Dog food rating system used by humane societies, shelters, breeders and pet owners alike is relatively simple. You start with 100 points and add or subtract ingredients based on the brand contains.
For the first time I found a system and rated the brand I've been using for years, I was shocked to see that the final grade is F very low F as score was only 49 points and a brand I was using a major brand, not a cheap store brand or off brand, but one that is highly advertised and was at one time promoted as a "highly recommended breeders."
The company has stopped making that claim, because as we learned more about good nutrition for dogs (and humans too), farmers can no longer recommend foods that contain certain ingredients. Some of the bad ingredients include:
• Corn - do not provide nutrients that are vital for canines
• Wheat - dogs are usually allergic to wheat
• Artificial colors - the other common allergens
• BHA - artificial preservative known to cause cancer in humans
Other ingredients are not quite as bad. There are simply better choices. When doing comparisons dog food, remember to:
• Fish oil better than vegetable oils or animal fats because it is polyunsaturated and has a higher omega-3 / 6 balance
• Lamb is a good source of protein, except for dogs that are allergic to beef, pork and chicken
• Organic meat without hormones and antibiotics are the best sources of protein
• Barley is better than other grains because it is least likely to cause an allergic reaction
• Fried foods are better than extruded as more nutrients preserved
• Vegetables and fruits are good for dogs because they provide antioxidants
Other factors taken into account when comparing dog foods are associated with specific. Many brands do not list a specific type of meat used in ingredients may say "meat and meat byproducts" for example.
The lack of specificity makes it difficult for the owners that their dogs tend to have allergies. This makes it difficult for the rest of us because we do not know if the meat is a good source of complete protein for dogs.
List of vegetable oils is another example of non-specific. Although vegetable oils such as linseed and sunflower oils earn extra credit by farmers, because omega-3 profile, most vegetable oils are derived from corn. Corn oil is high in omega-6 contributes to chronic infections.
Dog food rating is a good idea. I know that I changed brands, looking after the poor result of the company I trust for many years. Doing rating dog food is very important to keep your dog healthy.
Brand I switched to my brand, healthy homemade food recipes for dogs. Remember, if you do not make your own dog food recipes to make dog food rating before you buy.