Disclaimer

What the scores are (and are not)

Each score is calculated from the ingredient list and processing type declared by the manufacturer. We read the label, match every ingredient against a published glossary, estimate any undeclared percentages from the order of the list, and apply a fixed mathematical model. The same rules are applied to every product, with no per-product human override.

A score is a comparison of recipes, not a verdict on what any individual dog should eat. Every dog is different: a higher-rated food may still be the wrong choice for an allergy, a sensitive stomach or a medical condition, and a lower-rated food is not necessarily unsafe or nutritionally deficient. Treat the score as one input into your decision, not the decision itself.

How ingredients and brands are matched

Ingredient classification is deterministic keyword matching against our open glossary, not human judgement: the same ingredient text always receives the same classification. The glossary assigns each ingredient a tier (good, medium or poor) based on our reading of published nutritional evidence. Those tiers are an interpretation, and reasonable people can disagree with them; every entry is public on the ingredient glossary, so you can check the reasoning for yourself.

Products are matched to their manufacturer brand from the product name, URL and ingredient list using heuristic rules. Each assignment is stored with a timestamp and a confidence score, shown in the provenance section of every product page. Matching errors are possible; provenance exists so you can spot them.

Where the data comes from

The ingredient lists, typical analyses, feeding guides and prices shown on this site come from manufacturer websites and product packaging, taken in good faith from the public domain. We cannot independently verify what a manufacturer prints on its label, 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.

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 any professional or advisory relationship between you and us. If you have concerns about your dog's diet, health, allergies or any 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.

Accuracy, estimates and warranties

Recipes, formulations and labels change over time, and a score may not reflect the latest version of a product. UK law only requires percentages to be printed for the headline ingredients; where a manufacturer does not declare one, we estimate it from the ingredient's position in the list (labels list ingredients by descending weight). Dry-matter figures rely on per-category moisture assumptions rather than laboratory testing. Any figure marked as estimated is indicative, not exact.

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.

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 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 are used to help you identify the products being reviewed. 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 remove it.

Changes to this disclaimer

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.

Governing law

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.

Reporting errors

Prices, recipes and analyses change all the time. If you spot a factual error or an outdated score, please contact us and we will correct it. Good corrections make the site better for everyone.