Which item is required on pet food labeling?

• A. Guaranteed analysis
• B. Expiration date
• C. Country of origin
• D. Batch number

Answer: (A)

On pet food labeling, you need information that allows consumers to assess and compare the product’s nutritional content. The guaranteed analysis is the mandated item because it states the minimum crude protein and crude fat and the maximum crude fiber and moisture (and sometimes other guaranteed nutrients). This provides a nutritional baseline, independent of the exact ingredients, so you can compare products to see which meets the intended life stage or maintenance needs and aligns with AAFCO nutrient profiles.

Other options aren’t universally required on pet food labels. Expiration (or “sell-by”) dates aren’t a standard requirement on all pet foods, though some products may include them. Country of origin isn’t a universal label requirement for pet foods, and batch/lot numbers, while useful for recalls, aren’t typically mandated on consumer-facing labels.