How to Grade Your Dog’s Kibble (Dry Food)

Start with a score of 100

Then subtract or add points based on the ingredients and quality listed on the bag.

Subtract Points

–10 points each

• “By-product” listed anywhere in ingredients

  
  

• Non-specific meat source (“meat,” “meat meal,” “animal fat”)

  
  

• Contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin

–5 points each

• Non-specific grain source (“mill run,” “cereal food fines”)

  
  

• Same grain ingredient used 2+ times in the top 5 (ex: “ground brown rice,” “rice flour,” “brewers rice”)

  
  

• Most vegetables listed after salt

  
  

• Corn listed in top 5 ingredients

  
  

–3 points each

• Less than 2 real meats in top 3 ingredients

  
  

• Contains artificial colors

  
  

• Contains ground corn or whole corn

–2 points each

• Contains animal fat (not fish oil)

  
  

• Contains only lamb as the protein source

  
  

• Contains soy or soybeans

  
  

• Contains wheat

  
  

• Not ethically or sustainably sourced

–1 point each

• Contains salt

Add Points (Extra Credit)

+5 points each

• Organic meat sources

  
  

• Endorsed by breed group or nutritionist

  
  

• Baked (not extruded)

  
  

• Human-grade quality food

+3 points each

• Contains probiotics

  
  

• Contains fruit

  
  

• Contains vegetables (not grains)

+2 points each

• Hormone- and antibiotic-free meats

  
  

• Contains barley

  
  

• Contains flaxseed oil (not just seeds)

  
  

• Ethically and sustainably sourced

+1 point each

• Contains oats or oatmeal

  
  

• Contains sunflower oil

  
  

• Each different specific animal protein (e.g. chicken + turkey)

  
  

• Pesticide-free vegetables

Final Scoring

• 101–110+ = A+ – Excellent; top-quality ingredients, minimal fillers

• 94–100 = A – Very good; high-quality food with minor compromises

• 86–93 = B – Above average; decent ingredients with some fillers

• 78–85 = C – Average; okay but not ideal for long-term feeding

• 70–77 = D – Low quality; lots of fillers, low meat content

• 69 or below = F – Poor quality; avoid

Why Add Fresh Food to Your Dog’s Diet?

Even the best kibble can’t provide the same natural moisture, antioxidants, and enzymes that fresh foods do.

Adding just 10% fresh, whole food to your dog’s daily diet can have major health benefits — improving digestion, skin, coat, and overall longevity.

Fresh food can help:

• Boost immune health

• Support healthy joints and muscles

• Improve digestion and gut health

• Enhance coat shine and reduce shedding

• Provide natural hydration

Easy, Healthy Add-Ins for Kibble

(Always introduce new foods gradually!)

• Cooked lean meats: chicken, turkey, salmon

• Eggs: scrambled or boiled (no oil or seasoning)

• Plain Greek yogurt or kefir – great for gut health

• Sardines in water – rich in omega-3s

• Steamed veggies: broccoli, green beans, carrots, zucchini, spinach

• Blueberries or apples (no seeds) – antioxidants and vitamins

• Pumpkin or sweet potato puree – fiber and gut support

• Bone broth – adds flavor and hydration

Even replacing 10% of their kibble with fresh, whole food can make a noticeable difference in your dog’s health over time.