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
• For every grain “mill run” or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points
• If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (I.e. “ground brown rice”, “brewers rice”, “rice flour” are all the same grain), subtract 5 points
• If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points
• If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points
• If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3points
• If corn is listed in the top 5 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 is not allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points
• If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog is not allergic to beef), subtract 1 point
• If it contains salt, subtract 1 point

Extra Credit:

• If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points
• If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points
• If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points
• If the food contains probiotics, 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 contains barley, add 2 points
• If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points
• 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 only one protein source, but “chicken” and “beef meal” as 2 different sources), add 1 point
• If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point
• If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point

Score:
94-100+ = A
86-93 = B
78-85 = C
70-77 = D
69 and below = F

Here are some foods that have already been scored.Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Ultra Premium – 122 A+
Authority Harvest Baked – 116 A+
Chicken Soup Senior – 115 A+
Innova Dog – 114 A+
Innova Evo – 114 A+
Canidae – 112 A+
Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken – 110 A+
Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables – 110 A+
Dick Van Patten’s Duck and Potato – 106 A+
Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult – 106 A+
Foundations – 106 A+
ProPlan Natural Turkey & Barley – 103 A+
Royal Canin Bulldog – 100 A+
Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula – 99 A
Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice – 97 A
Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold – 97 A
Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold – 93 B
Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice – 92 B
Nutrisource Lamb and Rice – 87 B
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy – 87 B
Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium – 73 D
Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies – 69 F
Bil-Jac Select – 68 F
Diamond Maintenance – 64 F
Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ – 63 F
Purina Dog – 62 F
Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice – 23 F
Purina Beneful – 17 F
Purina Come-n-Get It – 16 F

Source is unknown. If you are the author, please let me know. I received this from a collegue. I have seen it before and know it is accurate. THis information has been passed onto you by Bella’s House & Pet Sitting (www.bellashouseandpets.com ) in Scottsdale, AZ

Another good source for infomation on dog food can be found at: www.DogFoodProject.com