Pure Balance

Partially — meets some AAFCO minimums but falls short on one or more key nutrients.

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

Mixed — some quality proteins present, but by-products or fillers appear early in the list.

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.