Dog Food Grading Scale

[Tazwell]

In my training classes, I do a discussion on Nutrition. I've always used this generic dog food grading scale, and a list of pre-graded dog foods. I've recently gone into updating the list (since it is years old), and decided that the grading process could be much easier, and more accurate.

It's basically a way to determine which foods are better, and are considered better quality, among other things. The food starts out with 100 points, and you take away or add points depending on what the question is... For example, take away 3 points if corn is in the top 3 ingredients. Or, add 2 points if there is more than one Meat as a protein sources. It's designed to be an easy way for non nutrition savvy owners to pick better foods.

Could anyone help me design one? Or anyone have one that they use that's available for reproduction? I'll post my ideas later when I get to a computer vs. My phone

[lizzybeth727]

Originally Posted by Tazwell

Could anyone help me design one?

I think that's a great idea! Do you think you could post the test you are using now and we could just tweak it?

[Tazwell]

Lizzy, it's been floating around between Petsmart Trainers forever-- I'm surprised you never saw it LOL! I'll post it when I get home, that would be easier.

[lizzybeth727]

Originally Posted by Tazwell

Lizzy, it's been floating around between Petsmart Trainers forever-- I'm surprised you never saw it LOL! I'll post it when I get home, that would be easier.

Sure I've seen it.... I just don't have it memorized, LOL.

[ihartgonzo]

First off, I would say -10 if corn is in the top 3 ingredients! No... -50!

Are both of you Petsmart trainers? Wow. I wish ours had a trainer like you. Does that mean you only recommend Petsmart foods? The only food I can recommend to people is Blue Wilderness, really.

[Tazwell]

Gonzo, I do recommend foods outside of Petsmart, and also list them in my dog food list! I always have to put more emphasis on the PetSmart foods, though :P

I know it's been a while, guys...

But I came up with a new scale, I got tired of the old one! I just have to come up with a points system for it (I'm thinking of either starting with 10, or 100). I want to know any suggestions you can think of, as far as what to add and subtract from this list Thanks for the input!

1. Subtract - points if the first ingredient is not a meat.

2. Subtract - points if there are any preservatives in the form of Sodium Metabisulphite, BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone). Mixed Tocopherols are accepted.

3. Subtract - points for ever listing of a corn, wheat, or soy product.

4. Subtract - points for every by-product.

5. Subtract - points for every listing ending in "Middlings", "hulls", or "Mill run".

6. Subtract - points for every "Numbered" dye listed (Yellow 5, Red 40, etc.).

7. Subtract - points for ever non-specific source of meat, grain, or fat (Meat and bone meal, poultry fat, animal digest, etc.)

8. Subtract - points for additive of salt (May be listed as "Salt", "Sea salt", "iodized salt", "Sodium Chloride")



9. Add - points if the food is regulated by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

10. Add - points for every listing of an organic ingredient.

11. Add - points if the food is manufactured in the United States.

12. Add - points if the food is baked, not extruded.

13. Add - points if there are multiple meats, not including listings of the same animal.

14. Add - points if the food contains brown or white rice, and does not contain Brewer's rice.

[Renee750il]

These two articles should give you a great basis for redesigning your grading scale

The Dog Food Project - Ingredients to avoid

The Dog Food Project - Identifying better products

This is a good overview: The Dog Food Project - Dog Food Label Information 101

[Tazwell]

I was using tht website as a guide when I came up with that

I already thought of two things to add--

Add - points if the food is "grain free"

Add - points if the food contains probiotics

[MandyPug]

Also make it not just manufactured in the USA, Canadian manufactured foods are excellent as well.

[Maura]

I just tell people that the first ingredient should be a whole meat or fish. This rules out the grocery store brands and vet office brands. If they are really interested I tell them to go to Whole Dog Journal.