First Mate

Yes — meets AAFCO minimum nutrient profiles for the stated life stage.

Does the guaranteed analysis meet AAFCO minimum nutrient profiles for the stated life stage?

Yes — named whole proteins and whole foods lead the ingredient list, with minimal fillers.

Are named whole proteins, whole grains, and whole vegetables the primary ingredients, with minimal fillers or artificial additives?

Minor concerns — limited recall history or a small number of adverse event reports on file.

Has this brand been subject to FDA or CFIA recalls, Class I/II actions, or adverse event reports in the past five years?

Partial — some evidence of nutritional research, but feeding trial data is limited or not publicly available.

Does the brand publish AAFCO feeding trials, employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists, or fund peer-reviewed research?

Mostly — label is fairly complete but missing one or more transparency elements (e.g. country of origin).

Does the label include a complete guaranteed analysis, named ingredient sources, and country-of-origin disclosure? Canadian labelling law does not require nutritional adequacy statements — a product can claim "complete and balanced" without meeting any government-verified standard.