How we score

Every score comes from the label the maker publishes. We use the same rules for every food, including our own Stanley's range.

Overall score (out of 10)

The overall score is the average of two parts, each out of 10.

1. Ingredients (10 points)

A named meat or fish is the first ingredient	4 points
Declared animal ingredients of 30% or more	3 points (20 to 29%: 1.5 points)
Every ingredient is named, rather than grouped as "meat and animal derivatives" or "cereals"	3 points

2. Nutrition (10 points)

Crude protein	28%+: 4 · 25 to 27.9%: 3 · 22 to 24.9%: 2 · below 22%: 1
Crude fat between 10% and 18%	3 points (outside that range: 1.5)
Omega 3 declared at 0.5% or more	3 points (declared but lower: 1.5 · not declared: 0)

What the score does not tell you

A label can't show how a food suits your dog. A lower-protein food can be the right choice for a less active or older dog, and many dogs do well on foods that score modestly here. If your dog has a health condition, ask your vet.

We don't take payment from brands for reviews or scores.

Corrections

Recipes change. If a label has changed, tell us and we will rescore the food.