Disclaimer

What the scores are, and are not

The Recipe score is calculated from the declared ingredient list and processing type. We match ingredients against a published glossary, estimate undeclared percentages from list order, and apply a fixed mathematical model. Scored complete meals also have separate Nutritional, Transparency, Safety and Evidence dimensions. Treats and complementary products receive an unscored label read-back. The same rules are applied to every scored product, with no per-product human override.

A score is a comparison under our published rules, not a verdict on what any individual dog should eat. A higher-rated food may still be unsuitable for an allergy or a medical condition, and a lower-rated food is not necessarily unsafe or nutritionally deficient. Read the methodology and evidence limitations for the scope of each dimension.

Not veterinary or nutritional advice

We are not veterinarians or qualified canine nutritionists, and nothing on this site is veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. Using the site does not create a professional or advisory relationship. If you have concerns about your dog's diet, health, allergies or a medical condition, consult a qualified vet or veterinary nutritionist before changing foods. Never disregard professional advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you have read here.

Where the data comes from

Ingredient lists, analyses, feeding guides and prices come from manufacturer websites, retailers and product packaging. We cannot independently verify everything a manufacturer prints, and we do not guarantee that source information is accurate, complete or current. Always read the packaging on the product in front of you before feeding.

Ingredient and brand matching

Ingredient classification is deterministic matching against our glossary: the same text and glossary produce the same classification. The good, medium and poor tiers are our interpretation of published evidence, and reasonable people can disagree with editorial choices. Every entry is public on the ingredient glossary, so you can check the reasoning for yourself.

Brand attribution uses product names, URLs and source records; matching errors are possible. You can inspect the provenance shown on product pages.

Quantity and moisture assumptions

Where a manufacturer does not declare an ingredient percentage, we estimate it from the ingredient's position in the descending-weight list. Dry-matter figures use per-category factors rather than laboratory testing. These estimates affect composition shares and can affect scores. The formula, factors and failure cases are published in the methodology.

Comments and user content

Comments, votes and other user-submitted content are the personal opinions of their authors, not ours. We do not endorse, verify or take responsibility for user content. We may moderate or remove contributions at our discretion, but we are not obliged to review everything that is posted.

External links

This site links to manufacturer pages, retailers, research and other third-party websites that we do not control. We are not responsible for their content, accuracy or availability, and a link is not an endorsement of everything published there.

Images

Product and brand images help identify the products being discussed. They come from manufacturers or public listings and are used here for criticism, review and comparison, which we believe is permitted as fair dealing under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. If you hold rights in an image and believe it has been used incorrectly, please get in touch and we will review it.

Accuracy, availability and warranties

This site and its content are provided “as is” and “as available”. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of anything published here.

Limitation of liability

Nothing in this disclaimer excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited by law.

Subject to that, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential, that arises from your use of this site or your reliance on anything published on it. You are responsible for verifying information yourself and for every decision you make about your dog's diet.

Changes and governing law

We may update this page from time to time. The version published here is the one that applies, and continuing to use the site after a change means you accept the updated version.

This disclaimer, and any dispute arising from it or from your use of the site, is governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction.