JUMP TO COMMERCIAL DOG FOOD RECOMMENDATION, LISTED ALPHABETICALLY
This is a rating scale to determine if your dog food is excellent, good, acceptable, not acceptable or hazardous and dangerous for your pet.
Although it is a general “dog food ratings guide” based on someone’s opinion, it does make a great deal of sense. At the end of the rating scale there are some good examples of what commercial dog foods you should never ever give your pet.
Use the scale as a general learning tool and evaluate your dog’s food and see where it falls.
Give it a try – it is fun and enlightening.
DOG FOOD RATINGS SCALE AND CRITERIA
Start with a grade of 100
- - For every listing of “by-product”, subtract 10 points.
- - For every non-specific animal source (“meat or “poultry”, “meat meal” or “fat”) reference, subtract 10 points.
- - If the food contains BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points. (these are known cancer causing agents.)
- - For every grain “mill run” or non-specific grain source subtract 5 points.
- - If the same grain ingredient is used two or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. “ground brown rice”, brewer’s rice”, “rice flour”, these are all the same grain), subtract 5 points.
- - If the protein sources are not specified meat and there are less than two specified meats in the top three ingredients, subtract 3 points.
- - If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points.
- - If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points.
- - If corn is listed in the top five ingredients, subtract 2 more points.
- - If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points.
- - If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points.
- - If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points.
- - If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points.
- - If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergice to beef), subtract 1 point.
- - If the ingredient lists MENADIONE SODIUM BISULFITE (a synthetic version of vitamin K which is a known cancer causing agent), subtract 5 points.
SEE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF DOG FOOD INGREDIENTS TO AVOID, AND WHY, HERE
EXTRA CREDIT
- - If the meat sources are organic, free range, fresh and local, fit for human consumption, GMO free : add 5 points.
- - Fresh Ingredients (never frozen and never exposed to heat or chemicals.) : add 5 points
- - If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, or has won awards or is in The Whole Dog Journals approved list: add 5 points.
- - If the food is completely Grain Free: add 5 points.
- - If the food contains probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium): add 3 points.
- - If the food contains fruit, add 3 points.
- - If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains) add 3 points.
- - If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points.
- - If the food is not grain free the carbohydrate is barley, brown rice, or oatmeal: add 2 points.
- - If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 point.
- - If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point.
- - If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point.
- - For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one, count “chicken and chicken meal” as one protein source, but “chicken” and “venison” as 2 different sources) add 1 point.
- - If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point.
- - If the vegetable have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point.
- - If the ingredients are local, fresh, free range, regional, free run, add 1 point.
SEE A COMPLETE LIST OF THE BEST DOG FOOD INGREDIENTS HERE.
WHAT IS ORGANIC? and WHY SHOULD I FEED IT TO MY DOG?
SCORES:
- OVER 100 = A+ SUPERB!
- 94 – 100 = A BEST!
- 86 – 93 = B STILL GOOD
- 78 – 85 = C AVERAGE FOOD, COULD BE IMPROVED
- 70 – 77 = D YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CHANGING.
- 69 = F AWFUL! POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS! CHANGE IMMEDIATELY.
Here are some examples of foods rated on this scale: The good, the bad and the ugly.
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This is only a small list for comparison purposes only. Sadly there are still many low quality, unhealthy and dangerous dog foods full of chemicals available.
These companies can advertise their cheap foods as 100% nutrtionally complete as they only need to meet minimal standards of nutrtion, not optimum.
WHICH DOG FOOD WOULD YOUR RATHER FEED YOUR PET? A SIDE BY SIDE INGREDIENT COMPARISON BETWEEN A BAD AND GOOD DOG FOOD.
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PEDIGREE WITH LAMB AND RICE Ground Whole Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Wheat, Meat And Bone Meal, Animal Fat (Preserved With Bha/Bht), Wheat Flour, Lamb, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Oil (Source Of Linoleic Acid), Caramel Color, Dried Beet Pulp, Titanium Dioxide, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate [Source Of Vitamin E], L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate [Source Of Vitamin C*], Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Added FD&C And Lake Colors (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 2, Red 40) Check out the first 5 ingredients –
So the first 5 ingredients are on the “what to avoid feeding your dog list” due to the harmful, dangerous unhealthy reasons given here. This us just thrown together like a smorgasboard of junk – Yuckkkkk! |
WELLNESS (Core Grain – Free) Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Dried Ground Potato, Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Canola Oil, Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Broccoli, Spinach, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Vitamins & Minerals, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Products, Rosemary Extract. Compare the first 5 ingredients:
Also NOTE:
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TOP RECOMMENDED DOG FOOD – ALPHABETICAL BY BRANDS
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Acana Grain-Free Dry Dog Food High-protein, grain-free and low-carbohydrate and loaded with premium human-grade ingredients. Fresh, never frozen local regional ingredients, including ranch-raised natural lamb, free-run chicken and whole eggs from local prairie farms, in Canada. ACANA AVAILABLE online @: |
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ADDICTION DOG FOOD | Dry, Dehydrated or Canned Highly digestible, specializes in Premium Proteins and Game Meats such as Kangaroo, Brushtail, Venison and Unagi. NO artificial preservatives, flavors, fillers or by-products. ADDICTION AVAILABLE ONLINE @: |
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ARTEMIS (Enhances brain function and visual development) (All of the proteins are selected from USDA inspected plants) (Chicken, Turkey- Enhanced nutrient profile and palatability) (Covers the complete amino acid profile) (Potatoes, Carrots, Peas, Apples, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Spinach and Cranberries) (Superior Vitamins and Chelated Minerals (Vitally important for healthy skin and lustrous coat) (Contains a source of live (viable) naturally occurring microoganism) (Chicken Fat, Salmon, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Vitamin E & Biotin) (Does not contain any added chemicals, preservatives, artificial additives or by-products) FIND ARTEMIS ONLINE @: |
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74% protein, 26% vegetable, 0% grain,gluten or potato. They start with real organ meat like hearts and livers which are what dogs would instinctively choose to eat in the wild. Back to Basics uses proteins, like pork and turkey, and they are selected because they pose fewer allergen risks than beef or lamb. Back to Basics is potato free, gluten free and, of course, grain free. There are no chemical or artificial preservatives including artificial colors, dyes or bleach. There are no chicken or poultry by-product meals or fillers like beet pulp, tomato pomace, cellulose or chicory root. And there are no fruits or botanicals. Made in the USA at their own manufacturing facilities. |
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BRAVO RAW Food Comes in Rabbit, Lamb, Turkey, Chicken, Duck, Ostrich and Vegetarian. From Australia and New Zealand – hormone-free, grass-fed lamb, beef and venison. The poultry products – chicken, turkey, ostrich and duck – are all raised without the use of antibiotics. Bravo product formulas contain only single proteins and no more than just 4 ingredients so dogs and cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs often flourish without any further symptoms or discomfort. Bravo products are made from fresh ingredients with no added preservatives, chemicals or artificial colors or flavoring. Bravo is made with high quality USDA inspected and approved meats in a USDA inspected facility, under the same processing regulations, that apply to human food products. BRAVO! AVAILABLE ONLINE @: |
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and also available in canned FIND BLUE BUFFALO ONLINE @: |
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by Nature Organics Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food contains two meat protein sources: Organic chicken and lamb. Organic grains and natural fiber. Organic fruits & vegetables & natural spices. by Nature Organics Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food contains No Meat By-Products, No By-Product Meal, No White Rice, No Brewers Grains, No Grain By-Products, No Artificial Flavors, Preservatives or Colors. by NATURE AVAIALABLE ONLINE @: |
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Nutritional formula with four high quality meat meals and diversified carbohydrates for wholesome nutrition and increased energy levels.
CANIDAE AVAILABE ONLINE @: |
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California Natural provides high quality, complete and balanced nutrition for energy, endurance and a healthy skin and coat. Comes in original dry formulas of Chicken, Herring or Lamb, and also in canned. A Puppy food and and adult grain free formula is also available. BUY CALIFORNIA NATURAL ONLINE @: |
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CASTOR AND POLLUX ORGANIX
Featuring organic fruit & veggie purees plus organic quinoa adding gluten-free protein, for a highly digestible and palatable food. ORGANIX AVAILABLE @: |
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DR. HARVEY’S
A holistic dog food pre-mix made with only the finest organic and human consumption ingredients. Combine with fresh protein and oils for a super healthy meal. BUY DR. HARVEY’S ONLINE @: |
Venison, beef, chicken, turkey, rabbit and duck are featured in our canned varieties, while our Red Meat products boast a mix of beef, buffalo, venison and lamb. In addition to our meat-based ingredients, EVO rounds out each recipe with fresh, whole fruits and vegetables to create a balanced diet complete with natural phytochemicals and key antioxidants. BUY EVO ONLINE @: |
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FLINT RIVER RANCH DOG FOOD AT AMAZON.COM FLINT RIVER RANCH exceeds the nutrient guidelines established by the AAFCO. MADE IN USA – American Owned and Operated
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Comes in |
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This freeze dried, grain-free dog food line uses only human-quality, all-natural ingredients. Lamb, bison, venison, chicken & pork! Human-Grade Ingredients, Hormone and Antibiotic Free, No By-Products, No Preservatives, All USA originated ingredients. ALSO available in a pre-mix – add your own meat! GRANDMA LUCY’S AVAILABLE @: |
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Honest Kitchen makes dehydrated formulas with and without protein. Choose from low gluten, grain free, and formulas for sensitive tummies. They use human grade, organic products, all for different life stages and activities. The HONEST KITCHEN CAN BE ORDERED @: |
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A dog food that provides complete and balanced canine nutrition using human-grade ingredients. Regular and small breed sized kibble. Availabe in adult, senior, and puppy formulas. Also canned. FIND INNOVA HERE: |
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KARMA ORGANICS AVAILABLE ONLINE @: Karma Organic Dog Food is made with over 95% organic ingredients, contains 18 certified organic ingredients and is made with whole, not dried, organic fruit and vegetables. |
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This diet, based on fresh meats, fruit, vegetables, and high quality oils, helps promote overall health and longevity and supports a healthy weight. Available in Chicken, Buffalo and Salmon. NO grains, fillers, artificial colors or flavors MERRICK BEFORE GRAIN AVAILABLE HERE: |
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Comes in Organic, Ultra Premium, L.I.D. for dogs with allergies, grain free, canned and dog food rolls. NO Artificial Preservatives, Flavors, Colors or Bleached Ingredients. Find NATURAL BALANCE @: |
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NATURAL PLANET ORGANICS DOG FOOD Natural Planet Organics is not just another natural dog food. Its certified organic ingredients are all naturally preserved. This healthy food for dogs consists of organic vegetables and fruits; namely, carrots, broccoli, peas, blueberries and tomatoes. Organic free-range chickens, organic grains, including flaxseed, oats, brown rice and barley complete this all life stages recipe. Natural Planet Organics All Life Stages Dog Formula Dry Food is the Ultra Premium organic food for dogs, building uncompromising nutrition with minerals, vitamins, glucosamine and chondroitin, high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Organic foods are raised on farmland that is certified organic. The grains, fruits and vegetables are raised without the application of any chemicals; organic meats are raised with organic feeds. All ingredients all naturally preserved. |
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A nutrient dense meat based food with concentrates of select fruits and vegetables, containing no wheat, corn, rice, soy, potato or chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or trace nutrients. In dry, canned, and a grain free raw formula. |
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NATURE’S VARIETY Comes in :
Buy NATURE’S VARIETY ONLINE @: |
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Over 70% of all ingredients in Newmans Own foods are organic and include human grade all natural chicken and high levels of antioxidants. Formulas: Adult Dog, Senior or Active Dog, Grain Free Canned, or Canned, along with organic treats. NEWMAN’S OWN ORGANICS available @: |
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High-protein, low-carbohydrate food that replicates the same rich and diverse nutrient balance from fresh meats, fruits and vegetables. Formulas: Fresh boneless chicken, chicken meal, fresh boneless salmon, turkey meal, herring meal, russet potato, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), sweet potato, peas, fresh boneless turkey, fresh whole eggs, fresh chicken liver, fresh boneless lake whitefish, fresh boneless walleye Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, russet potato, lake whitefish, sweet potato, whole eggs, turkey, chicken fat, salmon meal, salmon and anchovy oils, salmon, natural chicken flavour See my complete Orijen Dog Food Review here. BUY ORIJEN @: |
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Grain Free Dog Food is gently coated with natural digestive enzymes and utilizes only fresh, hormone free, deboned meats. Comes in Adult, Puppy or Senior NOW! Available to Order online @: |
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A premium dry food line which includes the popular Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog Food and our Hundchen Flocken Puppy Food lines. The ingredients this natural food for dogs does NOT include are important. There is no wheat, soybean, or corn; no animal fat is added (other than naturally occurring in fresh lamb), no poultry fat. In addition, the recipe is free of by-products, sugar, artificial preservatives, salt, and sunflower oil. Also available in canned. |
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Stella and Chewys RAW Dog Food Diet 100% complete and balanced nutrition that feature raw, USDA-inspected, naturally-raised poultry and meat, organic fruits and vegetables, comes in Raw Freeze Dried or Raw Frozen. Buy STELLA AND CHEWY’S online @: |
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Made with real roasted meats offering a unique taste sensation supplemented with fruits & vegetables with natural antioxidants. In Dry and Canned. Buy TASTE OF THE WILD ONLINE @: |
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Timberwolf GRAIN FREE dog food A highly nutritious, high protein diet that is nutrient dense for long-term maintenance. Designed for both growing puppies and adult dogs. |
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Human grade chicken or lamb, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and vitamins and minerals. Wellness comes in canned or dry. DRY Formulas include: ALL WELLNESS FORMULAS AVAILABLE TO BUY @: |










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