Why Feed Tags Matter
Every bag of commercial livestock feed carries a tag packed with information that tells you exactly what you’re buying, but many producers skip past it without a second look. Learning to read these tags helps you compare products accurately and avoid paying more for less nutrition.
Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis section lists minimum percentages of crude protein and fat, along with maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. Comparing these numbers between products is the most direct way to evaluate whether a feed matches your animal’s nutritional needs.
Ingredient List
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, meaning the first few items make up the bulk of the feed. A feed listing whole grains near the top is generally a different product than one relying heavily on byproduct fillers, even if the guaranteed analysis numbers look similar.
Feeding Directions
Feeding directions provide manufacturer guidance on how much to feed based on the animal’s weight, life stage, and production goals. Following these directions as a starting point, then adjusting based on body condition, prevents both under- and overfeeding.
Medication and Additive Disclosures
If a feed contains medications like coccidiostats or additives such as ionophores, this must be disclosed on the tag along with proper usage instructions. This information is critical for producers who need to observe withdrawal times before selling animals for meat.
Comparing Value, Not Just Price
A cheaper feed isn’t necessarily a better deal if it requires feeding significantly more per animal to achieve the same results as a higher-quality product. Calculating cost per unit of protein or per day of feeding, rather than cost per bag, gives a more accurate comparison.
Shop our full range of livestock feed and nutrition products with clearly labeled guaranteed analysis for every species. For detailed feed tag interpretation guides, the Cooperative Extension System offers free educational resources.
