It's not an easy task from just reading the label. AAFCO regs require a manufacturer to list ingredients in descending order, by weight. However, the listings may be misleading. Suppose beef is listed as the first ingredient, causing you to think it is the primary ingredient. Look again. If it's followed by wheat flour, wheat germ, wheat middlings and so on, the combined wheat products may very well total much more than the beef and they aren't nearly as digestible.
A good dog man, which I suspect you are, can look at his dogs and tell slight differences in their conditions. Another good reason to put your hands on every dog every day while you are feeding them.
A good rule of thumb for a dog that runs a lot like a bird dog is close to 30% quality protein and 20% fat or over. If you're buying Iams or Science Diet, you're paying too much.
