Start at 100 and subtract points for the first part of the test, and during the bonus round add points back, then we will grade. It helps to use a calculator to keep track since your will be reading questions, searching for answers and keeping a running total on points. Here we go!
1. For every listing of “by-product”, subtract 10 points.
2. For every non-specific animal source (“meat” or “poultry”, meat meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points.
3.If the food contains artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin or Propylene Glycol), subtract 10 points
4. If the guaranteed analysis shows protein of greater than 24%, subtract 5 points.
5. For every grain “mill run” or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points.
6. If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (ie. “ground brown rice”, brewer’s rice” & “rice flour” are all the same grain), subtract 5 points.
7. If the food contains corn in any form, subtract 5 points.
8.If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 3 more points.
9.If the guaranteed analysis shows a fat of greater than 12%, subtract 3 points.
10. If the protein sources are not meat meal and/or there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points.
11. If it contains any artificial colors or flavors, subtract 3 points.
12. If the food contains animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points.
13. If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other sources), subtract 2 points.
14. If it contains soy or soybeans (milo is soybeans), subtract 2 points.
15. If it contains wheat (brewer’s yeast is wheat), subtract 2 points.
16. If it contains beef (unless you know for certain your dog is NOT allergic to beef), subtract 1 point.
17. If it contains salt (or sodium as it is also called), subtract 1 point.
Bonus Round: Now your going to add.
18. If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points.
19. If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points.
20. If the food is baked, not extruded, add 5 points.
21. If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points.
22. If the food contains fruit, add 3 points.
23. If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points.
24. If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points.
25. If the food contains barley, add 2 points.
26. If the food contains flaxseed oil (not the seeds), add 2 points.
27. If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point.
28. If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point.
29. For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one; count “chicken” and “chicken meal as only one source, but “chicken” and “pork” or “salmon” as 2 different sources), add 1 point.
30. If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point.
31. If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point.
32. If it contains Omega-3 and/or Omega-6, add 1 point.
33. If the guaranteed analysis shows crude protein between 21% - 24%, add 1 point.
DETERMINE YOUR GRADE
100+ = A+
100 = A
88 – 94 = B
79 – 87 = C
70 – 78 = D
Below 70 = F
Some foods we’ve graded and feed our dogs:
A+
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul Adult Dog Formula – 110
Eagle Pack Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Formula – 116
Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Adult – 116
