The Chowmark score is a 0–100 number computed from five weighted factors. This guide explains what each score range means, what drives it, and how to use it when choosing food for your dog or cat.
| Range | Label | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 85–100 | Excellent | A comparatively high result under Chowmark’s published methodology. It is not a safety guarantee or veterinary recommendation. |
| 70–84 | Great | A comparatively strong result based on retained formula and recall records. Review the specific product page and label. |
| 55–69 | Good | A mid-to-upper comparative result. The score does not establish nutritional adequacy or suitability for an individual pet. |
| 40–54 | Review | A lower comparative result that warrants closer review of the formula’s retained records and current label. |
| 0–39 | Higher Concern | A low comparative result under the method. It is not a standalone safety verdict and should be read with the product evidence. |
A score of 50/100 falls in the Review range (40–54). It is a comparative result under Chowmark’s published methodology and should prompt review of the current product label, retained evidence, and any formula-specific recall information. It is not a safety verdict.
Scores of 70 or above fall in Chowmark’s Great or Excellent comparative ranges. They are not veterinary recommendations and should be considered with the formula’s current label and your pet’s needs.
A score of 72/100 falls in the Great range (70–84). It is a comparative result under the published method; see the individual product page for retained label evidence and recall context.
Popular brands can score low because marketing spend and product quality are independent variables. Brands that invest heavily in palatability additives, use vague protein sources, or have accumulated recall notices will score lower regardless of distribution.