BowlGrade Search foods

Top-rated dog foods

Edition updated

A practical shortlist of every eligible US food whose maker publishes enough for us to grade. We use the same five checks for each one—nutrition, carbohydrate balance, feeding evidence, and ingredient clarity—then show you exactly why it landed where it did. See the scoring method.

Foods scored

149

from 23 brands

Recommended

60

scoring 70 or above

Median score

64

top of the field is 99

Cannot be scored

54

53 lack inputs; 1 sits outside the US rubric

What this score can—and cannot—tell you

It rates the nutrient profile printed on the label, using a rubric we wrote and published. It is not veterinary advice, it does not account for your dog, and it says nothing about whether a food is safe — safety lives in the recall record, which is separate and not part of this number. A food can score well here and still be wrong for your dog.

All 149 graded foods

Scored out of 100. Ties are broken alphabetically, not by preference. Bars are grey on purpose: the verdict carries the colour, the measurements do not. Methodology
# Food Brand Score Verdict Why
1 Beef & Russet Potato JustFoodForDogs 99 Recommended Strong on every component of the rubric, with no weak spot.
2 Classics Pâté, Chicken Recipe Acana 92 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
3 Chicken Paté High Protein Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Crave 92 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
4 Chicken & Brown Rice Entrée Purina ONE 92 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
5 Chicken & Brown Rice Entrée Adult Classic Ground Wet Dog Food Purina ONE 92 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
6 Beef Recipe Sundays for Dogs 92 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
7 Turkey Recipe Sundays for Dogs 92 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
8 Extreme Athlete Chicken & Rice Formula Diamond Naturals 90 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
9 Original Dry Dog Food Orijen 90 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
10 Fish Recipe Sundays for Dogs 89 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
11 Chunky Grain Free Big Texas Steak Tips Dinner in Gravy Merrick 88 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
12 Duck & Brown Rice Recipe (Canned) Natural Balance 88 Recommended Scores well on generous fat, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
13 Chicken Recipe Sundays for Dogs 88 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
14 Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Nulo 85 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
15 Chicken & Rice Entrée Classic Purina Pro Plan 85 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
16 Puppy Chicken & Rice Entrée Classic Purina Pro Plan 85 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
17 Puppy Small Breed Formula Purina Pro Plan 85 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
18 Beef Recipe High Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Crave 84 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
19 Appalachian Valley Small Breed with Venison Taste of the Wild 84 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
20 High Prairie with Roasted Bison & Venison Taste of the Wild 84 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
21 Wetlands with Roasted Fowl Taste of the Wild 84 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
22 Beef Mash Nom Nom 83 Recommended Scores well on a low estimated carbohydrate share, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
23 Small & Medium Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice Diamond Naturals 82 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
24 Grain Free Real Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food Merrick 80 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
25 Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 80 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
26 With Beef, Carrots, Peas & Barley Beneful 79 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
27 Puppy Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Nulo 79 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
28 Grain Free Large Breed Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food Merrick 78 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
29 Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 78 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
30 AdvantEDGE Digestive Support+ Salmon & Oat Meal Purina Pro Plan 78 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
31 +Plus Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food Purina ONE 77 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
32 Sport Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 77 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
33 Roasted Chicken Recipe With Brown Rice, Carrots & Spinach Beneful 76 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
34 Adult 7+ Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 76 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
35 Turkey + Quinoa Spot & Tango 76 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
36 Light & Fit Recipe Acana 75 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
37 Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni JustFoodForDogs 75 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
38 Pork Potluck Nom Nom 75 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
39 Adult 7+ Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 75 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
40 Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 75 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
41 Ancient Prairie with Roasted Bison & Venison Taste of the Wild 75 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
42 Zssential Formula Zignature 75 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
43 Adult Weight Management Beef & Rice Entrée in Gravy Purina Pro Plan 74 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
44 Grain Free Senior Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food Merrick 73 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
45 Chicken Cuisine Nom Nom 73 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
46 Salmon & Peas Recipe Nulo 72 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
47 Senior Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe Nulo 72 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
48 With Real Beef, Tomatoes, Carrots & Wild Rice Beneful 71 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
49 Large Breed Turkey & Peas Recipe Nulo 71 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
50 Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Formula Purina ONE 71 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
51 Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oat Meal Formula Purina Pro Plan 71 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
52 Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Turkey & Oat Meal Formula Purina Pro Plan 71 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
53 Medium Puppy Royal Canin 71 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a formulation claim rather than a feeding trial.
54 Dog Chow High Protein With Real Beef in Savory Gravy Purina Dog Chow 70 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
55 Dog Chow High Protein With Real Chicken in Savory Gravy Purina Dog Chow 70 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
56 Dog Chow High Protein With Real Lamb in Savory Gravy Purina Dog Chow 70 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
57 Dog Chow High Protein With Real Turkey in Savory Gravy Purina Dog Chow 70 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
58 With Real Chicken in Gravy Purina Dog Chow 70 Recommended Scores well on protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
59 Adult Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 70 Recommended Scores well on feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
60 Turkey Formula Zignature 70 Recommended Scores well on named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
61 Chicken & Rice Formula Purina ONE 69 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
62 Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 68 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: feeding-trial evidence, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
63 Trout & Salmon Formula Zignature 67 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
64 With Farm-Raised Beef Beneful 66 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
65 With Farm-Raised Chicken Beneful 66 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
66 Pure Farm To Bowl Puppy Wild-Caught Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Canidae 66 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
67 Adult Gold Fromm 66 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
68 Turkey Fare Nom Nom 65 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
69 Healthy Puppy Chicken Purina ONE 65 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
70 Pork Formula Zignature 65 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
71 Fish & Sweet Potato JustFoodForDogs 64 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
72 Catch-of-the-Season Whitefish Grain-Free Open Farm 64 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
73 Grass-Fed Beef Grain-Free Open Farm 64 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
74 Homestead Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Open Farm 64 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
75 Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Open Farm 64 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
76 Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 64 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
77 Beef + Barley Spot & Tango 64 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
78 High Prairie Puppy with Roasted Bison & Venison Taste of the Wild 64 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
79 Adult Beef Meal & Rice Formula Diamond Naturals 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
80 Heartland Gold Adult Fromm 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
81 Puppy Gold Fromm 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
82 Salmon Tunalini Fromm 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
83 Turkey & Chicken Cookout Nom Nom 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: a low estimated carbohydrate share, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
84 Large Breed Adult Purina ONE 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
85 Adult Weight Management Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: feeding-trial evidence, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
86 Adult Weight Management Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: feeding-trial evidence, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
87 Southwest Canyon with Wild Boar Taste of the Wild 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
88 Lamb Formula Zignature 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
89 Salmon Formula Zignature 63 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
90 Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Brown Rice Hill's Science Diet 62 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: feeding-trial evidence, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
91 Adult Minichunks Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe Iams 62 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
92 Duck Formula Zignature 62 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
93 Healthy Puppy With Farm-Raised Chicken Beneful 61 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
94 Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food Merrick 61 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
95 Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Entrée Classic Purina Pro Plan 61 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: generous fat, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
96 +Plus Healthy Weight High-Protein Dry Dog Food Purina ONE 60 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
97 Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 60 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: feeding-trial evidence, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
98 Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan 60 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: generous fat, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
99 Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food Merrick 59 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
100 Whitefish Formula Zignature 59 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
101 Classic Adult Fromm 58 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
102 Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (Canned) Natural Balance 58 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
103 Labrador Retriever Adult Royal Canin 58 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
104 Venison Formula Zignature 58 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
105 Gold Coast Weight Management Fromm 57 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
106 Healthy Weight With Farm-Raised Chicken Beneful 56 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
107 With Natural Salmon Beneful 56 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
108 Adult Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Diamond Naturals 56 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
109 Senior Chicken, Egg & Oatmeal Formula Diamond Naturals 56 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
110 Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Natural Balance 56 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
111 Pacific Stream with Smoke-Flavored Salmon Taste of the Wild 56 Recommended with caveats Middling: a high estimated carbohydrate share, and nothing else compensates.
112 Originals With Farm-Raised Beef Beneful 55 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
113 Originals With Farm-Raised Chicken Beneful 55 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
114 All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Formula Diamond Naturals 55 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
115 Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Hill's Science Diet 55 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: feeding-trial evidence, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
116 Catch-of-the-Season Whitefish & Ancient Grains Open Farm 55 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
117 Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains Open Farm 55 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
118 Homestead Turkey & Ancient Grains Open Farm 55 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
119 Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains Open Farm 55 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
120 Large Breed Adult Gold Fromm 54 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
121 Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley Hill's Science Diet 54 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
122 Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Natural Balance 53 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
123 Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Natural Balance 53 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
124 Small Adult Royal Canin 53 Recommended with caveats Middling: a high estimated carbohydrate share, and nothing else compensates.
125 Sierra Mountain with Roasted Lamb Taste of the Wild 53 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
126 Kangaroo Formula Zignature 53 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
127 Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Barley Hill's Science Diet 52 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
128 Grain-Free Duck & Potato Recipe Natural Balance 52 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
129 Lamb Pilaf Nom Nom 52 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
130 Adult with Real Beef Purina Dog Chow 52 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
131 Dog Chow High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food With Real Chicken Purina Dog Chow 52 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: protein well clear of the AAFCO floor, held back by an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient.
132 Cod + Salmon Spot & Tango 52 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
133 Turkey + Sweet Potato Spot & Tango 52 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
134 Large Breed Adult Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Diamond Naturals 50 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
135 Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Natural Balance 50 Recommended with caveats Middling overall: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
136 Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Hill's Science Diet 49 Not recommended Scores low: feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
137 Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Hill's Science Diet 49 Not recommended Scores low: feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
138 Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Hill's Science Diet 49 Not recommended Scores low: feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
139 Chicken & Barley Recipe Natural Balance 48 Not recommended Scores low: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by protein close to the AAFCO minimum.
140 Classic Mature Adult Fromm 46 Not recommended Scores low: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
141 Large Breed Formula Purina Dog Chow 45 Not recommended Scores low: fat close to the AAFCO minimum, and nothing else compensates.
142 Medium Adult Royal Canin 45 Not recommended Scores low: a high estimated carbohydrate share, and nothing else compensates.
143 Skin & Coat Salmon & Potato Formula Diamond Naturals 44 Not recommended Scores low: protein close to the AAFCO minimum, and nothing else compensates.
144 Chicken & White Rice JustFoodForDogs 44 Not recommended Scores low: named animal sources throughout the first five, held back by fat close to the AAFCO minimum.
145 Vegetarian Recipe with Superfood Blend (Canned) Natural Balance 44 Not recommended Scores low: protein close to the AAFCO minimum, and nothing else compensates.
146 Chicken & Rice Purina Dog Chow 42 Not recommended Scores low: an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient, and nothing else compensates.
147 Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Hill's Science Diet 40 Not recommended Scores low: feeding-trial evidence, held back by a high estimated carbohydrate share.
148 Grain-Free Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe Natural Balance 34 Not recommended Scores low: a high estimated carbohydrate share, and nothing else compensates.
149 Adult With Real Chicken Purina Dog Chow 31 Not recommended Scores low: an unnamed or non-animal lead ingredient, and nothing else compensates.

54 foods we cannot score

These are not ranked last. They are not ranked at all: 53 lack at least one input the rubric requires, and 1 carries an EU label outside this US/AAFCO score. Missing data is a fact about a website, not about a food, and a different regulatory label cannot be made comparable by renaming it.

The transparency page, in full

Why a score at all

Because "here are the numbers, you work it out" asks more of a reader than most people have time for, and refusing to answer the question is its own kind of unhelpful. The objection to star ratings was never that they judge. It was that the rubric is invisible, changes without notice, and cannot be checked. So this one is fixed, written down, applied identically to every eligible US food, and shown broken into its five parts on every scored food page. Disagree with the carbohydrate weighting and you can see exactly how many points it moved.

Two things the score deliberately does not do. It does not penalise a food for missing data — those foods are set aside, not marked down. And it does not fold in recall history, because safety is a property of a manufacturer and a plant rather than of a recipe, and averaging the two into one number would hide both.

Edition updated 2026-07-27 Methodology