of weight, which means the first few make up most of what’s in the bag.
So, if you see meat listed first, that’s a great sign — it means the food is built around real protein, not fillers.
✅ What to Look For:
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Clearly named meats like chicken, lamb, beef, or salmon.
🚫 What to Avoid:
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Vague phrases like “meat and animal derivatives”, “meat meal (unspecified)”, or “animal by-products.”
These can mean almost anything. -
In many cases, “meat derivatives” refer to parts of a slaughtered animal that aren’t muscle meat — such as organs, offal, connective tissue, and other pieces not used for human food.
Essentially, that’s the leftovers from the slaughtering process — the waste parts that offer little consistent nutritional value
Protein — The Building Block of Good Health
Protein is the foundation of your dog’s muscles, skin, and coat. Once eaten, it’s broken down into amino acids — the essential building blocks the body uses to repair tissue and keep your dog looking and feeling their best.
✅ What to Look For:
- Clearly named meats such as fresh chicken, lamb meal, or deboned fish.
These are high-quality, easily digestible protein sources that support strength, coat shine, and overall health.
🚫 What to Avoid:
Vague ingredients like “meat meal” or “animal protein” without specifying the source.
These could come from mixed or low-grade proteins and may cause allergies, digestive upset, or long-term health issues.
💡 Ideal range: Look for 22–30% crude protein in your dog’s food.
Active dogs and growing puppies may benefit from slightly higher levels to fuel their energy and growth.
Fats — The Secret to Shine, Skin, and Stamina
Fats play a vital role in your dog’s overall health. They support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and joint function, while also serving as a concentrated source of energy.
Dogs with high activity levels or working roles need more dietary fat to fuel their energy, whereas older dogs or smaller breeds often do better on lower-fat diets to help maintain a healthy weight.
✅ What to Look For:
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Named fat sources like chicken fat, salmon oil, or flaxseed oil.
These provide essential fatty acids that boost skin health, coat shine, and overall vitality.
🚫 What to Avoid:
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Vague ingredients like “animal fats” or “meat fats”.
These can come from mixed or low-quality sources, offering little nutritional benefit. Remember — clear labelling is a sign of transparency and trustworthy formulation.
💡 Ideal range: 10–20% crude fat, with higher levels best suited to active or working dogs
Fibre & Carbohydrates — Balance for Digestion and Energy
Fibre plays an important role in your dog’s digestion and overall well being. A little goes a long way — it helps keep the digestive system running smoothly, supports regular bowel movements, and helps your dog feel full between meals.
However, too much fibre 🚫 can reduce the overall nutritional value of the food. Some brands use it to bulk up recipes cheaply, leaving less room for the ingredients that truly matter.
✅ What to Look For:
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Wholesome, natural sources like beet pulp, sweet potato, oats, and vegetables.
These provide slow-release energy and gentle fibre that’s easy on your dog’s tummy.
🚫 What to Avoid:
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Fillers such as wheat, maize (corn), or soy.
These are often used to cut costs and can sometimes trigger allergies or sensitivities, especially in dogs with delicate stomachs.
💡 Ideal range: 2–6% crude fibre, depending on your dog’s size, breed, and activity level.
Extra Goodies to Spot
It’s not just about protein, fats, and fibre a few added extras can make a big difference to your dog’s overall health. Here’s what to look for on the label:
✅ Added vitamins and minerals Vitamins A, D₃, E, plus zinc, iron, and copper help support immunity, strong bones, and a healthy coat.
Natural sources: liver, eggs, leafy greens, oily fish.
✅ Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids Keep skin soft, reduce inflammation, and give that glossy coat.
Natural sources: salmon, sardines, flaxseed, or chia.
✅ Prebiotics for gut health Feed the “good bacteria” in your dog’s tummy for better digestion and immunity.
Natural sources: chicory root, oats, banana, or apple.
The Bottom Line
Choosing quality ingredients over quantity isn’t just about what’s in the bowl, it’s an investment in your dog’s long-term health and happiness. When you feed them well, you’ll see the difference every day in their energy, coat, digestion, and overall wellbeing. A balanced, nutritious diet builds a healthier, happier dog inside and out. 🐾
If you’d like some personalised guidance, feel free to pop in and chat with one of our team members, or book an appointment with Sam, our Canine Nutritionist, who can help you choose the perfect diet for your dog’s individual needs.