Scoring Methodology
Every product in the database is graded against the same vet-validated rubric and displayed on a 0–10 scale. Scores are deterministic and reproducible from raw label data, versioned so readers can see when the rubric changes, and read through by a credentialed veterinary reviewer before publication.
Current methodology version: v2
The 6 categories
Each product gets a score on each of these six axes. The overall score is a weighted average; weights reflect each axis's relative impact on a dog's health and the credibility of the brand.
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
Nutritional Adequacy How well the formula matches a healthy dog's real-world needs — not just the AAFCO minimum. AAFCO "complete & balanced for all life stages" is a floor (mostly minimums), so a high-fat all-life-stages food can technically meet AAFCO and still be wrong for a sedentary adult or large-breed puppy. We grade against per-life-stage macronutrient ranges, not just the floor. | 25% |
Ingredient Quality Quality of named protein sources, presence of whole-food ingredients, and absence of low-quality fillers, by-product meals, artificial additives, or preservatives. Heavy legume content in the top ingredients downgrades the score because of the FDA's 2019 investigation into the link between legume-rich diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) — that investigation is ongoing. | 20% |
Sourcing & Transparency Whether the brand discloses where ingredients come from, names suppliers, and shares manufacturing facility information. Verifiable third-party transparency programs (independent oversight, regular published audits) score higher than self-claimed sourcing. | 20% |
Scientific & Brand Integrity Whether the brand involves veterinary nutritionists, runs feeding trials, conducts third-party lab testing, and has a clean recall and regulatory record. Independent data on heavy metal levels, ongoing third-party oversight, and post-incident corrective actions all push this score up. | 15% |
Palatability & Transparency Real-world acceptance by pets plus how clearly the label communicates what owners need to know — feeding guides, allergen flags, kcal/cup, ingredient transparency. Note: this rubric is "Palatability & Transparency" (not "Packaging & Labeling") to capture both pet-side and owner-side experience. | 15% |
Environmental Responsibility Recyclable or recycled packaging, sustainable protein sourcing, certified-supply-chain animal welfare practices, and reported carbon footprint efforts. | 5% |
What the score means
Readers see a single number out of 10 on every product card, leaderboard row, and review page. Here's how to read it.
Processing method scale
Processing method affects nutrient retention and pathogen risk. We grade it separately on a 1–5 scale (distinct from the main /10 score) because the two factors trade off — raw retains more nutrients but has higher pathogen risk; kibble sterilizes well but loses some heat-sensitive vitamins.
| Method | Nutrient Retention | Pathogen Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze-Dried | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Raw Frozen | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| HPP Raw | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Air-Dried | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dehydrated | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Baked | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Extruded (Kibble) | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Canned / Retort | 2/5 | 1/5 |
What's not in the score
- Individual health conditions. Our score is calibrated to healthy adult dogs and cats. Kidney disease, food sensitivities, weight-management targets, and similar require a veterinarian's input.
- Palatability for a specific pet. Palatability is scored against general acceptance signals, not your pet.
- Sponsored placement. No brand pays to move up the ranking. Scores are computed, not negotiated.
Disclaimer
The information provided by the Pet Food Evaluator is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before making dietary changes.
No guarantee of accuracy. Product formulations, ingredient sourcing, and nutritional data may change over time or vary between regions and batches.
No endorsement. Mention of any specific brand or product does not constitute endorsement or criticism.