Pet Food Reviews & Ingredient Analysis

We ran 126 of the most popular dog and cat food brands through our ingredient analyzer and wrote up what we found — the good, the bad, and the surprisingly expensive. Plus buying guides for every life stage and breed size, and ingredient-by-ingredient reviews of popular treats. Scores within each rubric (dry, fresh, treats) are directly comparable.

Browse all 150 ingredients explained → · protein meals, fats, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, preservatives, and controversial additives.

Orijen · 90/100

Is Orijen Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Orijen is the most expensive kibble on the shelf. We analyzed the ingredients to find out if it actually earns that price.

Orijen Puppy · 90/100

Is Orijen Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Orijen Puppy opens with five fresh animal ingredients, delivers WholePrey organ content, and includes salmon oil DHA for brain development.

Orijen Senior · 90/100

Is Orijen Senior Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Orijen Senior keeps the animal-heavy formulation, elevates marine omega-3s for joints and cognition, and adds pumpkin fiber for senior digestion.

Is Nulo Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Nulo scored an A in our analysis. We analyzed the ingredients to see what earns the top grade.

Nulo Puppy · 90/100

Is Nulo Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Nulo Freestyle Puppy stacks deboned turkey, turkey meal, and salmon meal in the top three. BC30 probiotic and low-glycemic chickpea carbs round it out.

Acana Puppy · 90/100

Is Acana Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Acana Puppy is the Champion Petfoods value pick — three animal proteins, fish oil DHA, triple probiotics, at roughly 65% of Orijen's price.

Wellness Puppy · 90/100

Is Wellness Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Salmon meal + salmon oil for DHA, sorghum grain base, and a seven-botanical antioxidant blend. Wellness Complete Health Puppy for holistic premium.

Stella & Chewy's · 90/100

Is Stella & Chewy's Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Stella & Chewy's blends baked kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces. We analyzed the ingredients — and it earned an A.

Wellness CORE · 90/100

Is Wellness CORE Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Triple protein in the first three ingredients, salmon oil, and three probiotic strains. We analyzed Wellness's premium grain-free line.

Petcurean Go! · 90/100

Is Petcurean Go! Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Five named meat meals, three fresh proteins, and four probiotic strains. We analyzed Petcurean's top-tier grain-free recipe — and it earned an A.

Fromm Puppy · 90/100

Is Fromm Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Six animal proteins, menhaden fish meal DHA, supplemental taurine, and chicken cartilage for joints. The highest-scoring grain-inclusive puppy formula.

Open Farm · 90/100 · Fresh

Is Open Farm Good for Dogs? A Freeze-Dried Raw Ingredient Breakdown

Freeze-dried raw chicken with ground bone, liver, and neck leading. Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership sourcing. Under our Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Ollie · 90/100 · Fresh

Is Ollie Good for Dogs? A Fresh Food Subscription Ingredient Breakdown

Beef plus beef kidneys plus beef livers lead a cooked-fresh subscription meal. USDA-sourced and flash-frozen. Under our Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

The Farmer’s Dog · 90/100 · Fresh

Is The Farmer’s Dog Good for Dogs? A Fresh Food Ingredient Breakdown

USDA human-grade beef leads an 8-ingredient cooked-fresh panel. No added water, no natural flavors. Under our Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Sundays · 90/100 · Fresh

Is Sundays Good for Dogs? An Air-Dried Food Ingredient Breakdown

Four beef proteins stacked with zero synthetic additives. Pantry-stable air-dried format. Under our Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried · 90/100 · Fresh

Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Good for Dogs? A Raw Dinner Patties Ingredient Breakdown

95% chicken, organs, and bone. Four probiotic strains. SecureByNature HPP documented — the first HPP-documented A-tier raw entry in our catalog.

Primal · 90/100 · Fresh

Is Primal Good for Dogs? A Pronto Frozen Raw Beef Ingredient Breakdown

Beef with ground bone, liver, ten organic produce ingredients, and whole-food supplementation (yeast, kelp, alfalfa). HPP documented.

The Farmer's Dog Turkey · 90/100 · Fresh

Is The Farmer's Dog Turkey Good for Dogs? A Turkey Recipe Ingredient Breakdown

Lean USDA turkey, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, spinach, parsnip), and chelated-mineral supplementation. The low-fat Farmer's Dog variant.

The Farmer's Dog Chicken · 91/100 · Fresh

Is The Farmer's Dog Chicken Good for Dogs? A Chicken Recipe Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken plus chicken liver, with broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts cruciferous density. The legume-free Farmer's Dog variant.

The Farmer's Dog Pork · 90/100 · Fresh

Is The Farmer's Dog Pork Good for Dogs? A Pork Recipe Ingredient Breakdown

USDA pork plus pork liver, sweet potato and regular potato carbs, dual-oil omega-3 stack. The legume-free novel-protein Farmer's Dog variant.

Ollie Baked · 90/100

Is Ollie Baked Good for Dogs? A Baked Chicken Dry Recipe Ingredient Breakdown

Real chicken, chicken liver, whole eggs, oats, and lower-temperature baking. Ollie's pantry-stable alternative to the fresh subscription.

JustFoodForDogs · 90/100 · Fresh

Is JustFoodForDogs Good for Dogs? A Fresh Food Ingredient Breakdown

Cooked-fresh with the rare AAFCO feeding-trial substantiation. Open kitchens the public can tour. Under our Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Nom Nom · 90/100 · Fresh

Is Nom Nom Good for Dogs? A Fresh Food Subscription Ingredient Breakdown

Board-certified veterinary nutritionist formulation with ground beef and eggs. Cooked-fresh subscription. Under our Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Acana · 90/100

Is Acana Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Acana is made by the same company as Orijen but costs less. We analyzed the ingredients to see how much quality you give up.

Fromm · 90/100

Is Fromm Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Fromm is a boutique brand most pet owners have never heard of. We analyzed the ingredients — and found one of the most underrated formulas in dog food.

Wellness Complete Health · 78/100

Is Wellness Complete Health Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Wellness Complete Health sits in the middle of the premium tier. We analyzed the ingredients to see if it earns its reputation.

Blue Buffalo Large Breed · 78/100

Is Blue Buffalo Large Breed Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Glucosamine, chondroitin, and L-carnitine added to the standard formula. We analyzed the large breed version.

Merrick · 79/100

Is Merrick Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Merrick Classic has deboned chicken first and whole grains throughout. We analyzed the ingredients to see how it holds up against other premium brands.

Kirkland Puppy · 76/100

Is Kirkland Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Kirkland Nature's Domain Puppy is Costco's grain-free pick — chicken-first, five-strain probiotics, salmon oil DHA, supplemental taurine at warehouse pricing.

Authority · 78/100

Is Authority Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

PetSmart's house brand puts chicken first with fish oil omega-3s. We analyzed every ingredient to see if it earns its shelf space.

Blue Buffalo · 78/100

Is Blue Buffalo Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Blue Buffalo markets itself as natural and wholesome, but what's actually in it? We analyzed the ingredients so you don't have to.

Blue Buffalo Basics · 75/100

Is Blue Buffalo Basics Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

A limited ingredient diet with salmon first and only 15 ingredients. We analyzed what simplicity costs — and what it gains.

Blue Buffalo Puppy · 78/100

Is Blue Buffalo Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Blue Buffalo's puppy formula adds DHA from fish oil to the standard Life Protection recipe. We analyzed every ingredient.

Blue Buffalo Senior · 78/100

Is Blue Buffalo Senior Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Blue Buffalo's senior formula adds glucosamine + chondroitin, L-carnitine, and fish oil DHA for aging dogs. We analyzed every ingredient.

Diamond Naturals · 78/100

Is Diamond Naturals Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Diamond Naturals flies under the radar, but it might be one of the best deals in dog food. We broke down the ingredients.

Diamond Naturals Puppy · 78/100

Is Diamond Naturals Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy delivers chicken + chicken meal + DHA + five-strain probiotics at roughly 40% below premium puppy formulas.

Farmina · 78/100

Is Farmina Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Farmina leads with dehydrated chicken and organ meat, plus superfoods like pomegranate and artichoke. We analyzed every ingredient.

Freshpet · 78/100 · Fresh

Is Freshpet Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Refrigerated dog food with whole chicken first and only 10 real ingredients. Under our Fresh Food Rubric v1.0 it earned a B (78/100).

The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free · 90/100 · Fresh

Is The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Good for Dogs? An Embark Turkey Recipe Breakdown

Turkey plus organic flaxseed, potatoes, and eggs. Human-grade dehydrated production. Grain-free alternative to the Wholemade whole-grain line.

The Honest Kitchen · 77/100 · Fresh

Is The Honest Kitchen Good for Dogs? A Dehydrated Food Ingredient Breakdown

Dehydrated chicken leads a human-grade production facility recipe with whole grains. Under our Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d · 76/100

Is Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

A vet-prescribed digestive care formula with chicken first but heavy corn and grain filler. We analyzed every ingredient.

Holistic Select · 90/100

Is Holistic Select Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Triple fish protein, live probiotics, and superfoods — Holistic Select actually earns its name. We analyzed every ingredient.

Kirkland Signature · 78/100

Is Kirkland Signature Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Costco's house-brand dog food costs half of what premium brands charge. We analyzed the ingredients to find out what you're actually getting.

Taste of the Wild · 78/100

Is Taste of the Wild Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Taste of the Wild promises a diet inspired by your dog's ancestors. We analyzed the ingredients to see if it delivers.

Taste of the Wild Puppy · 78/100

Is Taste of the Wild Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

High Prairie Puppy uses water buffalo and lamb meal for protein, salmon oil for DHA, and five probiotic strains for developing puppy guts.

Is Jinx Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Jinx is the Instagram-native DTC challenger with a cage-free chicken lead and a deep superfood panel. We analyzed every ingredient in the flagship kibble.

Petcurean Now Fresh · 78/100

Is Petcurean Now Fresh Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

A grain-free formula with three fresh proteins and no meat meals anywhere in the recipe. We analyzed the trade-offs of Petcurean's fresh-meat-only philosophy.

Crave · 78/100

Is Crave Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Mars Petcare's grain-free high-protein line delivers 34% protein from three named meats — but the pea/lentil stack keeps it out of A territory.

Inception · 90/100

Is Inception Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Rare trifecta — legume-free, potato-free, and corn/wheat/soy-free — with chicken first and ancient grains (oats, millet, milo) for carbs.

Pure Balance · 76/100

Is Pure Balance Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Walmart's house brand surprises — chicken first, no corn/wheat/soy, plus L-carnitine and dried cranberries. Pea protein and brewers rice keep it from an A.

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK · 76/100

Is Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

The premium Nutrish line is a legitimate 13-point upgrade — turkey + venison first, supplemental taurine, but a heavy three-way pea stack.

Redford Naturals · 78/100

Is Redford Naturals Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Pet Supplies Plus's house brand is a sneaky-good pick — chicken first, herring meal + fish oil for omega-3s, and whole-food blueberries and spinach.

Merrick Puppy · 78/100

Is Merrick Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken-first, whole-grain carb base, salmon meal DHA, and quinoa plant protein. Merrick's grain-inclusive puppy variant without corn, wheat, or soy.

Nutro Puppy · 78/100

Is Nutro Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Farm-raised chicken, non-GMO sourcing, lamb meal for protein diversity, fish oil DHA, and chelated minerals. Nutro's clean-label puppy formula.

Canidae Puppy · 78/100

Is Canidae Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Canidae PURE Puppy is a limited-ingredient grain-free formula with whole egg, salmon oil DHA, and supplemental taurine + threonine + tryptophan.

Canidae · 79/100

Is Canidae Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Canidae is one of the few remaining independent pet food companies. We analyzed the multi-protein formula — and it earns a genuine B.

Nature's Recipe · 77/100

Is Nature's Recipe Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Nature's Recipe uses chicken, sweet potato, and pumpkin in a clean grain-free formula. We analyzed the ingredients to see how it stacks up.

Nutro · 79/100

Is Nutro Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Nutro Wholesome Essentials scores a B — better than its Mars siblings. We analyzed the ingredients to see what's behind the branding.

Wholehearted · 76/100

Is Wholehearted Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Petco's house brand puts chicken first and costs less than the premium names. We analyzed the ingredients to see if it's a genuine deal.

Earthborn Holistic · 78/100

Is Earthborn Holistic Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Grain-free without the pea-and-lentil stack, with double meat meals and four named fish sources. We analyzed Earthborn's Primitive Natural recipe.

First Mate · 75/100

Is First Mate Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

A genuine limited-ingredient diet built around wild-caught herring, anchovy, and sardine. We analyzed First Mate's Pacific Ocean Fish Original formula.

Dr. Tim's · 90/100

Is Dr. Tim's Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

A veterinarian-formulated performance kibble with four fish sources and a grain-inclusive carb base. We analyzed Dr. Tim's Pursuit Active Formula.

Annamaet · 78/100

Is Annamaet Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

A brand most people haven't heard of — with chicken meal and salmon meal leading the formula. We analyzed every ingredient.

Spot & Tango · 78/100 · Fresh

Is Spot & Tango Good for Dogs? A Fresh Food Ingredient Breakdown

Cooked-fresh beef and beef liver with brown rice carb base. Veterinarian-developed recipes. Under our Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Eagle Pack · 78/100

Is Eagle Pack Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Eagle Pack leads with chicken meal and pork meal — a rare dual-meat base. We analyzed every ingredient in the Natural formula.

Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d · 55/100

Is Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Good for Dogs?

Joint care formula with flaxseed at #3, fish oil, glucosamine and chondroitin. Grains lead but therapeutic additions are solid.

Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d · 76/100

Is Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Good for Dogs?

Therapeutic kidney diet leads with brewers rice and chicken fat. Chicken at position five with fish oil and FOS prebiotics.

Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d · 55/100

Is Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Good for Dogs?

Multi-benefit formula for weight, digestion, blood sugar, and urinary health. Four-grain base with high therapeutic fiber.

Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d · 75/100

Is Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Good for Dogs?

Hydrolyzed protein allergy diet. Corn starch first with broken-down chicken proteins too small to trigger immune reactions.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive · 79/100

Is Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive has salmon first and a probiotic — and it scores significantly higher than the standard Pro Plan formula.

Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 · 76/100

Is Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

30% protein sounds impressive — until you see corn gluten meal at #2 doing the heavy lifting. We analyzed every ingredient.

Victor · 78/100

Is Victor Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Victor is a Texas-based brand with a cult following among hunters and working dog owners. We analyzed the Hi-Pro Plus formula.

American Journey · 78/100

Is American Journey Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chewy's house brand puts deboned salmon first with triple protein sources. We analyzed the ingredients to see if it's a genuine contender.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness · 78/100

Is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Blue Buffalo Wilderness is grain-free and protein-forward. We analyzed the ingredients — including the legume load that raises DCM concerns.

Iams Smart Puppy · 58/100

Is Iams Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Real chicken first, fish oil DHA for brain development, and growth-tuned minerals. The strongest formula in the Iams lineup — a budget-puppy standout.

Eukanuba Puppy · 76/100

Is Eukanuba Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken-first with chicken by-product meal, corn + wheat grain base, fish oil DHA, and FOS prebiotics. Puppy scores 15 points above adult Eukanuba.

SportMix · 75/100

Is SportMix Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken meal first, no corn/wheat/soy, clean preservation — strong formula for a budget kibble. The 2021 aflatoxin recall on Midwestern Pet Foods warrants consideration.

Is Wag Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Amazon's house-brand dog food is priced to compete. We analyzed the ingredients to see if convenience comes at a cost to quality.

Zignature · 90/100

Is Zignature Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Zignature charges premium prices for a limited ingredient formula. We analyzed the turkey recipe to see what you're actually paying for.

4Health · 78/100

Is 4Health Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Tractor Supply's house brand puts salmon first at a budget price. We analyzed the ingredients to see what you're getting for the money.

Instinct · 90/100

Is Instinct Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Instinct is grain-free and protein-forward. We analyzed the ingredients — including the DCM concern hiding in the legume load.

Purina Beyond · 78/100

Is Purina Beyond Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Purina Beyond has just 9 ingredients and salmon first. We analyzed the formula to see if simplicity means quality.

Natural Balance L.I.D. · 78/100

Is Natural Balance Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Natural Balance L.I.D. is designed for dogs with food sensitivities. We analyzed the ingredients to see if the limited-ingredient approach actually helps.

NutriSource · 78/100

Is NutriSource Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

NutriSource uses quality grains and avoids corn and wheat. We analyzed the chicken & rice formula to see if it lives up to its mid-premium positioning.

Rachael Ray Nutrish · 75/100

Is Rachael Ray Nutrish Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Rachael Ray put her name on a dog food line. We analyzed the ingredients to see if it's actually any good or just celebrity branding.

Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ · 58/100

Is Hill's Science Diet Senior Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken meal first, L-carnitine for lean muscle, taurine for heart health, and stabilized vitamin C. A three-point upgrade from Hill's adult.

Iams Healthy Aging · 58/100

Is Iams Senior Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Marine microalgae DHA, L-carnitine, beta-carotene antioxidant — a one-point upgrade from Iams adult, with real senior-specific additions.

Pro Plan Complete Essentials · 58/100

Is Purina Pro Plan Savor (Complete Essentials) Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken first, shredded blend texture — but wheat, corn, and soy fill positions 3-6. We analyzed every ingredient.

Purina Pro Plan · 58/100

Is Purina Pro Plan Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

We broke down Purina Pro Plan's ingredient list to see if it lives up to the hype. Here's what we found — and what your vet probably won't tell you.

Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind · 58/100

Is Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

MCT oil for cognitive health in senior dogs is innovative — but corn in three forms fills the rest. We analyzed every ingredient.

Hill's Science Diet · 76/100

Is Hill's Science Diet Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Vets love Hill's Science Diet, but is it actually good? We broke down the ingredients to find out what you're really paying for.

Eukanuba · 76/100

Is Eukanuba Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Eukanuba is positioned as a premium performance brand. We analyzed the ingredients — and found corn meal and chicken by-product meal doing heavy lifting.

Bil-Jac · 58/100

Is Bil-Jac Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Bil-Jac markets itself on fresh chicken, but the rest of the ingredient list tells a different story. We broke it all down.

Hill’s Rx Metabolic · 55/100

Is Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Good for Dogs?

Vet weight-loss formula leads with whole grain wheat and corn over chicken meal. Powdered cellulose for satiety.

Hill's Science Diet Puppy · 58/100

Is Hill's Science Diet Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken meal leads and fish oil delivers DHA, but wheat + corn + corn gluten meal anchor the grain profile. A vet-aisle mainstay held back by the carb base.

Is Iams Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Iams has been around for decades, but does it hold up in 2026? We analyzed the ingredient list to give you a straight answer.

Purina ONE Puppy · 58/100

Is Purina ONE Puppy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Real chicken first and fish oil DHA are legitimate puppy-specific features. But corn gluten meal + chicken by-product meal hold it to the C tier.

Purina ONE · 58/100

Is Purina ONE Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Purina ONE promises "real food" at a mainstream price. We checked the ingredients to see what that actually means.

Purina ONE Senior · 58/100

Is Purina ONE Senior Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Vibrant Maturity 7+ adds MCT oil for senior cognitive function — a rare evidence-backed addition. Still held to C by heavy corn across multiple fractions.

Royal Canin Boxer · 61/100

Is Royal Canin Boxer Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Two rice varieties and chicken fat top the list before any protein appears at #4. We analyzed this Boxer-specific formula.

Royal Canin Bulldog · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Bulldog Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Wheat gluten in a formula for an allergy-prone breed? Three grains before any animal protein. We analyzed it all.

Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel · 55/100

Is Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Three grains before any protein in a formula for an allergy-prone breed with chronic ear issues. We analyzed it all.

Royal Canin Dachshund · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Dachshund Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken by-product meal leads this breed-specific formula. We analyzed every ingredient — and found L-carnitine for weight but grains galore.

Royal Canin French Bulldog · 55/100

Is Royal Canin French Bulldog Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Brewers rice and wheat are the first two ingredients — in a formula for an allergy-prone breed. We analyzed everything.

Royal Canin German Shepherd · 55/100

Is Royal Canin German Shepherd Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Brewers rice first, chicken by-product meal second. The breed-specific label doesn't change the D-grade ingredients.

Royal Canin Golden Retriever · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Golden Retriever Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Brown rice first, corn gluten meal and wheat gluten mid-list. The breed-specific label doesn't change the D-grade formula.

Royal Canin Rottweiler · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Rottweiler Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Four grain and gluten sources in a formula for a breed prone to heart disease. We analyzed every ingredient.

Royal Canin Shih Tzu · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Shih Tzu Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Two rice varieties and oat groats dominate this Shih Tzu formula. We analyzed every ingredient for what matters.

Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Wheat gluten, corn gluten meal, and corn join chicken by-product meal in this Yorkie formula. We analyzed every ingredient.

Royal Canin Labrador · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Corn is the first ingredient — not chicken. We analyzed every ingredient in this $80 breed-specific formula.

Solid Gold · 75/100

Is Solid Gold Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Solid Gold charges premium prices for a "holistic" formula. We analyzed the ingredients — and found grains where meat should be.

Royal Canin · 55/100

Is Royal Canin Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Royal Canin is one of the most expensive kibbles on the shelf. We analyzed the ingredients to see if the price is justified.

Royal Canin Great Dane · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Great Dane Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken fat is the #1 ingredient — fat, not protein. For the breed with the highest bloat risk, we analyzed every ingredient.

Purina Dog Chow · 39/100

Is Purina Dog Chow Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Purina Dog Chow is one of America's best-selling dog foods. We analyzed the ingredients to find out what's actually in the bag.

Purina Puppy Chow · 39/100

Is Purina Puppy Chow Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

It says "real chicken" on the bag, but corn is the first ingredient. We analyzed every ingredient in this popular puppy food.

Beneful · 46/100

Is Beneful Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Beneful looks colorful and wholesome on the shelf. We analyzed the ingredients — and found sugar, artificial colors, and a troubling history.

Royal Canin Beagle · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Beagle Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Double corn and double wheat for the most obesity-prone breed. A D-grade formula with a breed-specific label.

Royal Canin Chihuahua · 55/100

Is Royal Canin Chihuahua Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Corn first, wheat gluten at #3 — outranking the protein. One of the lowest-scoring RC breed formulas.

Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer · 55/100

Is Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Six ingredients before any animal protein — in a formula for the most pancreatitis-prone breed. We analyzed it all.

Royal Canin Poodle · 55/100

Is Royal Canin Poodle Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Corn first plus corn gluten meal — double corn in a breed-specific formula. We analyzed every ingredient.

Ol' Roy · 21/100

Is Ol' Roy Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Ol' Roy is Walmart's house-brand dog food and one of the cheapest available. We analyzed the ingredients to see what that price buys.

Pedigree · 36/100

Is Pedigree Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Pedigree is one of the cheapest dog foods on the shelf. But is cheap the same as bad? We analyzed the ingredients to find out.

Is Alpo Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Alpo says "Lamb & Rice" on the bag — but corn is #1 and lamb isn't in the formula at all. We analyzed every ingredient.

Castor & Pollux Organix · 90/100

Is Castor & Pollux Organix Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

The only widely retailed dry kibble with USDA Organic certification on its top ingredients. Organic chicken first, organic chicken meal second, organic grains throughout.

Nature's Logic · 90/100

Is Nature's Logic Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

The only A-tier kibble we've reviewed with zero synthetic vitamins or minerals — every micronutrient comes from whole-food sources like alfalfa concentrate, montmorillonite clay, spray-dried liver, and almonds.

Muenster Milling · 90/100

Is Muenster Milling Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Family-owned Texas mill with ancient-grain carbohydrate base (sorghum + millet + quinoa), four omega-3 sources (salmon oil + cod liver oil + flaxseed + chia seed), and chicken cartilage for natural glucosamine.

Bixbi Rawbble · 90/100

Is Bixbi Rawbble Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

98% pasture-fed beef plus beef liver, kidney, and bone — whole-prey single-protein concentration in freeze-dried form. 45% protein, 35% fat. Shelf-stable raw nutrition without freezer logistics.

Open Farm Rustic Stew · 90/100 · Wet

Is Open Farm Rustic Stew Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Canned wet stew with G.A.P. Step 2 humanely-raised chicken in bone broth. Whole-vegetable carbohydrate base, per-batch ingredient traceability, AAFCO complete-and-balanced for adult maintenance.

Health Extension · 90/100

Is Health Extension Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken + brown rice + oatmeal lead, plus the deepest functional-superfood stack in our catalog: 7 functional mushroom strains, bovine colostrum, 8-strain probiotic, New Zealand green mussel. AAFCO large-breed-puppy growth approved.

Tender & True · 78/100

Is Tender & True Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

G.A.P. (Global Animal Partnership) humanely-raised antibiotic-free chicken, dual-source marine omega-3 (whitefish meal + menhaden oil), no corn/wheat/soy. The humane-sourced kibble at retail-mainstream pricing.

Wellness CORE Air-Dried · 78/100

Is Wellness CORE Air-Dried Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

The air-dried variant of base Wellness CORE — 70% raw protein, low-heat production preserves more nutrition than extruded kibble, AAFCO adult maintenance. Higher fat (21%) and moisture (20%) than base CORE.

Dave's Pet Food · 79/100

Is Dave's Pet Food Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Dave's Naturally Healthy Adult Dry — the family-mill brand's flagship kibble. Four named animal proteins, clean whole grains, turmeric, and yeast culture for digestive support.

Stella & Chewy's Raw Coated · 79/100

Is Stella & Chewy's Raw Coated Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Formula variant of Raw Blend Baked — freeze-dried raw is fused to each kibble pellet (uniform coating) rather than mixed in as loose pieces. Three named organ meats + 12 organic vegetables + 4 named probiotics.

Tiki Dog · 78/100 · Small Breed

Is Tiki Dog Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Aloha Petites Chicken Luau small-breed kibble. Fresh chicken liver at #4 (rare for kibble) plus salmon oil for marine omega-3. Three pulse legumes (peas + lentils + chickpeas) sit on the FDA DCM watchlist.

Chicken Soup for the Soul · 78/100

Is Chicken Soup for the Soul Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Four named animal proteins in the top four positions (chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal) and four named probiotic strains — the protein lead is unusually deep for a value-tier kibble.

Evanger's · 78/100

Is Evanger's Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

A 1935 heritage brand with unmatched whole-vegetable depth (watercress, spinach, parsley, beets) and five named probiotic strains. We also weigh the 2017 pentobarbital recall context.

Gather Endless Valley Vegan · 59/100

Is Gather Vegan Dog Food Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

The only 100% plant-based adult kibble in our catalog. USDA Organic plant inputs, comprehensive synthetic amino-acid backstop, but our rubric structurally penalizes the plant-only protein lead.

Kibbles 'n Bits · 20/100

Is Kibbles 'n Bits Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Kibbles 'n Bits is one of the most recognizable dog food brands. We analyzed the ingredients — and found the lowest score in our database.

Carna4 · 90/100

Is Carna4 Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

All Life Stages Chicken Formula — fresh chicken + chicken liver + eggs lead, 4 sprouted seeds, gentle 195°F baking, zero synthetic vitamin/mineral premix. 15-ingredient whole-food panel.

VeRUS · 78/100

Is VeRUS Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Canine Life Advantage — veteran-owned Maryland holistic-tier kibble. Chicken meal lead, guaranteed live probiotic (3M CFU/g), L-carnitine, selenium yeast, betaine. Independent brand at accessible mid-tier pricing.

Lotus · 78/100

Is Lotus Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Oven-Baked Good Grains Chicken — one of the only true oven-baked (not extruded) dry dog foods on the US market. Whole chicken + chicken meal lead, 4 grains, 7 whole-food fruits and veggies. Garlic + calcium propionate cap the grade.

Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters · 75/100

Is Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Formula variant of HK Wholemade — cold-pressed + roasted + dehydrated cluster format, no rehydration needed. Human-grade facility, chicken + chicken liver, added taurine + L-carnitine + Bacillus coagulans.

Kasiks · 75/100

Is Kasiks Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

FirstMate's Wild Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Formula — limited-ingredient single-fish-protein line. AAFCO substantiated for large-breed puppy growth, explicit taurine + DL-methionine DCM-pathway support. Three pulse legumes flag the FDA watchlist.

OC Raw · 91/100

Is OC Raw Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Beef & Produce Freeze-Dried Meaty Rox — beef tripe at #3 (rare whole-food prebiotic + enzyme source), zero synthetic vitamin/mineral premix, 90% meat-and-organ ratio (category-leading). Loose Rox format for precision portioning.

Northwest Naturals · 90/100

Is Northwest Naturals Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Nuggets — USDA-inspected chicken + ground bone + liver + gizzard in top 4, BARF-model ratio, no synthetic premix. 2024 H5N1 recall context honestly addressed.

Smallbatch · 90/100

Is Smallbatch Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Sliders — Pacific NW small-batch, six chicken-derived top-7 ingredients (necks + backs + muscle + organs + hearts), twelve USDA-certified-organic produce ingredients (highest organic load in category), HPP-validated.

Steve’s Real Food · 90/100

Is Steve’s Real Food Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Nuggets — raw goat’s milk at #9 (unique whole-food enzyme + probiotic delivery), eggshell membrane for joint cartilage, salmon oil for marine omega-3. Shortest 18-ingredient panel in the FD raw A-tier.

Inukshuk · 75/100

Is Inukshuk Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Professional 26/16 Working Dog Formula — high-NRG sport kibble at 4,500+ kcal/kg (540 kcal/cup). Chicken meal + fish meal lead, herring oil for marine omega-3, glucosamine + chondroitin baked in. Built for sled dogs, gun dogs, and working athletes — not sedentary pet dogs.

Raw Bistro · 90/100

Is Raw Bistro Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Frozen Bison Entree — grass-fed Minnesota family-farm bison, three bison organ meats + ground bone in top 5, eight USDA-certified-organic produce ingredients including organic walnut oil, AAFCO all life stages.

Answers Pet Food · 90/100

Is Answers Pet Food Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Detailed Beef Formula — whole-prey beef + organs + bone, unique raw-fermented dairy layer (whey + butter + kefir with four named Lactobacillus strains). 2018 Lystn LLC Salmonella regulatory context honestly addressed.

ZIWI Peak · 90/100

Is ZIWI Peak Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Venison Recipe Air-Dried — six venison ingredients in top eight positions, New Zealand green-lipped mussel for natural glucosamine + ETA omega-3, 96% animal content, AAFCO all life stages including large-breed puppy growth.

A Pup Above · 90/100

Is A Pup Above Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Texas Beef Stew Sous-Vide — human-grade beef + beef liver, beef bone broth for natural collagen, sous-vide cooking method (lowest-temperature gently-cooked subcategory), batch-by-batch pathogen testing.

We Feed Raw · 90/100

Is We Feed Raw Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Beef Recipe Frozen Raw — explicit 80/10/10 prey-model ratio (beef + organs + beef necks with bone), PhD veterinary nutritionist formulation oversight, DTC subscription with six-variant protein rotation.

Dr. Marty · 88/100

Is Dr. Marty Good for Dogs? A Freeze-Dried Raw Ingredient Breakdown

Nature's Blend Essential Wellness — four named muscle meats plus three organ meats lead one of the most meat-forward freeze-dried raw decks we score. Held below A by formulation-only AAFCO, a pea-flour protein nudge, and a light synthetic premix.

Badlands Ranch · 88/100

Is Badlands Ranch Good for Dogs? An Air-Dried Ingredient Breakdown

Superfood Complete (Beef) — beef, beef heart, beef liver and salmon lead an air-dried deck with no peas, lentils or potato and bioavailable chelated minerals. Capped below A by formulation-only AAFCO and marketing-forward minor superfoods.

Raised Right · 86/100

Is Raised Right Good for Dogs? A Human-Grade Ingredient Breakdown

Original Chicken — a genuine nine-ingredient, human-grade, gently-cooked limited diet with named chicken plus organs, no grains/legumes/potato, and very low carbohydrate. A high B, held off A by formulation-only AAFCO and an all-whole-food completeness margin.

Cesar · 76/100

Is Cesar Good for Dogs? A Wet Food Ingredient Breakdown

Classic Loaf in Sauce (Filet Mignon) — a meat-forward, grain-free, AAFCO-complete wet food. A low B: real beef leads, but added color, sodium nitrite, a triple-gum stack and pork by-products at number two hold it back.

Orijen · 79/100

Is Orijen Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Orijen Original Cat leads with multiple named meats and organs — chicken, turkey, herring, and turkey giblets. We analyzed every ingredient.

Smalls (fresh: cooked-fresh) · 90/100

Is Smalls Good for Cats? Smooth Bird Fresh Chicken Review

The first cooked-fresh cat subscription in our catalog. 73% moisture, zero grains/peas/potatoes, human-grade production — Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried (fresh: freeze-dried-raw, HPP documented) · 90/100

Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Good for Cats? Chick Chick Chicken Review

The first HPP-documented freeze-dried raw cat entry in our catalog. 98% chicken plus organs and bone, four-strain probiotic — Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Primal (fresh: freeze-dried-raw, test-and-hold) · 90/100

Is Primal Good for Cats? Freeze-Dried Chicken & Salmon Nuggets Review

Dual-protein chicken + salmon with 10 organic produce ingredients and third-party-lab test-and-hold pathogen control — Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

The Honest Kitchen (fresh: dehydrated, human-grade) · 79/100

Is The Honest Kitchen Good for Cats? Grain-Free Chicken Clusters Review

Human-grade cold-press-roast-dehydrate process. Chicken, eggs, and chicken liver in the top four with no meat meals — Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Tiki Cat After Dark (fresh: canned-wet) · 90/100

Is Tiki Cat After Dark Good for Cats? A Multi-Protein Pâté Breakdown

First canned-wet A-tier entry in our catalog. Chicken, quail egg, chicken liver/gizzard/heart stacked top-six for nose-to-tail obligate-carnivore nutrition — Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Acana · 90/100

Is Acana Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Six named animal proteins, organ meats, probiotics, and superfoods — Acana's cat formula earns an A grade. We analyzed every ingredient.

Instinct Kitten · 90/100

Is Instinct Kitten Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Six animal protein sources, freeze-dried raw pieces, and a probiotic — Instinct's kitten formula scores 12 points above the adult version.

Wellness CORE · 90/100

Is Wellness CORE Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Four named proteins in the first four positions plus herring meal and salmon oil. Wellness's premium line ties for #2 in our cat rankings.

Is Nulo Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Nulo cat food leads with deboned salmon and turkey meal in a grain-free, probiotic-enriched formula. We analyzed every ingredient — and it earned a B.

Dr. Elsey's · 87/100

Is Dr. Elsey's Good for Cats? cleanprotein Chicken Reviewed

A 59%-protein, near-zero-carb grain-free kibble built on chicken and concentrated pork proteins — a strong low-carb pick for indoor and weight-prone cats.

ZIWI Peak · 87/100

Is ZIWI Peak Good for Cats? Air-Dried Chicken Reviewed

Air-dried and roughly 96% meat, organs, bone, and New Zealand green mussel — a nose-to-tail carnivore food with natural joint support.

Is Koha Good for Cats? Limited Ingredient Chicken Pâté Reviewed

A true single-protein, limited-ingredient canned pâté at 78% moisture — a clean elimination-diet and sensitive-stomach option.

Open Farm · 79/100

Is Open Farm Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Certified Humane turkey and chicken with named fish meals, held back by a chickpea-and-lentil legume base.

Fromm · 79/100

Is Fromm Good for Cats? Four-Star Chicken à la Veg Reviewed

A family-made, grain-inclusive recipe with chicken and a four-strain probiotic — good, but lower-protein than grain-free peers.

American Journey · 76/100

Is American Journey Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Four named animal proteins, grain-free, and five probiotic strains — Chewy's house brand punches well above its price point.

Wellness · 78/100

Is Wellness Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Wellness Complete Health Indoor pairs whole chicken with real fruits and vegetables. We analyzed the ingredients to see what lands it in solid B territory.

Instinct Raw Boost · 90/100

Is Instinct Raw Boost Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Instinct Raw Boost combines kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces. We analyzed the ingredients to see if the premium price is worth it.

Tiki Cat · 75/100

Is Tiki Cat Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

100% non-GMO with chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal — no processed plant proteins. We analyzed Tiki Cat's Born Carnivore formula.

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers (fresh: freeze-dried-raw mixer, AAFCO supplemental) · 79/100

Is Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Good for Cats? A Topper/Mixer Breakdown

Topper — NOT a complete diet. Cage-free chicken with ground bone plus organ meats and non-GMO produce. Capped at B grade per Fresh Food Rubric v1.0 §16 mixer rules.

Blue Buffalo Indoor · 78/100

Is Blue Buffalo Indoor Cat Food Good? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Triple named proteins, quality whole grains, L-carnitine, and five probiotic strains tailored for indoor cats.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness · 75/100

Is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Grain-free with deboned chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal — three named animal proteins in a high-protein formula.

Canidae · 78/100

Is Canidae Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Limited ingredients with whole chicken first, salmon oil, and probiotics. Canidae PURE keeps it simple — we analyzed whether that works.

Is Halo Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Real meat only — no meals. Halo uses cage-free chicken with quality whole grains and dual omega-3s. We analyzed every ingredient.

Instinct · 78/100

Is Instinct Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Grain-free with a freeze-dried raw coating — Instinct takes a unique approach to premium cat food. We analyzed every ingredient.

Nulo FreeStyle Freeze-Dried Raw (fresh: freeze-dried-raw, no HPP doc) · 78/100

Is Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Good for Cats? A Chicken & Salmon Breakdown

98% animal content with BC30 probiotic and all-life-stages AAFCO — scored lower than A-tier peers on pathogen-control documentation per Fresh Food Rubric v1.0 §4.5.

Weruva · 78/100

Is Weruva Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Known for wet food, Weruva's Cat Person dry formula leads with chicken plus four animal proteins. We analyzed the ingredients.

Weruva Paw Lickin' Chicken (fresh: canned-wet) · 75/100

Is Weruva Paw Lickin' Chicken Good for Cats? A Canned-Wet Ingredient Breakdown

First canned-wet cat entry in our catalog. Boneless, skinless chicken breast in broth with BAP-certified facility — Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Whole Earth Farms · 75/100

Is Whole Earth Farms Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

B-grade ingredients at a budget price — four probiotic strains, salmon oil, and chelated minerals. We analyzed the formula.

Blue Buffalo · 75/100

Is Blue Buffalo Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Blue Buffalo Indoor Health promises wholesome ingredients for indoor cats. We checked the label — and it mostly delivers.

Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d · 58/100

Is Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Good for Cats?

Urinary care formula with chicken first. Controlled minerals dissolve struvite stones and prevent calcium oxalate crystals.

Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d · 76/100

Is Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Good for Cats?

Kidney diet starts with real chicken, includes fish oil and FOS prebiotics. Better protein lead than the dog version.

Taste of the Wild · 90/100

Is Taste of the Wild Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Taste of the Wild Canyon River puts trout and smoked salmon first. We analyzed the grain-free formula to see if it delivers.

Solid Gold · 74/100

Is Solid Gold Good for Cats? Indigo Moon Reviewed

A 42%-protein grain-free kibble with a long superfood list, just short of a B on a potato-and-pea starch base.

Earthborn Holistic · 73/100

Is Earthborn Holistic Good for Cats? Primitive Feline Reviewed

Grain-free with fresh chicken and three named fish meals, held to upper-C by a tapioca-and-pea base.

I and Love and You · 65/100

Is I and Love and You Good for Cats? Naked Essentials Reviewed

An indoor grain-free recipe whose three stacked pea ingredients inflate the protein number; it also uses menadione.

Sheba · 76/100

Is Sheba Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Real chicken first in a grain-free wet food pate. Short ingredient list and fish oil set it apart from budget competitors.

Hill's Science Diet · 58/100

Is Hill's Science Diet Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Vets recommend Hill's, but is the ingredient list worth the premium price? We analyzed what's actually in the bag.

Is Iams Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Iams ProActive Health is a familiar name in cat food. We analyzed the Indoor Weight & Hairball formula to see if it holds up.

Purina Pro Plan Kitten · 58/100

Is Purina Pro Plan Kitten Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Real chicken first with high 42% protein, but double by-products, double soy, and corn protein meal inflate the numbers.

Purina Pro Plan Senior · 58/100

Is Purina Pro Plan Senior Cat Food Good? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken first with probiotics and chicory root for senior digestion, but corn protein meal and caramel color hold it back.

Rachael Ray Nutrish · 73/100

Is Rachael Ray Nutrish Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food puts chicken first but includes brewers rice and corn protein concentrate. We analyzed every ingredient to separate celebrity branding from nutrition.

Royal Canin Kitten · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Kitten Food Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Vet-recommended kitten food with DHA from marine microalgae, but chicken by-product meal first and heavy grain content.

Royal Canin Maine Coon · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Maine Coon Cat Food Good? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin for this large breed, but by-product meal first with corn and rice fillers.

Royal Canin Persian · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Persian Cat Food Good? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Breed-specific kibble with GLA safflower oil and psyllium for hairballs, but by-product meal and grains dominate.

Hill’s Rx Metabolic · 58/100

Is Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Good for Cats?

Weight-loss formula leads with chicken by-product meal — the weakest first ingredient in the Hill’s Rx lineup.

Purina Pro Plan · 58/100

Is Purina Pro Plan Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Purina Pro Plan is one of the most vet-recommended cat foods. We analyzed the ingredients — and found a gap between reputation and reality.

Royal Canin Siamese · 55/100

Is Royal Canin Siamese Cat Food Good? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Breed-specific formula with L-lysine for immune support, but wheat gluten at #2 and corn at #3 drag the score down.

Purina ONE · 58/100

Is Purina ONE Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Purina ONE promises real chicken at a mainstream price. We checked the full ingredient list — and found caramel color hiding inside.

Royal Canin · 58/100

Is Royal Canin Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Royal Canin is one of the priciest cat foods on the shelf. We analyzed the ingredients to see if the cost is justified.

Fancy Feast · 75/100

Is Fancy Feast Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

America's most popular cat food starts with beef broth — not meat. We analyzed every ingredient in the Classic Pate.

9Lives · 47/100

Is 9Lives Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

9Lives leads with whole ground corn and chicken by-product meal, plus the preservative BHA and artificial colors. We analyzed every ingredient in this budget cat food.

Purina Cat Chow · 37/100

Is Purina Cat Chow Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Purina Cat Chow leads with chicken by-product meal. Corn and corn protein meal fill out a formula built for cost, not cats. We analyzed every ingredient.

Meow Mix · 35/100

Is Meow Mix Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Meow Mix is one of the most recognizable cat food brands. We analyzed the ingredients — and found corn, artificial colors, and very little real meat.

Friskies · 39/100

Is Friskies Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Friskies is one of the cheapest cat foods available. We analyzed the ingredients — and found the lowest score in our cat food database.

Whiskas · 44/100

Is Whiskas Good for Cats? A Dry Food Ingredient Breakdown

Meaty Selections — an unnamed poultry by-product meal is the only protein source, over a corn-wheat-soy base with BHA-preserved fat. Added taurine and an AAFCO-complete formula keep it out of the F tier.

Special Kitty · 14/100

Is Special Kitty Good for Cats? A Dry Food Ingredient Breakdown

Gourmet Formula Seafood Blend — two corn fractions lead before any meat, the only protein is an unnamed by-product meal, and the kibble carries four artificial dyes. The seafood is flavoring, not food. Among the lowest scores in our database.

Smalls Cat (A/90) vs The Honest Kitchen Cat (B/79)

Smalls vs The Honest Kitchen Cat: Cooked-Fresh vs Dehydrated Clusters

Two human-grade cat foods: Smalls A/90, The Honest Kitchen B/79. Refrigerated cooked-fresh with 73% moisture vs pantry-stable dehydrated with cold-press-roast process.

Weruva Paw Lickin' Chicken (B/75) vs Tiki Cat After Dark (A/90)

Weruva Paw Lickin' Chicken vs Tiki Cat After Dark: Which Is Better?

Canned-wet face-off. Single-cut boneless skinless chicken breast vs multi-protein chicken + quail egg + three organ cuts — 15-point gap on organ density.

Purina Pro Plan (C/58) vs Hill's Science Diet (B/76)

Purina Pro Plan vs Hill's Science Diet: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Two vet-recommended brands go head to head. Hill's wins by 18 points, B/76 to C/58.

Diamond Naturals (B/78) vs Taste of the Wild (B/78)

Diamond Naturals vs Taste of the Wild: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Same manufacturer, same score, different formulas. We break down which is the better value.

Kirkland Signature (B/78) vs Diamond Naturals (B/78)

Kirkland vs Diamond Naturals: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Costco's house brand vs the budget premium champ. Nearly identical — here's the real difference.

Pedigree (D/36) vs Purina ONE (C/58)

Pedigree vs Purina ONE: Which Dog Food Is Better?

The most impactful budget upgrade in dog food. 22 points for a few dollars more.

Merrick (B/79) vs Blue Buffalo (B/78)

Merrick vs Blue Buffalo: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Two premium chicken-first formulas separated by just 1 point. Here's what makes the difference.

Fromm (A/90) vs Acana (A/90)

Fromm vs Acana: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Two boutique premium brands most people haven't heard of — and both outperform the big names.

Iams (C/58) vs Blue Buffalo (B/78)

Iams vs Blue Buffalo: Which Dog Food Is Better?

The classic grocery-to-pet-store upgrade. A 20-point gap shows exactly what better ingredients look like.

4Health (B/78) vs Diamond Naturals (B/78)

4Health vs Diamond Naturals: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Tractor Supply's house brand vs the best value in dog food. Similar price, tied at B/78.

Purina ONE (C/58) vs Diamond Naturals (B/78)

Purina ONE vs Diamond Naturals: Which Dog Food Is Better?

The easiest upgrade in our database. 20 points better at the same price.

Authority (B/78) vs Blue Buffalo (B/78)

Authority vs Blue Buffalo: Which Dog Food Is Better?

PetSmart's house brand vs the mainstream premium. Tied at B/78 — is the upgrade worth it?

Alpo (D/36) vs Pedigree (D/36)

Alpo vs Pedigree: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Both earn an F. Corn first, generic proteins, BHA/BHT. We compared to find which is less terrible.

Wellness CORE (A/90) vs Wellness Complete Health (B/78)

Wellness CORE vs Wellness Complete Health: Which Is Better?

Same brand, premium vs standard. Triple protein and probiotics vs glucosamine and whole grains.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness (B/78) vs Blue Buffalo (B/78)

Blue Buffalo Wilderness vs Blue Buffalo: Which Is Better?

The grain-free "premium" line scores lower than the standard. The legume load is why.

Nulo (A/90) vs Orijen (A/90)

Nulo vs Orijen: Which Dog Food Is Better?

A tie at A/90. Patented probiotics vs whole-prey fresh protein.

Nulo (A/90) vs Stella & Chewy's (A/90)

Nulo vs Stella & Chewy's: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Two A-grade brands tied at 90. Multi-species protein vs freeze-dried raw organ meats.

Freshpet (B/78) vs Blue Buffalo (B/78)

Freshpet vs Blue Buffalo: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Fresh refrigerated food vs traditional kibble — tied on ingredient score, different trade-offs on cost and convenience.

Victor (B/78) vs Diamond Naturals (B/78)

Victor vs Diamond Naturals: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Two value champs. Victor's 4-protein punch vs Diamond Naturals' superfood breadth.

Nutro (B/79) vs Nature's Recipe (B/77)

Nutro vs Nature's Recipe: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Effectively tied, B/79 to B/77. Whole grains vs grain-free probiotics — the decision is about your dog's needs.

Pro Plan Sport (B/76) vs Purina Pro Plan (C/58)

Pro Plan Sport vs Pro Plan: Which Is Better?

The performance formula moves chicken to #1, adds fish oil and probiotics, and clears a full letter grade over the standard line.

Rachael Ray Nutrish (B/75) vs Nature's Recipe (B/77)

Rachael Ray Nutrish vs Nature's Recipe: Which Is Better?

A 2-point gap at the same price. Soy and wheat drag Nutrish down; probiotics lift Nature's Recipe.

4Health (B/78) vs Kirkland Signature (B/78)

4Health vs Kirkland Signature: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Tractor Supply vs Costco house brands. Tied at B/78.

Wag (B/76) vs Kirkland Signature (B/78)

Wag vs Kirkland Signature: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Amazon vs Costco house brands. Grain-free convenience vs grain-inclusive quality.

Pro Plan Bright Mind (C/58) vs Purina Pro Plan (C/58)

Pro Plan Bright Mind vs Pro Plan: Which Is Better?

Tied on score. MCT oil for cognitive health is genuinely innovative — but the corn-and-by-product base is identical.

Royal Canin Yorkie (C/58) vs Wellness Complete Health (B/78)

Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier vs Wellness Complete Health: Which Is Better?

Real chicken first vs grains first. A 20-point gap for a coat-sensitive toy breed.

Freshpet (B/78) vs Stella & Chewy's (A/90)

Freshpet vs Stella & Chewy's: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Two premium philosophies: refrigerated whole-food vs raw-infused kibble with organ meats.

Freshpet (B/78) vs Merrick (B/79)

Freshpet vs Merrick: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Fresh refrigerated vs traditional kibble — Merrick edges Freshpet by 1 point on ingredient depth.

Zignature (A/90) vs Taste of the Wild (B/78)

Zignature vs Taste of the Wild: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Single-protein limited ingredient vs multi-protein diversity. Zignature wins by 12 points.

American Journey (B/78) vs Diamond Naturals (B/78)

American Journey vs Diamond Naturals: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Chewy's house brand vs the value king. Tied at B/78.

NutriSource (B/78) vs Natural Balance (B/78)

NutriSource vs Natural Balance: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Grain-heavy four-grain blend vs limited-ingredient grain-free. Tied at B/78, different paths.

Pro Plan Complete Essentials (C/58) vs Purina Pro Plan (C/58)

Pro Plan Complete Essentials vs Pro Plan: Which Is Better?

Same score, same family: both C/58, built on different ingredient strategies.

Eukanuba (B/76) vs Iams (C/58)

Eukanuba vs Iams: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Mars siblings with nearly identical formulas. Eukanuba wins by 18 points, B/76 to C/58.

Beneful (D/46) vs Purina Dog Chow (D/39)

Beneful vs Purina Dog Chow: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Same parent company, both D-grade. Beneful (D/46) beats Dog Chow (D/39) by 7 points.

Ol' Roy (F/21) vs Kibbles 'n Bits (F/20)

Ol' Roy vs Kibbles 'n Bits: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Two F-grade foods at the absolute bottom. Any C-grade food is a dramatic upgrade from either.

Blue Buffalo Cat (B/75) vs Taste of the Wild Cat (A/90)

Blue Buffalo vs Taste of the Wild: Which Cat Food Is Better?

A 15-point gap and a different approach — grain-inclusive vs grain-free. Here's how to choose.

Purina Pro Plan Cat (C/58) vs Hill's Science Diet Cat (C/58)

Purina Pro Plan vs Hill's Science Diet: Which Cat Food Is Better?

The two most vet-recommended cat food brands. Neither scores well — here's which is less bad.

Iams Cat (C/58) vs Blue Buffalo Cat (B/75)

Iams vs Blue Buffalo: Which Cat Food Is Better?

The classic budget-to-premium upgrade. A 17-point gap shows exactly what better ingredients look like.

Purina ONE Cat (C/58) vs Royal Canin Cat (C/58)

Purina ONE vs Royal Canin: Which Cat Food Is Better?

Both score D. One costs twice as much. We compared — and recommend upgrading past both.

Orijen Cat (B/79) vs Nulo Cat (B/82)

Orijen Cat vs Nulo Cat: Which Cat Food Is Better?

Nulo (B/82) leads Orijen Cat (B/79) by 3 points.

Instinct Cat (B/78) vs Merrick Cat

Instinct Cat vs Merrick Cat: Which Cat Food Is Better?

Instinct Original scores B/78; we have not scored Merrick’s current Purrfect Bistro recipe. Two grain-free cat foods with different strengths.

Purina Cat Chow (D/37) vs Friskies (D/39)

Purina Cat Chow vs Friskies: Which Cat Food Is Better?

Friskies (D/39) narrowly beats Purina Cat Chow (D/37) — but neither leads with a named meat, and cats are obligate carnivores. See what to feed instead.

Meow Mix (D/35) vs Friskies (D/39)

Meow Mix vs Friskies: Which Cat Food Is Better?

Two of the cheapest cat foods on the shelf. We compared — Friskies edges Meow Mix by 4 points, D/39 to D/35.

Blue Buffalo Cat (B/75) vs Purina Pro Plan Cat (C/58)

Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan: Which Cat Food Is Better?

One is vet-recommended, the other scores 17 points higher. We compared the ingredients.

Hill's Science Diet Cat (C/58) vs Royal Canin Cat (C/58)

Hill's Science Diet vs Royal Canin: Which Cat Food Is Better?

Both are vet-recommended. One starts with chicken, the other with a by-product. Big difference.

Wellness CORE Cat (A/90) vs Nulo Cat (B/82)

Wellness CORE vs Nulo: Which Cat Food Is Better?

Wellness CORE Cat (A/90) leads Nulo Cat (B/82) by 8 points, clearing the A threshold. We compared the ingredients to see what earns the A.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat (C/73) vs Iams Cat (C/58)

Rachael Ray Nutrish vs Iams: Which Cat Food Is Better?

Rachael Ray Nutrish (C/73) beats Iams (C/58) by 15 points. Both start with chicken; Nutrish follows with chicken meal, Iams with chicken by-product meal and two corn ingredients in its top four.

RC Kitten (C/58) vs PP Kitten (C/58)

Royal Canin Kitten vs Purina Pro Plan Kitten: Which Is Better?

Dead tie at C/58. Pro Plan has real chicken first; RC has marine microalgae DHA. Neither is ideal for kittens.

PP Senior Cat (C/58) vs Hill’s Science Diet Cat (C/58)

Purina Pro Plan Senior vs Hill’s Science Diet Cat: Which Is Better?

Tied at C/58. Pro Plan adds probiotics for senior digestion.

Acana Cat (A/90) vs Orijen Cat (B/79)

Acana vs Orijen Cat Food: Which Is Better?

Acana and Orijen Cat are both Champion Petfoods — Acana wins A/90 to B/79. Full side-by-side breakdown.

Instinct Raw Boost Cat (A/90) vs Instinct Cat (B/78)

Instinct Raw Boost vs Instinct Original Cat Food: Which Is Better?

Raw Boost adds freeze-dried chicken, chicken liver and chicken heart to Instinct's formula. We compared ingredients to see if the upgrade is worth it.

Tiki Cat (B/75) vs Blue Buffalo Cat (B/75)

Tiki Cat vs Blue Buffalo Cat Food: Which Is Better?

Tied at B/75. Tiki Cat brings more animal proteins and no plant protein boosters; Blue Buffalo counters with omega-3s and grains.

Bil-Jac (C/58) vs Purina Pro Plan (C/58)

Bil-Jac vs Purina Pro Plan: Which Is Better?

Tied at C/58; Pro Plan adds probiotics and fish oil. Both mid-tier kibbles with real trade-offs.

Earthborn Holistic (B/78) vs Blue Buffalo (B/78)

Earthborn Holistic vs Blue Buffalo: Which Is Better?

Tied at B/78. The real question is grain-inclusive with LifeSource Bits or legume-free grain-free with four fish meals.

Jinx (B/78) vs Nutro (B/79)

Jinx vs Nutro: Which Is Better?

Nutro edges Jinx by one point. The practical difference is DTC subscription and deeper superfoods vs 20+ years of feeding data and lower cost.

Redford Naturals (B/78) vs Kirkland Signature (B/78)

Redford Naturals vs Kirkland Signature: Which Is Better?

Two retailer house brands tied on score. Redford leads on omega-3s and whole-food antioxidants; Kirkland on probiotics and price per pound.

Pure Balance (B/76) vs Diamond Naturals (B/78)

Pure Balance vs Diamond Naturals: Which Is Better?

Effectively tied on score but very different functional nutrition. Pure Balance has L-carnitine and cranberries; Diamond has guaranteed live probiotics.

Purina ONE Puppy (C/58) vs Purina Puppy Chow (D/39)

Purina ONE Puppy vs Purina Puppy Chow: Which Is Better?

19-point quality gap within Purina's own lineup. Real chicken + fish oil DHA + cleaner additive profile put ONE a full tier ahead.

Earthborn Holistic (B/78) vs Taste of the Wild (B/78)

Earthborn Holistic vs Taste of the Wild: Which Is Better?

Tied at B/78 between Midwest grain-free rivals. TOTW’s K9 probiotic vs Earthborn’s MSC-certified fish sourcing.

Pure Balance (B/76) vs Kirkland Signature (B/78)

Pure Balance vs Kirkland Signature: Which Is Better?

Walmart vs Costco private-label showdown. Pure Balance goes fish-forward and grain-free; Kirkland stays chicken-and-rice with added joint support.

Jinx (B/78) vs Blue Buffalo (B/78)

Jinx vs Blue Buffalo: Which Is Better?

DTC millennial clean-label vs retail-premium incumbent. Same top-of-list ingredients; different philosophy on antioxidants and distribution.

Kirkland Puppy (B/76) vs Diamond Naturals Puppy (B/78)

Kirkland Puppy vs Diamond Naturals Puppy: Which Is Better?

Same Diamond Pet Foods factory, two puppy recipes. Kirkland is the grain-free Costco-volume winner; Diamond Naturals is the grain-inclusive safer-breed pick.

Iams Senior (C/58) vs Hill’s Science Diet Senior (C/58)

Iams Senior vs Hill’s Senior: Which Is Better?

Exact score tie on senior-dog formulas. Iams is budget-shelf with chicken by-product meal; Hill’s is vet-clinic shelf with chicken meal-first.

Wellness CORE (A/90) vs Nulo (A/90)

Wellness CORE vs Nulo: Which Is Better?

A-tier tie. Wellness CORE runs poultry-lead with eleven named fruits and vegetables; Nulo leads with three named animal proteins plus supplemented taurine.

Stella & Chewy’s (A/90) vs Orijen (A/90)

Stella & Chewy’s vs Orijen: Which Is Better?

Raw-blended baked kibble vs WholePrey fresh-and-raw flagship. Same A/90, two different approaches to the raw-adjacent premium tier.

Acana Puppy (A/90) vs Nulo Puppy (A/90)

Acana Puppy vs Nulo Puppy: Which Is Better?

A-tier puppy tie. Acana runs WholePrey with explicit large-breed suitability; Nulo leads turkey + salmon meal with supplemented taurine.

Tiki Cat (B/75) vs Weruva (B/78)

Tiki Cat vs Weruva: Which Is Better?

Premium indoor-cat with menhaden fish meal vs wet-food-DNA dry formula with four animal proteins in the top five.

TOTW Puppy (B/78) vs Kirkland Puppy (B/76)

Taste of the Wild Puppy vs Kirkland Signature Puppy: Which Is Better?

Both Diamond-manufactured. Kirkland leads chicken + chicken meal at Costco pricing; TOTW delivers bison/venison novel-protein variety.

Hill’s SD Senior (C/58) vs Purina ONE Senior (C/58)

Hill’s Science Diet Senior vs Purina ONE Senior: Which Is Better?

Budget senior face-off. Hill’s cleaner protein structure vs Purina ONE’s MCT oil for aging cognition.

Instinct Cat (B/78) vs Tiki Cat (B/75)

Instinct vs Tiki Cat: Which Is Better?

Instinct Original scores B/78 and Tiki Cat Born Carnivore scores B/75. Two grain-free premium cat foods — here’s how their ingredients compare.

Hill’s Science Diet (B/76) vs Iams (C/58)

Hill’s Science Diet vs Iams: Which Is Better?

An 18-point vet-shelf budget face-off. Hill’s leads on ingredients and holds on research pedigree and prescription-line continuity.

Acana Cat (A/90) vs Wellness CORE Cat (A/90)

Acana vs Wellness CORE Cat: Which Is Better?

Premium A-tier grain-free cat tie. Wellness CORE wins on probiotic-blend prominence; Acana counters with six named animal proteins and earlier-position fish.

Nulo Cat (B/82) vs Instinct Cat (B/78)

Nulo vs Instinct Cat: Which Is Better?

Nulo Cat scores B/82 and Instinct Cat scores B/78 — a 4-point gap between two grain-free cat formulas. Here’s how Nulo’s salmon, turkey and chicken stack pulls ahead of Instinct’s freeze-dried-raw-coated kibble.

Vital Essentials Beef Liver (A/98) vs PureBites Chicken (A/91)

Vital Essentials vs PureBites: Which Single-Ingredient Treat Is Better?

Two single-ingredient freeze-dried dog treats. Organ-meat micronutrient density vs lean muscle-meat simplicity at half the calories.

Inaba Churu (A/90) vs Tiki Cat Stix (A/90)

Inaba Churu vs Tiki Cat Stix: Which Lickable Treat Is Better?

Two A/90 lickable-puree cat treats. Water-led hydration treat vs tuna-and-chicken protein density — use-case driven choice, not score-driven.

Greenies Feline (C/61) vs Temptations (D/38)

Temptations vs Greenies Feline: Which Cat Treat Is Better?

23-point cat-treat gap. Drugstore biscuit with BHA, BHT, and four artificial dyes vs the only mainstream cat treat with a VOHC Seal of Acceptance.

Rawhide (C/65) vs Greenies (C/58)

Greenies vs Rawhide: Two Dental Chew Categories Compared

Single-ingredient beef hide vs VOHC-verified dental chew. Rawhide is the simpler panel but FDA-flagged for choking and obstruction; Greenies is the safer pick with verified efficacy.

Friskies Party Mix (D/42) vs Temptations (D/38)

Temptations vs Friskies Party Mix: Two Mass-Market Cat Treats Compared

4-point cat-treat gap. Friskies leads with whole chicken; Temptations leads with chicken by-product meal. Both stack BHA, BHT, and four artificial colors.

Inaba Churu (A/90) vs Greenies Feline (C/61)

Greenies Feline vs Inaba Churu: Dental Crunch vs Lickable Puree

29-point cat-treat gap. Lickable-puree with 91% moisture vs grain-heavy VOHC-verified dental kibble. The rubric quality vs the only mainstream cat dental verification.

Nature's Logic (A/90) vs Orijen (A/90)

Nature's Logic vs Orijen: Which Dog Food Is Better?

Whole-food vitamin/mineral premix vs WholePrey ~85% animal-derived. Two A-tier philosophies that don't overlap — pick on what "natural" means to you.

Carna4 (A/90) vs Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters (B/75)

Carna4 vs Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters: Which Alternative-Process Dog Food Is Better?

15-point Carna4 edge on three-protein fresh-meat lead + zero synthetic supplements. HK Whole Food Clusters delivers human-grade FDA-equivalent facility + explicit taurine/L-carnitine/Bacillus coagulans functional pack.

Honest Kitchen Wholemade (B/77) vs Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters (B/75)

Honest Kitchen Wholemade vs Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters: Which Format Is Better?

2-point Wholemade edge — the format-vs-format question. Wholemade: loose dehydrated, just-add-water philosophy. Clusters: cold-press + roast + dehydrate scoop-and-serve convenience + added functional supplements.

Diamond Naturals (B/78) vs Inukshuk (B/75)

Diamond Naturals vs Inukshuk: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

3-point Diamond Naturals edge on our rubric, but the products serve different dogs. Diamond Naturals: everyday adult-maintenance, broad retail. Inukshuk: 540 kcal/cup sport kibble for working dogs running daily mileage.

Eukanuba (B/76) vs Inukshuk (B/75)

Eukanuba vs Inukshuk: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

Effectively tied (1 point). Eukanuba: mainstream pet-aisle adult-maintenance, Mars Petcare portfolio. Inukshuk: 540 kcal/cup sport-dog density, double marine omega-3, glucosamine + chondroitin baked in, independent ownership.

Northwest Naturals (A/90) vs OC Raw (A/91)

Northwest Naturals vs OC Raw: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

Effectively tied (1 point). NW Naturals: USDA-inspected chicken, Pacific NW small-batch, 27-ingredient panel. OC Raw: beef tripe at #3, zero synthetic premix, 90% meat-and-organ ratio.

OC Raw (A/91) vs Smallbatch (A/90)

OC Raw vs Smallbatch: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

Effectively tied (1 point). Both California small-batch FD raw. OC Raw: beef-led, beef tripe at #3, zero synthetic premix. Smallbatch: chicken-led with true prey-model carcass portions, twelve USDA-certified-organic produce ingredients.

OC Raw (A/91) vs Stella & Chewy’s (A/90)

OC Raw vs Stella & Chewy’s: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

Effectively tied (1 point). OC Raw: 16-ingredient beef-led panel with beef tripe + zero synthetic premix. Stella & Chewy’s: 40-ingredient chicken-led panel with four-strain probiotic supplementation + mass-market availability.

Primal (A/90) vs Steve’s Real Food (A/90)

Primal vs Steve’s Real Food: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

Tied at A/90. Primal Pronto: frozen-raw beef with HPP-validated, seven USDA-certified-organic produce, 25-year brand track record. Steve’s: freeze-dried chicken with raw goat’s milk at #9 + eggshell membrane + shortest 18-ingredient panel.

ZIWI Peak (A/90) vs Sundays (A/90)

ZIWI Peak vs Sundays: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

Tied at A/90. Both A-tier air-dried. ZIWI Peak: New Zealand venison + 96% animal + green-lipped mussel + AAFCO all life stages. Sundays: USDA-inspected beef + quinoa + US small-batch with subscribe-and-save D2C.

A Pup Above (A/90) vs JustFoodForDogs (A/90)

A Pup Above vs JustFoodForDogs: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

Tied at A/90. Both A-tier gently-cooked. A Pup Above: sous-vide Texas beef stew + bone broth + frozen DTC. JustFoodForDogs: feeding-trial-substantiated beef & russet + PetSmart retail availability + cold-storage prep model.

Carna4 (A/90) vs Acana (A/90)

Carna4 vs Acana: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

Tied at A/90. Both A-tier Canadian premium. Carna4: whole-food + zero synthetic premix + four organic sprouted seeds + 195°F gentle baking. Acana: 50% animal ingredients + 3 fresh + 3 raw + 4 DehydraFreeze inclusions + WholePrey™ methodology.

Inukshuk (B/75) vs Pro Plan Sport (B/76)

Inukshuk vs Purina Pro Plan Sport: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

Effectively tied (1 point). Inukshuk Pro 26/16: chicken meal + fish meal animal-only protein anchor + marine omega-3 + glucosamine baked in + PEI Canadian independent. Pro Plan Sport 30/20: 30+ year R&D + Iditarod-champion validation + broader retail.

Diamond Naturals (B/78) vs Fromm (A/90)

Diamond Naturals vs Fromm: Is the Family-Owned-to-Family-Owned Premium Upgrade Worth It?

Fromm 12-point edge. Diamond Naturals: Diamond Pet Foods family-owned US manufacturing + wide pet specialty + Tractor Supply distribution + budget-natural pricing. Fromm Gold: multi-protein duck + chicken + lamb + fish + signature whole-food vegetable + cheese + chicken cartilage panel + fifth-generation family-owned Mequon WI single-facility manufacturing.

Kirkland Signature (B/78) vs The Farmer's Dog (A/90)

Kirkland Signature vs The Farmer's Dog: Costco Kibble or Fresh-Cooked Subscription?

The Farmer's Dog 12-point edge. Kirkland Signature: shelf-stable Costco kibble at ~$0.30/day + grain-inclusive DCM-precaution. The Farmer's Dog Beef: USDA human-grade fresh-cooked + board-certified veterinary nutritionist-developed recipes + pre-portioned weight-management structure + gentle-cook nutrient preservation at ~$3.50-5.00/day. Format upgrade more than price-tier upgrade.

Pro Plan Sport (B/76) vs Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (B/79)

Pro Plan Sport vs Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach: Which Pro Plan for Your Dog in 2026?

Sensitive Skin & Stomach 3-point edge. Sensitive: salmon + rice + EPA/DHA omega-3 anchoring + prebiotic fiber structure + veterinary-recommended OTC sensitive-stomach formula. Sport: 30% protein + 20% fat performance density + All-Life-Stages substantiation + working-dog energy supply.

Pro Plan Bright Mind (C/58) vs Pro Plan Complete Essentials (C/58)

Pro Plan Bright Mind vs Pro Plan Complete Essentials: Senior or Flagship in 2026?

Effective tie at C/58. Bright Mind: MCT oil cognitive-support blend + senior-targeted formulation + Pan 2016 cognitive-function study backing. Complete Essentials: flagship adult-maintenance scope + shredded-blend palatability format + lower per-pound cost for sole-diet feeding economics.

The Farmer's Dog Beef (A/90) vs The Farmer's Dog Pork (A/90)

The Farmer's Dog Beef vs Pork: Which Protein for Your Dog in 2026?

Effective tie at A/90. Beef Recipe: USDA human-grade beef + beef liver organ-meat at position five + higher-calorie density for active dogs. Pork Recipe: novel-protein flexibility for beef-sensitive dogs + lower-fat profile + cauliflower + green beans whole-vegetable bioactive contributions.

Diamond Naturals (B/78) vs Blue Buffalo (B/78)

Diamond Naturals vs Blue Buffalo: Which B-Tier Dog Food Is the Better Value?

Diamond Naturals and Blue Buffalo tie at B/78 in our analysis: both lead chicken plus chicken meal with no corn, wheat, soy, or by-products. Diamond wins on price and probiotics; Blue Buffalo wins on LifeSource Bits, brand backing, and retail reach. Pick on budget vs brand.

Diamond Naturals (B/78) vs Purina Pro Plan (C/58)

Diamond Naturals vs Purina Pro Plan: Which Dog Food Is the Better Buy in 2026?

Diamond Naturals Adult Chicken & Rice (B/78) beats Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend (C/58) by a full grade tier at about half the price. Chicken plus chicken meal and no corn, wheat, soy, or by-product beats Pro Plan's wheat-and-by-product stack. Pro Plan wins on picky-eater palatability, vet trust, and SKU range.

Victor (B/78) vs 4Health (B/78)

Victor vs 4Health: Which Tractor Supply Dog Food Is Better in 2026?

Victor Hi-Pro Plus and 4Health Salmon tie on ingredient grade, but suit different dogs. Victor is a grain-inclusive 30/20 high-protein pick for active dogs; 4Health Salmon is a grain-free single-novel-protein recipe for chicken or grain sensitivities. Pick by need, not score.

Dr. Marty (B/88) vs Badlands Ranch (B/88)

Dr. Marty vs Badlands Ranch: Which Premium Raw Dog Food Wins in 2026?

An honest tie at B/88. Two heavily marketed premium raw foods — choose on format: freeze-dried multi-protein (Dr. Marty) vs air-dried beef-forward with no legumes (Badlands Ranch).

Dr. Marty (B/88) vs Stella & Chewy's (A/90)

Dr. Marty vs Stella & Chewy's: Which Freeze-Dried Raw Wins in 2026?

Stella & Chewy's (A/90) edges Dr. Marty (B/88) by two points on documented HPP pathogen control and roughly 95% animal content. Dr. Marty answers with multi-protein variety.

Whiskas (D/44) vs Friskies (D/39)

Whiskas vs Friskies: Which Budget Cat Food Is Better in 2026?

Whiskas (D/44) edges Friskies (D/39) by five points for leading with a protein meal rather than corn. Both are grain-and-by-product grocery kibble; owners avoiding BHA may prefer Friskies.

Ingredient Explainer

Chicken By-Product Meal vs Chicken Meal vs Animal By-Product Meal: AAFCO Definitions Explained

Named species (chicken, salmon, lamb) are traceable; unnamed species (animal, meat, poultry) are batch-variable. AAFCO Official Publication 2024 definitions and what they mean for protein quality scoring.

Ingredient Explainer

AAFCO Statement Explained: Formulation vs Feeding Trial vs Family Rule

The three substantiation paths and what they actually demonstrate.

Ingredient Explainer

What Are BHA and BHT in Dog Food?

Synthetic antioxidant preservatives classified IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic). NTP 15th Report on Carcinogens lists BHA as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. AAFCO 200 ppm cap; FEDIAF 150 mg/kg cap.

Ingredient Explainer

What Is Propylene Glycol in Dog Food?

Humectant FDA-GRAS for dogs under 21 CFR 582.1666 but banned in cat food since 1996 (Heinz body anemia). Distinct from ethylene glycol antifreeze — 4,000× safer per LD50 in dogs.

Best Dog Foods for Senior Dogs in 2026

Joint support, cognitive health, and age-appropriate nutrition for older dogs. Our top 5 picks.

Best Dog Foods for Allergies in 2026

Novel proteins, limited ingredients, and no common triggers. Our top picks for allergy-prone dogs.

Best High-Protein Dog Foods in 2026

Multiple named meat sources, minimal fillers, and real muscle-building nutrition. Our top picks.

Worst Dog Foods to Avoid in 2026: F and D Grades Explained

Artificial colors, by-products, corn syrup, and cheap fillers. These are the lowest-rated foods on KibbleIQ.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Foods for Heart Disease in 2026

Grain-inclusive foods from makers that meet WSAVA’s guidelines, after the FDA DCM advisory. Taurine, L-carnitine, and EPA/DHA support.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Cancer in 2026

Ogilvie-protocol-aligned high-protein, low-carb picks with EPA/DHA support during chemotherapy and cachexia management.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Foods for Dental Health in 2026

Low-starch, kibble-texture picks to support at-home dental care. Brushing still beats kibble — but these formulas help.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections and Yeast in 2026

Limited-ingredient and novel-protein picks for dogs with chronic otitis. Most recurring ear infections have a food-allergy component.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Foods for Kidney Disease in 2026

IRIS-aligned phosphorus restriction, moisture-rich options, and stage-specific picks for CKD cats. Phosphorus is the single biggest lever.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Foods for Diabetes in 2026

Low-carb, high-protein picks. Unlike in dogs, feline diabetes is profoundly diet-responsive — remission is achievable.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Foods for Dental Health in 2026

VOHC-accepted dental kibble, mechanical-cleaning formulas, and tartar-control picks. Feline dental disease is under-diagnosed.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Foods for IBD and Digestive Issues in 2026

Novel protein and hydrolyzed options for chronic GI cats. Most feline chronic enteropathy is food-responsive before it’s true IBD.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for Post-Surgery Recovery in 2026

Calorie-dense palatable wet formulations for appetite return and tissue repair. Hepatic lipidosis risk means getting the cat to eat anything is priority one.

Life Stage Guide

Best Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs in 2026

AAFCO gestation/lactation-profile picks with DHA for fetal neural development. An adult-maintenance label alone is not adequate during pregnancy.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for Megacolon in 2026

High-moisture wet pate picks for idiopathic and acquired megacolon management. Diet supports cisapride and lactulose — it doesn’t replace them.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Dogs with Epilepsy in 2026

MCT-friendly, high-fat picks that pair with anticonvulsants. Diet is adjunct — never reduce phenobarbital or levetiracetam based on a food change.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Dogs with Addison's Disease in 2026

GI-gentle, electrolyte-appropriate picks for dogs on DOCP + prednisone. Low-sodium prescription diets are contraindicated — Addison's dogs lose sodium already.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Dogs with Hypothyroidism in 2026

Weight-management picks with marine omega-3 for the coat recovery that dominates the first 4–8 weeks of levothyroxine therapy.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for Cats with Asthma in 2026

EPA/DHA-rich wet-food picks that reduce inhaled dust and support weight control. Inhaled fluticasone via AeroKat is the medical foundation — diet supports.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for FIV-Positive Cats in 2026

Immune-supporting premium picks — cooked only, no raw. FIV-positive cats routinely live 10–15 years with consistent supportive care.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Dogs with Cushing's Disease in 2026

Lower-fat, portion-controlled picks for dogs on trilostane. Cushing's dogs run elevated pancreatitis risk — watch the fat.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in 2026

Highly digestible, low-fiber picks for EPI dogs on PERT. Enzyme replacement is primary — diet supports it. Watch for cobalamin deficiency.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for Hyperthyroidism in 2026

Weight-regain, renal-protective picks for cats on methimazole or post-I-131. Check renal function 4 and 12 weeks post-treatment for unmasked CKD.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for Cats with Seizures in 2026

Premium-protein picks for cats on phenobarbital or levetiracetam. Feline MCT evidence is limited — don't extrapolate blindly from dogs.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Dogs with Megaesophagus in 2026

Slurry and meatball-form picks for Bailey-chair upright feeding. Food is secondary — feeding form and posture drive survival outcomes.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Dogs with IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) in 2026

Weight-management + joint-supportive picks for IVDD-predisposed breeds. Every pound over ideal multiplies disc compression.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis (GOLPP) in 2026

Weight-management picks for Labs and large breeds with LP/GOLPP. Obesity compounds airway compromise — weight loss buys surgical-delay runway.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for Cats on Long-Term Steroids in 2026

High-protein portion-controlled picks for cats on prednisolone for IBD/asthma. Polyphagia, insulin resistance, and muscle catabolism — all dietary.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for Triaditis in 2026

Moderate-fat picks for concurrent IBD + pancreatitis + cholangitis.

Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Dogs Recovering from Bloat/GDV in 2026

Small-frequent-meal moderate-fat picks for post-gastropexy maintenance. Ground-level feeding, slow-feeder bowls — Glickman 2000 disproved elevated feeders.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for FeLV-Positive Cats in 2026

Cooked-not-raw high-protein picks for FeLV+ cats. Raw-food Salmonella risk is life-threatening in immunocompromised cats.

Condition Guide

Best Cat Food for Cats with Chronic Rhinitis in 2026

Aromatic warming wet-food picks for FHV-1 chronic rhinosinusitis. Anosmia-driven inappetence — smell drives appetite in obligate carnivores.

Fresh Food Guide

Best Fresh Dog Food in 2026

Top 5 fresh picks across cooked-fresh, air-dried, and freeze-dried formats. The Farmer’s Dog, JustFoodForDogs, Ollie, Sundays, Nom Nom — scored under Fresh Food Rubric v1.0.

Cross-Format Flagship

Best Dog Food Overall in 2026

Top 5 picks spanning every format — JustFoodForDogs, Orijen, The Farmer’s Dog, Stella & Chewy’s FD Raw, Sundays. Scored under Cross-Format Rubric v1.0.

Cross-Format Flagship

Best Cat Food Overall in 2026

Top 4 picks across every format — Smalls, Stella & Chewy’s Cat FD, Honest Kitchen Clusters, Wellness CORE. Scored under Cross-Format Rubric v1.0.

Cross-Format Budget Guide

Best Dog Food by Budget in 2026

Tiered cross-format picks at under $1/day, $2/day, $2–$3/day, and $5+/day brackets. Kirkland, Diamond Naturals, Orijen, Freshpet, The Farmer’s Dog.

Breed × Condition Guide

Best Dog Food for Yorkies with Sensitive Stomachs in 2026

Small-kibble, pancreatitis-aware picks for the toy breed with elevated PSS, hypoglycemia, and dental-disease risks. Workup before chronic dietary management.

PureBites Chicken (Cat) · Treat · 95/100

Is PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Single-ingredient freeze-dried chicken breast for cats. Our highest-scoring cat treat — 1 kcal per piece, no fillers or preservatives.

Wellness Bowl Boosters Bare Beef · Treat · 93/100

Are Wellness Bowl Boosters Bare Beef Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Single-ingredient freeze-dried beef topper. Beef plus three natural antioxidant preservatives (mixed tocopherols, rosemary, green tea extract). AAFCO complementary food — daily topper or training treat.

Vital Essentials · Treat · 98/100

Is Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Single-ingredient freeze-dried beef liver. The platonic ideal of a dog treat on every axis our rubric measures.

Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch · Treat · 92/100

Is Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Freeze-dried all-beef-organ panel with pumpkin seed. Grass-fed sourcing, multi-organ micronutrient profile. <3 kcal per morsel.

Charlee Bear · Treat · 90/100

Is Charlee Bear Grain-Free Turkey Liver Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Jerky-format treat with turkey and turkey liver leading a grain-free panel. Clean preservation; one legume-stack watchlist flag.

Tiki Cat Stix · Treat · 90/100

Is Tiki Cat Stix Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Lickable-puree cat treat. Tuna first, chicken broth, chicken — no grains, starches, or artificial additives.

Inaba Churu Tuna · Treat · 90/100

Is Inaba Churu Tuna Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Iconic lickable-puree cat treat at 91% moisture. Water, tuna, simple thickeners. Functional hydration contribution for dry-fed cats.

PureBites Chicken (Dog) · Treat · 91/100

Is PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Single-ingredient freeze-dried chicken breast. Cleanest multi-use dog training treat on the mainstream shelf. 3 kcal per piece.

Zuke’s Mini Naturals · Treat · 78/100

Is Zuke’s Mini Naturals Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

The strongest mainstream soft-training treat. Chicken first, natural preservation, 3 kcal per piece. Glycerin softener keeps it out of A-tier.

Wellness Soft WellBites · Treat · 78/100

Is Wellness Soft WellBites Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken + lamb first with whole-food secondary panel. Cane molasses and glycerin are the rubric gaps; 8 kcal per piece.

Fruitables Skinny Minis · Treat · 78/100

Is Fruitables Skinny Minis Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Strongest plant-based training treat we’ve scored. Pumpkin-first, 3 kcal per piece. Ideal for weight-management households.

Whimzees Stix · Treat · 76/100

Is Whimzees Stix Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Cleanest plant-based dental chew on the mainstream shelf. Size-tiered by weight. Stix shape specifically is NOT VOHC-accepted.

Blue Buffalo Blue Bits · Treat · 76/100

Is Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken first with added DHA from fish oil. Useful for puppies and seniors; cane sugar is the main rubric cost.

Generic Rawhide · Treat · 65/100

Is Rawhide Good for Dogs? An Ingredient and Safety Breakdown

Single-ingredient beef hide. Simplicity credit capped at C/65 by FDA digestive-obstruction advisories. Safer no-hide alternatives exist.

Greenies Feline · Treat · 61/100

Is Greenies Feline Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

VOHC-accepted dental treat for cats — essentially the only mainstream option with verified plaque control. Grain-heavy panel is the tradeoff.

Greenies Original · Treat · 58/100

Is Greenies Original Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

VOHC-verified dental chew for dogs. Real dental benefit offset by wheat-first ingredient order, glycerin softener, and 91 kcal per chew.

Friskies Party Mix · Treat · 42/100

Is Friskies Party Mix Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Mainstream cat biscuit with chicken first but BHA + BHT + four artificial colors + chicken by-product meal stacking deductions.

Milk-Bone Original · Treat · 38/100

Is Milk-Bone Good for Dogs? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Legacy mass-market biscuit. Wheat flour first, BHA preservative, four artificial colors, poultry by-product meal. Multiple stacking deductions.

Temptations Classic · Treat · 38/100

Is Temptations Good for Cats? An Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown

Best-selling cat biscuit. Chicken By-Product Meal first, BHA and BHT preservation, four artificial colors. The cat-shelf counterpart to Milk-Bone.

Browse all 61 recalls & controversies in the Recall Encyclopedia → · severity-tiered (F/D/C), chronological, and topic-cluster browse with FDA-CVM citations.

Pet Food Recall · SportMix · 2020–2021

SportMix Aflatoxin Recall: 130+ Dog Deaths Explained

Midwestern Pet Foods recalled 1,000+ lot codes after FDA testing measured aflatoxin levels up to 558 ppb — 25× the action limit. The deadliest pet food recall in recent history.

Pet Food Recall · Hill’s Science Diet · 2019

Hill’s Science Diet 2019 Vitamin D Recall

~22 million cans across 33 Hill’s Science Diet and Prescription Diet varieties recalled after a supplier’s vitamin premix delivered toxic vitamin D levels up to 33× the safe limit.

Pet Food Recall · Diamond Naturals · 2012

Diamond Naturals 2012 Salmonella Recall: 16 Brands, 9 States

Co-manufacturing recall sweeping 16 brands (Diamond, Kirkland, Taste of the Wild, Wellness, 4Health, Solid Gold, more). CDC documented 49 human Salmonella infections.

Pet Food Recall · Iams · 2010

Iams 2010 Salmonella Recall: ProActive Health Cat Food

Procter & Gamble precautionary recall on Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care 6.8-lb bags. Zero illness reported — caught upstream by internal testing.

Pet Food Recall · Blue Buffalo · 2017

Blue Buffalo 2017 Aluminum Recall: Single Lot, Zero Illness

Precautionary recall on one lot of Homestyle Recipe Healthy Weight 12.5-oz cans after a supplier flagged possible aluminum metal fragments. Zero pet illness or injury reported.

Pet Food Recall · Menu Foods · 2007

Menu Foods 2007 Melamine Recall: 60M Units, 150+ Brands

The industry-defining event: melamine-spiked wheat gluten from a Chinese supplier reached 150+ brands. FDA confirmed 16 deaths; veterinary databases logged thousands more.

Pet Food Recall · Evanger’s · 2017

Evanger’s 2017 Pentobarbital Recall: One Death, Four Sickened

FDA detected pentobarbital (a euthanasia drug) in canned Hunk of Beef product. One dog died; four others sickened in a single Washington household. Supplier suspended.

Pet Food Recall · Bravo Packing · 2021

Bravo Packing 2021 Salmonella + Listeria Recall: Performance Dog Raw

All Performance Dog Raw Pet Food recalled after FDA found Salmonella and Listeria. Third such event at the same facility in 3 years; plant shut down indefinitely.

Pet Food Recall · Natural Balance · 2007

Natural Balance 2007 Melamine Recall: Venison and Brown Rice Lines

Parallel branch of the Menu Foods event. Natural Balance’s in-house testing detected melamine in rice protein concentrate from U.S. distributor ChemNutra.

Pet Food Recall · Stella & Chewy’s · 2015

Stella & Chewy’s 2015 Listeria Recall: Frozen Raw Patties

Voluntary expanding recall on Chicken, Beef, and Duck Duck Goose frozen raw recipes after FDA Listeria detection. Drove the brand’s 2015–2016 HPP adoption.

Pet Food Recall · Mid America Pet Food · 2023

Mid America Pet Food 2023 Salmonella Recall: 7 Sick, 7 States

Multi-brand dry-kibble recall (Victor, Wayne Feeds, Eagle Mountain) after CDC linked 7 human Salmonella infections to the Mt. Pleasant, Texas plant.

Pet Food Recall · Sunshine Mills · 2020

Sunshine Mills 2020 Aflatoxin Recall: Family Pet, Heartland Farms, Paws Happy Life

Multi-brand private-label recall. Corn-source aflatoxin from the 2020 growing-season spike breached the FDA action limit across ~24 SKUs at the Red Bay, AL plant.

Pet Food Recall · Pedigree · 2014

Pedigree 2014 Metal Fragments Recall: 22-lb & 33-lb Bags

Mars Petcare recalled Adult Complete Nutrition 15-lb, 33-lb, and 36-lb bags after a supplier identified metal fragments. Three-state distribution; no injuries reported.

Pet Food Recall · Freshpet · 2022

Freshpet 2022 Salmonella Recall: Single-Lot, Zero Illness

Single-lot precautionary recall on Freshpet Select Small Dog Beef & Egg Recipe after FDA routine Salmonella sampling. Tight production-run traceability.

Pet Food Recall · Primal Pet Foods · 2022

Primal Pet Foods 2022 Listeria Recall: Raw Frozen Patties

Single-lot precautionary recall of Raw Frozen Patties after FDA Listeria detection. HPP already in place; post-HPP environmental drift identified.

Pet Food Recall · Albright’s · 2021

Albright’s 2021 Salmonella Recall: Adult Chicken Dinner

Single-lot precautionary recall of Adult Chicken Dinner for Dogs after FDA Salmonella detection. Small-batch raw producer; rapid containment, zero illnesses.

Pet Food Recall · Northwest Naturals · 2024

Northwest Naturals 2024 H5N1 Recall: First Confirmed Raw-Food Avian Flu Cat Death

ODA and USDA confirmed a genetic match between H5N1 in the recalled 2lb Turkey Recipe and the deceased Oregon house cat. Distributed in 12 U.S. states plus British Columbia.

Pet Food Recall · Wild Coast Raw · 2024

Wild Coast Raw 2024 H5N1 Cat Food Recall: Second Confirmed Raw-Food Source

WSDA and ODA traced H5N1 in infected cats to Wild Coast Raw frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula. Second confirmed U.S. raw-pet-food H5N1 event within 60 days.

Pet Food Recall · Diamond Pet Foods · 2005–2006

Diamond Pet Foods 2005 Aflatoxin Recall: 100+ Dog Deaths

A New York vet linked a dog’s death to Diamond’s Gaston, SC plant in December 2005, exposing missed incoming-corn aflatoxin testing across 20 product varieties. More than 100 dogs died.

Pet Food Recall · Mars Petcare · 2007–2008

Mars Petcare 2007 Salmonella Schwarzengrund Recall: 70 Human Cases, 19 States

CDC linked 70 human Salmonella Schwarzengrund infections to dry dog food made at Mars’ Everson, PA plant. Plant suspended for 4-month cleaning; all dry product from a 5-month window recalled.

Pet Food Recall · Premium Edge · 2009

Premium Edge 2009 Thiamine Deficiency Recall: 21 Neurologic Cases

Diamond Pet Foods’ Premium Edge cat food carried inadequate thiamine, producing neurologic disease in 21 confirmed NY and PA cases. Recovery required parenteral supplementation.

Pet Food Recall · J.M. Smucker · 2018

J.M. Smucker 2018 Multi-Brand Pentobarbital Recall

J.M. Smucker withdrew canned dog food across Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy after ABC7+Ellipse Analytics testing detected pentobarbital. FDA upgraded the withdrawal to a recall.

Pet Food Recall · Honest Kitchen · 2013

Honest Kitchen 2013 Salmonella Recall: Five Lots of Dehydrated Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen voluntarily recalled five lots of Verve, Zeal, and Thrive dehydrated dog food after FDA detected Salmonella in a single parsley ingredient batch. No illnesses reported.

Pet Food Recall · Bravo Pet Foods · 2014

Bravo Pet Foods 2014 Salmonella Recall: Turkey and Chicken Raw Lots

Bravo of Manchester, CT (different from Bravo Packing of NJ) recalled select Turkey and Chicken raw pet food lots after Nebraska Department of Agriculture detected Salmonella. No illnesses.

Pet Food Recall · Boots & Barkley · 2014

Boots & Barkley 2014 Salmonella Recall: Target Bully Sticks and Pig Ears

Kasel Associated Industries recalled Boots & Barkley Beef Bully Sticks, Pig Ears, and Variety Pack Dog Treats sold nationally at Target after Colorado Department of Agriculture detected Salmonella.

Pet Food Recall · Vital Essentials · 2016

Vital Essentials 2016 Listeria Recall: Beef Tripe Patties and Nibblets

Carnivore Meat Company of Green Bay, WI recalled two Vital Essentials raw frozen beef tripe products after FDA Listeria detection. No illnesses reported in dogs or humans.

Pet Food Recall · Steve’s Real Food · 2018

Steve’s Real Food 2018 Salmonella Recall: Single-Lot Raw Turkey

Steve’s Real Food of Salt Lake City, UT voluntarily recalled one lot of 5lb Raw Frozen Turkey Canine Recipe (lot E178) after Nebraska state surveillance detected Salmonella. 52 cases across 21 states.

Pet Food Recall · Performance Dog · 2018

Performance Dog 2018 Salmonella Recall: Bravo Packing’s First Recall

Bravo Packing of NJ recalled all Performance Dog frozen raw pet food after FDA detected Salmonella in plant samples. First in a three-recall sequence (2018, 2019, 2021) that drove the manufacturer to exit.

Pet Food Recall · Aunt Jeni’s · 2019–2020

Aunt Jeni’s 2019–2020 Salmonella and Listeria Alerts

FDA issued public cautions on multiple lots of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made frozen raw pet food after Salmonella Infantis and Listeria monocytogenes detection. 2020 isolate was multidrug-resistant.

Pet Food Recall · Wysong · 2009

Wysong 2009 Mold Recall: Penicillium and Fusarium in Dry Dog Food

Wysong voluntarily recalled three dry dog food formulas in 4- and 8-pound bags after detecting Penicillium and Fusarium mold growth. No mycotoxin contamination confirmed.

Pet Food Recall · Fromm · 2021

Fromm 2021 Vitamin D Recall: Four-Star Shredded Entrée (5,500 cases)

Fromm voluntarily recalled four lots of Four-Star Shredded Entrée 12-oz canned dog food after the company’s own analysis detected elevated vitamin D. Best by August 2024. No illnesses.

Pet Food Recall · Hartz · 2013

Hartz 2013 Chicken Chews Antibiotic Residue Recall: 20,000 Packages

Hartz Mountain voluntarily withdrew Chicken Chews and Oinkies Pig Skin Twists after detecting trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue in poultry sourced from China. No illnesses.

Pet Food Recall · RAWR · 2025

RAWR Raw Cat Food 2025 H5N1: California Cat Euthanized

FDA testing identified H5N1 genotype B3.13 in two RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats lots after a California cat that ate the product had to be euthanized. Distribution nationwide.

Pet Food Recall · Monarch Raw Pet Food · 2024

Monarch Raw Pet Food 2024 H5N1: LA County Multi-Cat Household Exposure

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health warned consumers not to feed Monarch Raw Pet Food after a house cat with confirmed H5N1 had consumed the product. Sold at California farmers markets.

Pet Food Recall · Savage Cat Food · 2025

Savage Cat Food 2025 H5N1 Recall: Colorado and New York Cat Cases

Savage Pet recalled 66 Large and 74 Small Chicken Boxes (lot 11152026) after a Colorado cat and a New York kitten contracted H5N1 from the product. Distributed to retailers in 16 U.S. states.

Pet Food Recall · Waggin' Train · 2013

Waggin' Train 2013 Chicken Jerky Recall: Unapproved Antibiotic Residues

Nestlé Purina recalled Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch chicken jerky after NYSDA detected unapproved antibiotic residues. Coincided with the multi-year FDA chicken jerky investigation tied to ~1,000 dog deaths.

Pet Food Recall · Milo's Kitchen · 2013

Milo's Kitchen 2013 Chicken Jerky Recall: Parallel to Waggin' Train

Del Monte recalled Milo's Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers after NYSDA detected unapproved antibiotic residues. Parallel same-day recall with Nestlé Purina's Waggin' Train.

Pet Food Recall · Answers Pet Food · 2024

Answers Pet Food 2024: Salmonella and Listeria in Multiple Raw Lots

FDA detected Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in four lots of raw beef and chicken dog food. Lystn LLC issued voluntary withdrawal in September 2024; FDA issued Warning Letter June 2025.

Pet Food Recall · Darwin's Natural Pet Products · 2025

Darwin's 2025 Salmonella and Listeria: Company Refused Recall

FDA testing found Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in Darwin's BioLogics frozen beef dog food (lots 11895, 11826) plus E. coli O157:H7 in earlier July 2025 testing. Arrow Reliance declined to recall.

Pet Food Recall · Raaw Energy · 2026

Raaw Energy 2026: 8 of 8 Samples Tested Positive for Pathogens

Connecticut and New Jersey Departments of Agriculture tested 8 unopened Raaw Energy dog food samples; all 8 tested positive for Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157, or Campylobacter jejuni. Company declined FDA-requested recall.

Pet Food Recall · Wellness · 2011

Wellness 2011 Thiamine Canned Cat Food Recall: 21.6 Million Cans

WellPet recalled 21.6 million cans of Wellness canned cat food after a single FDA consumer complaint triggered independent testing that found potentially inadequate thiamine levels in select lots. No deaths reported.

Pet Food Recall · Iams + Eukanuba · 2013

Iams and Eukanuba 2013 Salmonella Recall: Internal Testing Detection

P&G recalled 11 Eukanuba dog + 8 Iams dog + 10 Iams cat product lots made during a 10-day window at a single plant. Represented 0.1% of annual production. No illnesses reported.

Pet Food Recall · Blue Buffalo · 2010

Blue Buffalo 2010 Vitamin D Recall: Supplier Scheduling Error

Blue Buffalo recalled Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon, and Large Breed Adult dog food after a vitamin premix supplier produced supplement immediately prior to Blue Buffalo ingredients, causing cross-contamination.

Pet Food Recall · Diamond Naturals · 2013

Diamond Naturals Kitten 2013 Thiamine Deficiency Recall

Diamond Pet Foods recalled Diamond Naturals Kitten Formula 6 oz samples and 6 lb bags after testing identified low thiamine. Precautionary withdrawal; no confirmed illnesses.

Pet Food Recall · Nutro · 2009

Nutro 2009 Melted Plastic Puppy Food Retrieval

Nutro Products announced a voluntary retrieval of certain Nutro Ultra and Nutro Natural Choice puppy food bags after melted plastic pieces were discovered in a production run. Precautionary; no documented illnesses.

Pet Food Recall · Doane Pet Care / Ol' Roy · 1998

Doane Pet Care 1998 Aflatoxin: 1.36M Bags, 17 Brands, 25+ Deaths

Doane Products recalled 1,362,516 bags of dry dog food across Walmart Ol' Roy and 16 other private-label brands after aflatoxin B1 from contaminated Texas corn killed at least 25 dogs. Class I recall.

Pet Food Controversy · Chinese Chicken Jerky Treats · 2007-2015

Chinese Chicken Jerky 2007-2015: FDA’s Largest Pet-Food Adverse-Event Investigation

FDA cumulative complaint logs documented 6,200+ dog illnesses, 26 cat illnesses, and 1,140+ dog deaths tied to Chinese-made jerky treats. Despite 1,200+ tests, no single root cause was conclusively identified.

Pet Food Recall · Rad Cat Raw Diet · 2018

Rad Cat Raw Diet 2018 Listeria: Multi-Lot Recall, Brand Exits Market

Radagast Pet Food recalled multiple lots of Rad Cat Raw Diet across all five protein varieties after FDA testing detected Listeria. August 2018 expansion covered 15 months of production; Radagast ceased operations October 2018.

Pet Food Recall · Carnivora · 2020

Carnivora 2020 E. coli O157: Cross-Border Raw Pet Food Recall

Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled Carnivora Fresh Frozen Patties (Riverside Farm Ltd., Saskatoon, SK) after testing detected E. coli O157 in raw beef pet food. Distributed across Canada and exported to US.

Pet Food Recall · Bravo Packing / Performance Dog · 2019

Bravo Packing 2019: Salmonella + Listeria Advisory at Carneys Point Facility

FDA "do not feed" advisory September 2019 after Performance Dog raw pet food (lot 072219) tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria. Bravo Packing did not voluntarily recall. Second of three FDA pathogen events at Carneys Point NJ.

Pet Food Recall · Party Animal Cocolicious · 2017

Party Animal Cocolicious 2017 Pentobarbital: Independent-Lab-Triggered Recall

Party Animal recalled two Cocolicious canned dog food lots after a Texas retailer commissioned independent lab tests that detected pentobarbital. Party Animal sued co-packer Evanger's in June 2017 alleging contaminated beef supply.

Pet Food Recall · United Pet Group / Spectrum Brands · 2017

United Pet Group 2017 Rawhide: Quaternary Ammonium Processing Aid

UPG recalled American Beefhide, Digest-eeze, Healthy Hide, and private-label rawhide chews after unapproved quaternary ammonium compound used as processing aid by supplier facilities in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil. Two-stage recall.

Pet Food Recall · Vital Essentials · Feb 2018

Vital Essentials Feb 2018: Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Salmonella

Carnivore Meat Company recalled a single lot of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Entrée for Dogs (Lot #20418) after CTDA testing detected Salmonella. First of two 2018 Vital Essentials recalls; precautionary, no illnesses.

Pet Food Recall · Loving Pets · 2017

Loving Pets 2017 Salmonella: Air-Puffed Dog Treats Multi-Line Recall

Loving Pets Corporation recalled multiple air-puffed dog treat lots (Barksters, Puffsters, Petco-exclusive Whole Hearted Chicken & Apple) on June 14, 2017 after internal QA testing detected Salmonella. First known Whole Hearted recall.

Pet Food Recall · TruPet / TruDog · 2018

TruPet / TruDog 2018 Salmonella: Two-Recall Beef-Supplier Sequence

TruPet LLC recalled Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight (Feb 2018) and Boost Me Mighty Meaty Beef Topper (Apr 2018) after FDA testing detected Salmonella in both. Two-event sequence with shared Carnivore Meat Company beef-supplier root cause.

Pet Food Recall · OC Raw Dog · 2018

OC Raw Dog 2018 Listeria: NJ Dept of Agriculture Single-Lot Detection

OC Raw Dog LLC recalled approximately 1,560 lbs of Chicken Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation (Lot 3652, mfg 10/11/2017) after NJ Dept of Agriculture testing detected Listeria monocytogenes. Single-lot, no illnesses.

Pet Food Recall · Fromm Family Foods · 2016

Fromm 2016 Four-Star Vitamin D: First-Ever Fromm Recall

Fromm Family Foods (Mequon, WI) voluntarily recalled Fromm Gold Chicken Pate, Chicken & Duck Pate, and Salmon & Chicken Pate (12-oz cans) in March 2016 after internal analysis identified elevated vitamin D. First-ever Fromm recall.

Pet Food Recall · Cadet Brand / IMS Trading · 2013

Cadet Brand 2013 Chicken Jerky: Parallel to Waggin’ Train / Milo’s Kitchen

IMS Trading Corp voluntarily withdrew Cadet Brand Chicken Jerky Treats nationwide in January 2013 after NY Dept of Agriculture detected unapproved antibiotic residues. Parallel to same-day Waggin' Train + Milo's Kitchen withdrawals.

Pet Food Recall · Natura Pet Products (P&G) · 2013

Natura 2013 Salmonella: Premium P&G Subsidiary Multi-Brand Recall

Procter & Gamble’s Natura Pet Products subsidiary expanded a March 2013 recall to cover Innova, EVO, California Natural, HealthWise, Karma, and Mother Nature dry pet food after Salmonella detection at the Fremont NE manufacturing facility.

Pet Food Recall · Texas Tripe Inc. · 2019

Texas Tripe 2019: FDA Multi-Pathogen Do-Not-Feed Advisory

FDA issued a public "do not feed" advisory in November 2019 for Texas Tripe Inc. raw frozen pet food after FDA inspection sampling detected Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes across multiple product lots. Texas Tripe did not initiate a voluntary recall.

Pet Food Recall · Tuffy’s Pet Foods · 2012

Tuffy’s Pet Foods 2012: Nutrisca + Tuffy’s Diamond Sub-Event

Tuffy’s Pet Foods recalled Nutrisca Adult Lamb Meal & Chickpea Recipe and Tuffy’s brand dry pet food in May 2012 after Salmonella was detected in finished product manufactured at the Diamond Pet Foods Gaston SC facility. Part of the broader 2012 Diamond 15-brand sub-event.

Corrected 2026-10-19: we removed study and guideline citations we could not verify, and claims we could not support.