METHODOLOGY
Chowmark scores are computed entirely from public data. Every score is reproducible from the sources listed below.
Each product receives a score from 0–100, computed as a weighted average of five dimensions. A score of 70+ is considered Good; 85+ is Excellent. Below 50 is a product we recommend avoiding.
We evaluate every ingredient against the AAFCO 2024 ingredient definitions, NRC nutrient requirements, and peer-reviewed veterinary nutrition literature. Ingredients are classified as Excellent, Good, Acceptable, Watch, or Avoid. The first five ingredients carry the most weight because they represent the majority of the formula by mass.
We check whether the product meets AAFCO nutritional profiles for its stated life stage (puppy/kitten, adult, all life stages). Products with a feeding trial statement score higher than those using formulation alone. Guaranteed analysis values are cross-checked against NRC minimums for protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and key micronutrients.
We pull recall data from the FDA Animal & Veterinary Enforcement database, USDA FSIS, and Health Canada CARS. Products from brands with active recalls score zero on this dimension. Historical recalls within 5 years apply a graduated penalty. Brands with zero lifetime recalls receive a bonus.
We assess whether the brand has published peer-reviewed feeding studies, employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists (DACVN), and whether the formula is endorsed by the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee guidelines. Brands that fund their own research but do not publish it receive a neutral score.
We evaluate whether the label discloses specific ingredient percentages, named protein sources (e.g., 'chicken' vs. 'poultry by-product'), country of origin for key ingredients, and manufacturing location. Vague or misleading marketing claims are flagged and reduce this score.
All data is sourced from public government databases and open-access publications. We do not accept data from brands or manufacturers.
Official US recall database, updated weekly.
USDA food safety recalls including pet food.
Canadian recall and advisory database.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency feed alerts.
Ingredient definitions, nutritional profiles, and labeling standards.
2006 National Research Council reference — the scientific gold standard.
Community-sourced pet food product database.
World Small Animal Veterinary Association nutrition standards.
Canada has no mandatory nutritional adequacy standard for pet food. This is precisely why independent scoring matters more, not less, for Canadian households.
AAFCO is a US-based body. Its nutrient profiles are not legally required in Canada — any Canadian brand can print "complete and balanced" on the bag without meeting any government-verified standard. Chowmark uses AAFCO profiles as the nutritional benchmark for all products, regardless of country of sale, because they represent the most rigorous publicly available standard.
The US FDA maintains a public, searchable enforcement database for pet food recalls. Canada does not. Canadian pet food recalls are voluntary and self-reported, with no central government database equivalent. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) does issue recall notices, and Chowmark monitors those feeds — but the absence of a mandatory system means Canadian recall data is inherently less complete than US data.
The Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC) is an industry body whose members voluntarily agree to follow AAFCO nutritional guidelines and food safety programs. Membership is not required to sell pet food in Canada, and PFAC does not have regulatory authority. Chowmark scores are independent of PFAC membership status.
FDA recall database checked for new pet food enforcement actions
Open Pet Food Facts sync — new products and ingredient updates
Full score recompute for all products when AAFCO or NRC data updates