Every feed bag tells a story, and if you know how to read it, that story reveals a lot about the quality and purpose of the feed inside. Whether you're raising poultry, cattle, swine, or another species, understanding the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list on a feed tag can help ensure your animals get the right nutrition for their needs.
At Kreamer Feed, we’ve been supporting producers since 1947 with feed that is both transparent and trusted. We believe that clear labeling and informed choices help farmers raise healthier animals with greater confidence. Here’s what to know about reading your feed tag and what those values and terms really mean.
What Is a Feed Tag?
The feed tag is a standardized label that provides detailed information about a bagged feed product. This includes the guaranteed analysis, animal feed ingredients, species-specific feeding directions, and manufacturer information. Feed tags are regulated at the state level, typically following standards developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Proper feed label interpretation helps farmers select the right product based on animal needs, life stage, and production goals.
What Is Guaranteed Analysis?
The guaranteed analysis is a breakdown of key nutrients that are either required or voluntarily disclosed on the feed tag. These nutrient levels are legally required to meet the stated minimums or maximums and are verified through laboratory testing. The most common values include:
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Crude protein (min%): Essential for tissue growth, immune function, and productivity.
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Crude fat (min%): Provides energy and helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
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Crude fiber (max%): Affects digestibility and energy availability.
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Calcium (min and max%), phosphorus (min%), sodium, and salt: Essential minerals that support skeletal health, metabolic function, and hydration.
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Vitamin levels: May be listed depending on the product, especially for poultry and specialty feeds.
Knowing how to read the guaranteed analysis allows you to compare feeds based on nutritional density, not just cost per bag. It also ensures you're meeting species-specific livestock nutrition facts, especially during sensitive growth or production periods.
Understanding the Ingredient List
Below the guaranteed analysis, you’ll find the list of animal feed ingredients. Ingredients may be listed individually or by collective terms (such as “grain products” or “plant protein products”) as permitted by AAFCO.
Here are key points to look for:
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Named ingredients (like corn, soybean meal, alfalfa) often indicate greater formulation precision.
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By-products (like distillers grains or wheat middlings) can add nutritional value when sourced and processed properly.
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Added vitamins and minerals help ensure the feed meets the daily requirements for the target species.
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Probiotics, enzymes, or other feed additives may be included to improve digestion or feed stability.
At Kreamer Feed, we use clearly defined ingredient lists whenever possible and prioritize local sourcing. This is part of our commitment to feed formulation transparency and accountability.
A Note on Collective Terms
At Kreamer Feed, we sometimes use AAFCO-approved collective terms on our feed tags, such as “grain products,” “plant protein products,” or “processed grain by-products.” These terms group similar ingredient types under one category and allow for safe, consistent formulation, especially when ingredient availability shifts throughout the year.
For example, grain products may include corn, wheat, barley, or other cereal grains, while plant protein products can encompass ingredients like soybean meal, canola meal, or sunflower meal. Using collective terms keeps formulations flexible while still ensuring the feed meets all guaranteed nutrient levels. Whenever possible, we still list specific ingredients to give our customers added transparency and clarity.
What the Tag Doesn’t Tell You
While the tag provides essential information, it does not show:
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The quality or digestibility of the ingredients
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Where the ingredients were sourced
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Manufacturing process controls
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Ingredient consistency across batches
These factors are just as important for animal performance. That’s why it is critical to work with a feed manufacturer that emphasizes quality control and consistency. At Kreamer Feed, we go beyond what is printed on the label by adhering to rigorous in-house standards, from sourcing to final packaging.
Why It Matters
Understanding feed bag tag meaning gives producers the ability to:
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Match feed to animal needs more accurately
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Avoid over- or underfeeding nutrients
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Ensure compliance with animal welfare and food safety standards
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Make informed economic decisions by evaluating nutrient value, not just feed price
Proper label reading is an essential skill in modern livestock management.
Know What You’re Feeding. Choose Feed You Can Trust.
At Kreamer Feed, we believe you should know exactly what you’re feeding your animals. That is why we focus on transparent labeling, high-quality ingredients, and nutritional integrity in every bag. If you ever have questions about your feed tag or how to compare products, we are here to help.
Trust what’s behind the bag. Choose feed that works as hard as you do.
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