Frequently Asked Questions

Every product in our database is sourced directly from the manufacturer's own website — the guaranteed analysis, ingredient list, and nutritional information printed on the label. We don't pull data from third-party retailers, user submissions, or AI-generated estimates. If the manufacturer publishes it, that's what we use. If they don't, we don't guess.

Every dry kibble is scored 0–100 across eight categories. The first four measure nutritional content from the guaranteed analysis (Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, and Fiber). The last four evaluate ingredient quality from the ingredient list (Protein Sources, Preservatives, Additives, and Functional Ingredients). Each category has specific thresholds informed by AAFCO standards, NRC guidelines, and peer-reviewed veterinary research. We convert all nutritional values to a dry-matter basis so every product is compared on equal footing.

90–100 is Excellent (exceeds standards across all categories), 80–89 is Great (strong profile with minor gaps), 70–79 is Good (meets AAFCO standards with favorable ingredients), 60–69 is Fair (meets minimums, room for improvement), and below 60 is Poor (notable concerns or below AAFCO minimums). These ranges are a comparative ranking, not a clinical recommendation.

Veterinary nutrition is an evolving field, and our methodology evolves with it. We review scoring thresholds whenever relevant new peer-reviewed research is published. When we do update, every product in our database is rescored under the new version so all scores remain directly comparable. We document every change in our version history.

Prescription and veterinary diets are formulated for specific medical purposes — kidney disease, allergies, pancreatitis, weight management, etc. These foods intentionally adjust nutrient levels in ways that may score lower on a general-nutrition scale. A low GoodKibble Score on a prescription diet doesn't mean it's bad — it means it's specialized. Always follow your veterinarian's dietary recommendations.

Currently, yes. The GoodKibble Score is calibrated for dry kibble only. Wet food, raw food, freeze-dried, and dehydrated formats have different nutritional profiles and moisture levels that require separate scoring frameworks. We may expand to other formats in the future.

No. We do not accept payments, free products, sponsorships, or any form of compensation from pet food manufacturers or brands. No company can pay to influence their score, boost their ranking, or get preferential treatment. Scores are generated by the algorithm — not by business relationships.

Two ways. First, we offer GoodKibble Pro — a paid subscription that unlocks additional features and tools. Second, we participate in the Amazon Associates affiliate program. When you click a purchase link and buy through Amazon, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Neither Pro subscriptions nor affiliate relationships have any influence on scores.

The Ingredient Analyzer breaks down a product's full ingredient list and flags items of interest — artificial preservatives, controversial additives, unnamed protein sources, and beneficial functional ingredients. It also detects patterns like ingredient splitting. Everything is based on the ingredient list as printed on the label.

Our recall tracker monitors FDA and manufacturer-reported recall notices for dog food products. You can check whether any product has been subject to a recall, see the date and reason, and filter by brand. Recall history is tracked separately and is not factored into the GoodKibble Score.

Sign up with your email from any product page or the top navigation. Once you have an account, you can create a profile for your dog and save foods for easy comparison. This lets you track what you've tried, compare options side by side, and get a personalized view.

Yes. Use the Compare feature from the top navigation or any product page to put two or more foods next to each other. You'll see a full breakdown across all eight scoring categories, nutritional values on a dry-matter basis, and ingredient differences highlighted.

No. GoodKibble is an informational tool, not a veterinary service. Nothing on this site constitutes veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The GoodKibble Score is a comparative ranking based on publicly available label data. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary decisions for your pet.

We currently have over 1,000 scored products across dozens of major and specialty brands, with new products added regularly. Our goal is to cover every dry kibble available in the U.S. market. If you can't find a specific product, use the form below and we'll work on adding it.

We take data accuracy seriously. If you spot something that doesn't match what's on the manufacturer's website — a wrong protein percentage, a missing ingredient, a mislabeled flavor — use the form below to let us know. Include the product name and what looks off, and we'll investigate and correct it.

Not yet, but GoodKibble is fully responsive and works great on mobile browsers. You can add GoodKibble to your phone's home screen for quick access — it works just like an app.