We built a scoring system to answer one question: how does this dog food actually stack up? Here's exactly how it works — the science we relied on, the choices we made, and where we drew the line.
Methodology v1.3 · Last updated March 2026
01
Label data only
We score what's on the bag — the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list. Nothing we can't verify.
02
Research backed
Every scoring threshold is anchored to AAFCO standards, NRC guidelines, or peer-reviewed studies.
03
No brand deals
We don't accept money, free products, or any form of compensation from pet food companies.
04
Fully transparent
This page explains every factor, every threshold, every citation. Nothing is hidden or proprietary.
Two layers, clearly separated
Throughout this methodology, we separate two distinct layers. We will never blur them.
Layer 1 — Verified facts
Regulatory standards, published research findings, and labeling rules that any veterinarian or nutritionist can independently verify. These are cited with specific sources.
Layer 2 — Scoring design
The specific brackets, point values, and weightings that GoodKibble uses to translate verified facts into a numerical score. These are informed by — but not directly derived from — the scientific literature.
When we state a fact, it is cited. When we make a scoring decision, we say so. The scoring brackets should be interpreted as a comparative ranking system, not clinical recommendations.
Why Dry Matter Basis?
The guaranteed analysis on the bag includes moisture. We remove it so you see the real nutrition.
Label says
26%
protein
→
Remove moisture
10%
water content
→
Real nutrition
28.9%
DMB protein
26% protein ÷ (100% − 10% moisture) =28.9% DMB
The score at a glance
Every dry kibble is scored 0–100 across eight categories. The first four measure nutritional content from the guaranteed analysis. The last four evaluate ingredient quality from the ingredient list.
Nutrition
Protein
25
/25
Fat
15
/15
Carbohydrates
15
/15
Fiber
5
/5
Ingredients
Protein sources
15
/15
Preservatives
10
/10
Additives
5
/5
Functional
10
/10
Total: 100 points
What the scores mean
90–100
Excellent
Exceeds standards across all categories
80–89
Very good
Strong profile with minor gaps
70–79
Good
Meets AAFCO standards with favorable ingredients
60–69
Adequate
Meets minimums, room for improvement
50–59
Below average
Notable ingredient or nutritional concerns
Below 50
Concerning
Below AAFCO minimums or significant concerns
Category details
Click any category to see the exact thresholds and the science behind them.
What this score doesn't tell you
Being honest about our limitations is part of being trustworthy.
✕
Whether this food is right for YOUR dog.
Dogs with kidney disease, allergies, pancreatitis, or other conditions may need foods that intentionally score lower on this scale. Prescription diets are formulated for medical purposes — a low score doesn't mean they're bad, it means they're specialized. Always consult your veterinarian.
✕
Ingredient sourcing quality.
Two foods listing "chicken meal" may source it from very different supply chains. We can't see behind the label.
✕
Manufacturing quality.
We don't evaluate factory conditions, batch testing, or quality control processes.
✕
Digestibility.
The guaranteed analysis shows crude nutrient levels, not how much your dog actually absorbs. Actual digestibility depends on the ingredient form, how it's processed, and your individual dog.
✕
Feeding trial results.
AAFCO feeding trials — where dogs are actually fed the food and monitored — are considered a higher standard than laboratory analysis alone. Our score complements but does not replace clinical evidence from feeding trials.
✕
Recall history.
Past recalls are tracked separately on GoodKibble and are not factored into the score.
✕
Caloric density.
A high-scoring food can still be calorically dense. Always monitor your dog's body condition and adjust portions accordingly.
A living methodology
The GoodKibble Score is not a static formula written once and forgotten. Veterinary nutrition is an evolving field, and our methodology evolves with it.
Every scoring threshold is reviewed when relevant new peer-reviewed research is published. When we update the methodology, every product in our database is rescored under the new version so all scores remain directly comparable. Previous versions are archived and documented below.
We are actively working with veterinary nutrition professionals to review and strengthen this methodology. If you are a veterinary professional and would like to provide feedback, we welcome your input.
Version history
v1.3 (current)
Separated verified facts (Layer 1) from scoring design (Layer 2). Removed Kealy (2002) — study is about caloric restriction, not protein. Corrected Carciofi and Xenoulis journal references. Added Templeman & Shoveller (2022) and Sieja/Oba (2023) to protein sources.
v1.2
Plant protein concentrate detection added. Fat threshold adjusted based on full-database validation.
Schmitz, S. & Suchodolski, J. (2016). Canine intestinal microbiota. Advances in Animal Biosciences, 7(2).
Swanson, K.S., et al. (2002). FOS and gut microbial populations in dogs. Journal of Nutrition, 132(6).
Laflamme, D.P. (2005). Nutrition for aging cats and dogs and the importance of body condition. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 35(3):713-742.
FDA (2018). FDA Investigation into Potential Link Between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
Freeman, L.M., et al. (2018). Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. JAVMA, 253(11):1390-1394.
Buff, P.R., et al. (2014). Natural pet food: A review of natural diets and their impact on canine and feline physiology. Journal of Animal Science, 92(9):3781-3791.
Thompson, A. (2008). Ingredients: Where pet food starts. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 23(3):127-132.
Aldrich, G.C. & Koppel, K. (2015). Pet food palatability evaluation: A review of standard assay techniques. Animals, 5(1):43-55.
Kanakubo, K., Fascetti, A.J., & Larsen, J.A. (2015). Assessment of protein and amino acid concentrations and labeling adequacy of commercial vegetarian diets for dogs and cats. JAVMA, 247(4):385-392.