Start with 100 points. Then subtract or add based on the ingredients listed.

• Subtract Points for These Red Flags

  • By-product listed anywhere: -10 points
  • Non-specific animal source (e.g. 'meat', 'poultry'): -10 points
  • Contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin: -10 points
  • Grain 'mill run' or vague grain source: -5 points
  • Same grain repeated in top 5 ingredients: -5 points
  • Fewer than 2 meats in top 3 ingredients: -3 points
  • Artificial coloring: -3 points
  • Ground or whole corn: -3 points
  • Corn in top 5 ingredients: -2 points
  • Animal fat (not fish oil): -2 points
  • Only animal protein is lamb: -2 points
  • Contains soy or soybeans: -2 points
  • Contains wheat (unless dog is not allergic): -2 points
  • Contains beef (unless dog is not allergic): -1 point
  • Contains salt: -1 point
• Add Points for These Quality Boosters

  • Organic meat sources: +5 points
  • Endorsed by breed clubs or nutritionists: +5 points
  • Baked instead of extruded: +5 points
  • Contains probiotics: +3 points
  • Contains fruit: +3 points
  • Contains vegetables (not grains/corn): +3 points
  • Hormone- and antibiotic-free meats: +2 points
  • Contains barley: +2 points
  • Contains flaxseed oil (not just seeds): +2 points
  • Contains oats or oatmeal: +1 point
  • Contains sunflower oil: +1 point
  • Each additional animal protein (beyond first): +1 point
  • Contains glucosamine & chondroitin: +1 point
  • Vegetables tested pesticide-free: +1 point

Final Score Guide

• 94–100+: A (Excellent)
• 86–93: B (Good)
• 78–85: C (Fair)
• 70–77: D (Poor)
• Below 70: F (Unacceptable)

Final Score Guide

A (Excellent)94–100+B (Good)86–93C (Fair)78–85D (Poor)70–77F (Unacceptable)Below 70

Start with 100 points. Then subtract or add based on the ingredients listed.

• Subtract Points for These Red Flags

  • By-product listed anywhere: -10 points
  • Non-specific animal source (e.g. 'meat', 'poultry'): -10 points
  • Contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin: -10 points
  • Grain 'mill run' or vague grain source: -5 points
  • Same grain repeated in top 5 ingredients: -5 points
  • Fewer than 2 meats in top 3 ingredients: -3 points
  • Artificial coloring: -3 points
  • Ground or whole corn: -3 points
  • Corn in top 5 ingredients: -2 points
  • Animal fat (not fish oil): -2 points
  • Only animal protein is lamb: -2 points
  • Contains soy or soybeans: -2 points
  • Contains wheat (unless dog is not allergic): -2 points
  • Contains beef (unless dog is not allergic): -1 point
  • Contains salt: -1 point
• Add Points for These Quality Boosters

  • Organic meat sources: +5 points
  • Endorsed by breed clubs or nutritionists: +5 points
  • Baked instead of extruded: +5 points
  • Contains probiotics: +3 points
  • Contains fruit: +3 points
  • Contains vegetables (not grains/corn): +3 points
  • Hormone- and antibiotic-free meats: +2 points
  • Contains barley: +2 points
  • Contains flaxseed oil (not just seeds): +2 points
  • Contains oats or oatmeal: +1 point
  • Contains sunflower oil: +1 point
  • Each additional animal protein (beyond first): +1 point
  • Contains glucosamine & chondroitin: +1 point
  • Vegetables tested pesticide-free: +1 point