Skip to content
 

Dog Food Ratings Guide – Is Your Dog’s Food Healthy or Dangerous?


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.

  • BAD EXAMPLES
  • Ol Roy – Score 60 = FAIL
  • Science Diet – Score 69 FAIL
  • Kibbles N Bits – Score 50 FAIL
  • Pedigree Lamb and Rice – 50 FAIL
  • Purina Beneful – Score 17 FAIL

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.

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 –

  1. NO meat – Just by-products and mystery meat meal and bone meal. (Meat meal, and bone meal are usually inedible food, rotten meat, road kill, euthanized animals and body parts and bones left over that are considered garbage.)
  2. Two Fillers – (Corn and Wheat) which have no nutritional value for our dogs. Both these ingredients are used as cheap fillers and are one of the main causes of allergies in our pets.
  3. Animal Fat – Preserved with BHA/BHT – Another “unknown source” or not specified where the fat is rendered from, and then to preserve it with cancer causing agents just isn’t healthy or conducive to a long life.

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:

  1. Two separate specified meat sources in two different forms: Deboned Turkey, Turkey meal, Deboned chicken and chicken meal. ( Specified meal such as these is just the fresh meat which has had the liquid removed, thus making a more concentrated protein source.) – So this is obviously a high protein dog food
  2. The other ingredient in the top five is dried ground potato – This is the carbohydrate of choice, which usually won’t cause allergies and is highly digestable. A much higher quality choice.

Also NOTE:

  • No Meat By-products,
  • No Wheat or Wheat Gluten,
  • No Soy,
  • No Dairy,
  • No Corn,
  • No Artificial Colors,
  • No Artificial Flavors
  • No Artificial Preservatives
  • Does contain Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids from salmon oil, flax and canola oil which supports healthy skin and produces a glossy coat.
  • Does Contain Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Botanicals, & Greens which provide Phyto-Chemicals, Micro-Nutrients and Antioxidants
  • Does contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help support long term bone and joint health.

TOP RECOMMENDED DOG FOOD – ALPHABETICAL BY BRANDS

Acana

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 @:

Addiction

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 @:

ARTEMIS

  • Natural DHA
    (Enhances brain function and visual development)
  • - Superior Grade Protein
    (All of the proteins are selected from USDA inspected plants)
  • - Fresh Protein Inclusion
    (Chicken, Turkey- Enhanced nutrient profile and palatability)
  • - Multi Protein Source
    (Covers the complete amino acid profile)
  • - Select Vegetables and Fruits
    (Potatoes, Carrots, Peas, Apples, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Spinach and Cranberries)
  • - Custom Vitamin & Mineral Package
    (Superior Vitamins and Chelated Minerals
  • - Balanced Level of Omega 3 & 6
    (Vitally important for healthy skin and lustrous coat)
  • - Probiotic/Prebiotic
    (Contains a source of live (viable) naturally occurring microoganism)
  • - Skin & Coat Conditioners
    (Chicken Fat, Salmon, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Vitamin E & Biotin)
  • - Natural
    (Does not contain any added chemicals, preservatives, artificial additives
    or by-products)
  • FIND ARTEMIS ONLINE @:

    BACK TO BASICS DOG FOOD

    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.

    BUY Back to Basics Dog Food @ AMAZON.COM

    BRAVO RAW Food

    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 @:

    BLUE BUFFALO DOG FOOD

  • BLUE™ Life Protection Formula for adults, puppies, senior, overweight dogs offered in large or small kibble. – Real meat, fish, or poultry as the first ingredient. No chicken or poultry by-product meals, cheap fillers, artificial preservatives or colors.
  • BLUE Wilderness is a High Protein, Grain Free formula for adults, puppies, seniors or overweight dogs, in chicken, duck or salmon.
  • BLUE Longevity in Puppy, Adult or Mature.
  • and also available in canned

    FIND BLUE BUFFALO ONLINE @:

    BY NATURE DOG FOOD

    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 @:

    CANIDAE

    Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

    Nutritional formula with four high quality meat meals and diversified carbohydrates for wholesome nutrition and increased energy levels.

    California Natural Dog Food

    California Natural Dry Dog Food .

    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 @:

    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 @:

    DR. HARVEY’S

    Dr. Harvey's Canine Health

    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 @:

    EVO DOG FOOD

    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 @:

    FLINT RIVER RANCH DOG FOOD AT AMAZON.COM

    Flint River Ranch

    Flint River Ranch Samples

    FLINT RIVER RANCH exceeds the nutrient guidelines established by the AAFCO.

    MADE IN USA – American Owned and Operated

    • 100% Natural Ingredients
    • 100% Nutritionally Dense
    • 100% Nutritionally Balanced
    • 100% Naturally Preserved
    • 100% Product Guaranteed
    • 100% American Owned and Operated
    • NO Cheap proteins or By-products
    • NO Dangerous Chemical Preservatives
    • NO Useless Artificial Colors
    • NO Ethoxyquin, BHA OR BHT
    • NO Artificial Flavoring Masking A Pitiful Formula
    • NO ingredients from CHINA

    FLINT RIVER RANCH DOG FOOD AT AMAZON.COM

    FROMM DOG FOOD

    Comes in

  • Gold Nutritionals® – Prepared with fresh, human grade USDA-inspected duck, chicken and lamb or liver combined with fresh whole eggs and real Wisconsin cheddar cheese. They also enhance each recipe with salmon oil for a healthy coat and probiotics to help aid digestion | 100% natural ingredients and no artificial flavors or colors.
  • Classic uses USDA-certified chicken as the first ingredient and USDA-certified chicken meal as the second ingredient. For additional protein and flavor we also add whole eggs and real Wisconsin cheddar cheese from local farmers. For Adults or Seniors.
  • Four Star Nutritional – This meat and fish is USDA-inspected, and free of any hormones or medications formula is corn and wheat free.
  • GRANDMA LUCY’S DOG FOOD

    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 @:

    HONEST KITCHEN DOG FOOD

    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 @:

    INNOVA DOG FOOD

    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:

    KARMA ORGANIC DOG FOOD

    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.

    MERRICK BEFORE GRAIN DOG FOOD

    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:

    NATURAL BALANCE DOG FOOD

    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 @:

    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.

    Natures Logic Dog Food

    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.

    Nature’s Variety Dog Food

    NATURE’S VARIETY Comes in :

    1. Grain-Free Instinct Frozen Raw Food In, Beef Rabbit, Lamb, Venison, Organic Chicken, and Bison – made from freshly ground USDA meat, organ, and bone sources. Each diet is 95% meat, organs, and bones with a portion of these products from certified organic sources.
    2. Grain-Free Instinct Freeze Dried Raw in Chicken, Lamb, Beef or Venison. Each diet is 95% meat, organs, and bones with a portion of these products from certified organic sources.
    3. Grain-Free Instinct Canned Dog Food – Grain-free | 95% Meat (or poultry) & liver | Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a glossy coat | No hormones, no steroids | Chelated minerals for better nutrient absorption | Can be rotated with Nature’s Variety Kibble and Raw Diets.
    4. Grain-Free Instinct Dry Dog Food in Chicken, Duck, Beef, Lamb, Turkey, Salmon, Rabbit – Grain-free | Over 90% of the protein is from real meats
    5. Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food for pets with sensitive stomachs caused by food allergies or intolerances in Turkey or Lamb. Made with just one single protein and one hypoallergenic starch.
    6. Prairie Dry Dog Food in Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Venison, or Salmon.
    7. Prairie Canned Dog Food in Lamb, Beef or Chicken
    8. Homestyle Stew Canned Dog Food

    Buy NATURE’S VARIETY ONLINE @:

    Newman’s Own Organics

    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 @:

    ORIJEN DOG FOOD

    High-protein, low-carbohydrate food that replicates the same rich and diverse nutrient balance from fresh meats, fruits and vegetables.

    Formulas:

  • Adult Dry 80/20 with Fresh boneless chicken, chicken meal, fresh boneless salmon, turkey meal, herring meal listed as the first 6 ingredients
  • 6 Fish with Fresh boneless salmon, salmon meal, herring meal, fresh boneless herring, fresh boneless walleye,as the first 5 ingredeints.
  • Regional Red 75/25 with listed ingredients as: Fresh deboned wild boar, fresh deboned lamb, lamb meal, russet potato, fresh deboned pork, peas, salmon meal, whitefish meal*, herring meal, fresh deboned bison, fresh whole eggs, potato starch, fresh deboned salmon (a natural source of DHA and EPA), alfalfa, sweet potato, and fresh deboned walleye.
  • Puppy | In Order – FRESH REGIONAL INGREDIENTS:
    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
  • Senior | In order – FRESH REGIONAL INGREDIENTS:
    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 @:

    PETCUREAN NOW!

    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

  • 100% Grain Free
  • 100% Render Free (Absolutely no rendered meats or oils)
  • No Ethoxquin, BHA or BHT
  • Digestive Enzymes Plus Pre & Pro Biotics
  • 80% of ingredients are regionally sourced in Canada by using local, family farmers to reduce long distance vehicle emissions & ensure fresher ingredients.
  • Potatoes originate from Holland.
  • Slow, steam cooked at a low temperature and in small batches, the fresh meat is only cooked once, which retains more nutrients, & there are no meat meals.
  • Coconut Oil is used, which makes a good Candida formula
  • NOW! Available to Order online @:

    SOLID GOLD DOG FOOD

    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.

    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 @:

    TASTE OF THE WILD DOG FOOD

    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 @:

    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.

    WELLNESS DOG FOOD

    Human grade chicken or lamb, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and vitamins and minerals.

    Wellness comes in canned or dry.

    DRY Formulas include:

  • WELLNESS SUPER5MIX – Regular adult, small breed adult, Puppy, Senior and Healthy Weight.
  • CORE – Is grain free, high protein, low fat formula
  • SIMPLE – For Dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies.
  • ALL WELLNESS FORMULAS AVAILABLE TO BUY @:


    10% Off All Dog & Cat Food! Use Coupon Code FOOD10!

    12 Comments

    1. [...] the Author: I have a dog food rating scale here – that your can use to find out if you are feeding a good or bad food to your pet. It gives you a [...]

    Leave a Reply