Figuring out how to navigate the world of nutrition labels can feel like a challenging puzzle, whether it's for you or your furry friend. But the puzzle doesn't have to stay unsolved!
This guide is designed to break down the mystery and help you make sense of those numbers and percentages. By understanding nutrition labels for both humans and pets, you can make informed choices, ensuring optimal health and well-being for everyone in your household.
How to Make Sense of Nutrition Labels for Humans and Pets
Nutrition labels can be confusing, but if you know how to read them, you’ll be able to understand exactly what you and your pets are eating. Here’s how to make sense of nutrition labels.
Serving Size
Labels will show the nutrition facts for one suggested serving. If you, say, eat twice the serving size, you’ll need to double the values on the label. For animal food, the serving size may change depending on the weight of your pet. For example, this quality turkey tail blend does this.
Calories
On nutrition labels for both humans and pets, calories provide the energy value of the food. High-calorie foods provide lots of energy but can also cause weight gain if eaten in excess. For a balanced diet, strike a balance between adequate caloric intake and regular physical exercise.
Fat
While fats are an essential part of the diet for both humans and pets, not all fats are equally healthy. Unsaturated fats (found in fish and avocados) are better options, while saturated and trans fats (mostly found in processed foods) should be avoided. Balance is always key.
Cholesterol
When it comes to cholesterol, things get a bit special. While it's important for the human body to maintain a healthy cholesterol level, any excess can be detrimental to our health. Try to aim for as close to 0 cholesterol as possible. As for pets, cholesterol isn't usually listed on their food.
Sodium
Sodium is a crucial electrolyte for both humans and pets, assisting in nerve function and muscle contraction. However, excessive sodium can lead to high blood pressure in humans. For pets, it can lead to dehydration. Checking sodium levels on nutrition labels is definitely worthwhile.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are our bodies' preferred source of energy, and they're similarly important for pets. That's why it's important to look at the carbohydrate content on nutrition labels. Note the sources, too. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are excellent sources of carbohydrates.
Protein
Protein is a crucial nutrient for the growth and repair of cells for both humans and pets. High-quality protein sources include lean meats, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Always check these sources in the ingredient list to ensure you or your pet gets a complete protein profile.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals support numerous body functions in all types of animals. They are required in small amounts, but their impact is huge. Nutrient-dense foods usually provide a good mix of vitamins and minerals. If anything is over 10%, then this food is a good source.
Ingredient List
This is where transparency comes into play, as it shows you exactly what's in the food. For human and pet food, the ingredients are listed by weight, from most to least. However, some companies will use scientific terms for ingredients, so be sure to look these words up.
Expiration Date
The expiration date informs you about the shelf life of the product, both for human and pet foods. Consuming products beyond their expiration date may result in health issues. So, always ensure to check the date and store your food appropriately for maximum freshness.
In Conclusion…
Now that you have an understanding of reading nutrition labels for yourself and your pets, you're all set to make better choices. Use this guide effectively to help create healthier lives for everyone in your home. It only takes a few extra seconds to understand what’s in your food.
