Decoding Dog Food: Understanding the Guaranteed Analysis (GA)

Hey there, PawCo Family! 🐾 If you’re anything like us, your dog’s health and happiness are top priorities. And when it comes to feeding your furry friend, reading dog food labels can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. But don’t worry—we’re here to help!

In this first post of our series on decoding dog food labels, we’re diving into the Guaranteed Analysis (GA). What is it? How do you read it? And why does it matter for your dog’s health? Let’s break it all down together.\

What Is Guaranteed Analysis (GA)?

The Guaranteed Analysis section on a dog food label lists the minimum and maximum levels of essential nutrients found in the food. Think of it as the nutritional baseline, helping you understand what’s in the food you’re feeding your dog.

But here’s an important note: GA doesn’t give you the exact amounts of every ingredient—just the guaranteed minimum or maximum. So, while it’s a great place to start, it doesn’t tell the whole story, which is where we come in!

Breaking Down the Components of GA

Now that you know GA, let’s examine its key components and why they matter for your dog’s health.

Crude Protein (Minimum %)

Protein is super important for your dog’s muscles, skin, fur, and overall energy. It’s one of the first things you’ll see on the GA, listed as a percentage.

At PawCo, we take pride in our GreenMeat™ and pea protein—plant-based sources that deliver all the essential amino acids your dog needs to stay strong and healthy. Whether your dog is enjoying our InstaBites™ or LuxBites™, they’re getting high-quality, easily digestible protein.

Crude Fat (Minimum %)

Next up is fat, which provides energy and supports your dog’s skin and coat. But not all fats are created equal! The GA lists the minimum amount of fat in the food, and this is where quality comes into play.

We use healthy fats like sunflower oil and flaxseed in our recipes. These are rich in Omega-6 fatty acids, which promote a shiny coat and healthy skin while supporting overall vitality.

Crude Fiber (Maximum %)

Fiber is key for good digestion, and the GA lists the maximum amount you’ll find in the food. Too little fiber can lead to digestive problems, and too much can make it hard for your dog to digest other nutrients.

Our plant-powered recipes are designed with the perfect balance of fiber from sources like carrots, broccoli, and flaxseed, ensuring smooth digestion without tummy troubles.

Moisture (Maximum %)

Moisture refers to the water content in the food. This affects the texture, freshness, and shelf life of the product. Dry kibble usually has a lower moisture content than fresh or wet food.

At PawCo, we know that freshness matters! That’s why our InstaBites™ is shelf-stable but maintains the fresh quality of a just-prepared meal. You simply add the water yourself and wait a few minutes for it to absorb. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and nutrition.

How to Tell if the GA is Good: Standard Numbers for Dry and Wet Food

When checking the Guaranteed Analysis (GA) on dog food, here are some standard numbers to look for:

Dry Food (Kibble)

Crude Protein: 18-30% (minimum) — essential for muscle maintenance and energy.
Crude Fat: 8-15% (minimum) — provides energy and supports skin/coat health.
Crude Fiber: 2-5% (maximum) — supports digestion.
Moisture: 10-12% (maximum) — keeps food fresh and shelf-stable.

Wet Food (Canned or Fresh)

Crude Protein: 5-12% (minimum) — appears lower due to higher moisture content.
Crude Fat: 3-8% (minimum) — also lower because of dilution from moisture.
Crude Fiber: 1-4% (maximum) — similar range, but varies by product.
Moisture: 60-75% — significantly higher, making wet food softer and fresher.

A high-quality GA should align with these standards to ensure balanced nutrition for your dog!

How to Interpret the Numbers

Let’s say you’re reading the GA on a container of LuxBites™. You would see something like this:

Crude Protein (min): 13%
Crude Fat (min): 3%
Crude Fiber (max): 2.5%
Moisture (max): 70%

Here’s what that means:

Protein is at least 13%, which is great for muscle maintenance and energy.
Fat is no less than 3%, meaning it’s low-fat but still provides energy and supports your dog’s skin and coat.
Fiber is capped at 2.5%, ensuring digestive balance.
Moisture tops out at 70%, keeping the food fresh and palatable.

Nutrients Beyond GA

While GA covers the basics, it doesn’t tell you everything! Many other important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and supplements, aren’t listed in the GA but play a crucial role in your dog’s health.

For example, at PawCo, we add things like DHA to help the food suit all life stages, taurine for heart health, and postbiotics for better digestion and immune support. These additions make sure your dog gets well-rounded, complete nutrition.

Why It’s Important for Vegan Dog Foods

Understanding the GA is even more essential if you’re feeding your dog a plant-based diet. You want to make sure they’re getting enough protein and essential nutrients from plant sources. That’s where PawCo shines! Our meals are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition using plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich ingredients that meet all your dog’s needs.

Plus, our plant-based dog food, like GreenBites™, LuxBites™, and InstaBites™, is not only great for your dog—it’s also good for the planet! 🌍 By choosing vegan dog food, you’re reducing your environmental footprint while giving your dog the best in sustainable nutrition.

Conclusion

Reading the Guaranteed Analysis section on your dog’s food label doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding what each nutrient does and how it supports your dog’s health, you can make more informed choices about what to feed them.

Next time you’re picking out food for your furry friend, give the GA a quick glance and know you’re one step closer to providing them with the best nutrition possible.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive deeper into ingredient lists and how to spot the best—and worst—ingredients in your dog’s food. 🐕‍🦺

Want to learn more about PawCo’s vegan dog food options? Check out our GreenBites™, LuxBites™, InstaBites™, and Magic Topper—tail-wagging goodness that’s good for your dog and the planet!