How To Grade Commercial Dog Food Start with a grade of 100: 1) For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points 2) For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points 3) If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points 4) For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points 5) If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer’s rice", "rice flour" are all the same grain), subtract 5 points 6) If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points 7) If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points 8 ) If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points 9) If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points 10) If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points 11) If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points 12) If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points 13) If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points 14) If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergic to beef), subtract 1 point 15) If it contains salt, subtract 1 point Extra Credit: 1) If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points 2) If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points 3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points 4) If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points 5) If the food contains fruit, add 3 points 6) If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points 7) If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points 8 ) If the food contains barley, add 2 points 9) If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points 10) If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point 11) If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point 12) For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one; count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken" and "" as 2 different sources), add 1 point 13) If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point 14) If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point 94-100+ = A 86-93 = B 78-85 = C 70-77 = D <70 = F Here are some foods that have already been scored. If you don't see your dog's food here, ask and someone will score it for you. Dog Food scores: Authority Harvest Baked / Score 116 A+ Bil-Jac Select / Score 68 F Canidae / Score 112 A+ Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A+ Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula / Score 99 A Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+ Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+ Foundations / Score 106 A+ Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 D Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D Innova Dog / Score 114 A+ Innova Evo / Score 114 A+ Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables / Score 110 A+ (Costco brand $15 for a 45 lbs bag) Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice / Score 23 F Purina Benful / Score 17 F Purina Dog / Score 62 F Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F Royal Canin Bulldog / Score 100 A+ Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult / Score 106 A+ Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice / Score 97 A Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ / Score 63 F Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken / Score 110 A+ Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold / Score 97 A An educated consumer is our best customer.  If you are looking at the list of ingredients, you care about what is going into your dog or cat?s body.  Red Bandanna Pet Food suggests you compare our labels with the brand of food you are feeding your pet now.  In the majority of cases, you will find by-products as one of the primary ingredients and chemical preservatives such as, BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, and propyl gallate in the other major brands of pet food.  Many feline formulas will not have the added taurine, essential to keeping your cat?s eyes and heart healthy.  The ash and magnesium content of most brands of cat food is higher than the brands sold at Red Bandanna Pet Food (higher ash and magnesium contribute to Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder and ?crystals?). Do not hesitate to contact us with questions concerning ingredients in our pet food or the ingredients in a competitor?s pet food.  We are proud to put only the finest ingredients in our food and are happy to help you in any way we can. Amylase  Enzyme which breaks down carbohydrates Ammoniated Glycyrrhizin A sweetener-considered a potent drug-further study for safety Ascorbic Acid A crystalline Vitamin C found in citrus, fresh fruits, tomatoes, potatoes and green leafy vegetables Alfalfa Alfalfa products supply protein, calcium, carotene, water-soluble vitamins, alpha tocopherols (Vitamin E), and Vitamin D. Amino Acids Component part of all protein Aspergillus Niger Enzymes Bacillus Subtilles & Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Friendly bacteria, applied after cooking and fat application to ensure the bacteria is not destroyed because of the heating process Bacillus Subtilus Enzymes Beet Pulp Best  source of fiber ? helps develop good fecal consistency; acts as a calming base for forming the stool in the colon.  Made by drying residual beet chips after  sugar extraction BHA ? Butylated Hydroxyanisole Poorly tested chemical preservative implicated as a cause of cancer, especially stomach cancer. BHT ? Butylated Hydroxytolune Poorly tested chemical preservative  implicated as a cause of liver damage, metabolic stress, fetal abnormalities and serum cholesterol increase Biotin Part of  B-Complex vitamins.  An important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. D-Biotin  Supplement B-complex vitamins Blood Meal Cheap ingredient made from dried blood Breakfast By-Products A by-product left after the manufactureof dry breakfast foods. Bromelain Enzymes from pineapple plant. By-Products Products not fit for human consumption from any source.  Includes feathers, hides, bones, intestines, heads and feet of slaughtered animals Calcium Mineral for bones, teeth and muscles Calcium Pantothenate Source of vitamin B5 Whole Chicken Fresh, whole chicken without any by-products, feet, heads, feathers or  intestines.  Excellent source of amino acids, fatty acids and Biotin Chicken Meal Moist-cooked fresh chicken meat without by-products, feet heads, feathers or intestines that is fine ground into a meal Chicken Fat An excellent source of palatability, essential fatty acids and energy Choline For growth and maintenance Choline Chloride Mineral Citrus By-Products Residue of citrus pulp and seed products result from production of citrus juices Cobalt Proteinate Chelate of Cobalt (Cobalt wrapped in an easy-to-digest protein (kelp) for better absorption) Cod ? Liver Oil Excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin A.  Important for cats. Copper A small amount of copper improves utiliaztion of iron. Copper Sulfate Source of copper Copper Proteinate Chelate of Copper Cottage Cheese & Whole Egg High quality protein; including tryptophan, calcium, and lecithin from the egg yolk DL ? Methionine Amino Acid Group Enzymes Enzymes are catalysts ? required by all food for enzymatic action to be digested.  Plant enzymes can be taken with food to aid in digestion.  Enzymes are a food that is natural to the body. Ethoxyquin Chemical Preservative.  Developed for the production of of rubber and used as a pesticide.  Most suspect of causing severe health problems in dogs. (Lisa Newman describes EQ as very similar to Agent Orange, and notes " the documented cases of serious side-effects, resulting from exposure to or ingestion of this chemical. Humans who were working with it in the rubber industry, reported a dramatic rise in such diseases as liver/kidney damage, cancerous skin lesions, loss of hair, blindness, leukemia, fetal abnormalities and chronic diarrhea. In animals it has been linked to immune deficiency syndrome, spleen, stomach and liver cancer, as well as the above mentioned diseases. The steady increase in animal cancer and serious diseases has paralleled the increased use of chemical preservatives in the pet food industry during the last twenty-five years." (1))   Fat For energy, skin and coat.  Essential to dogs and cats in correct quantities Ferrous Sulfate Source of Iron FISH: Fish Meal Ground white fish, Sardines and anchovies.  Excellent source of methionine, selenium, and lysine Flax Seed High proportion base of unsaturated essential fatty acids.  Aids in the baking process Folic Acid For blood, reproduction and normal metabolic maintenance.  Vitamin B ?complex Food Coloring Red, Yellow and Blue.  Dyes banned from human food.  Added to please the human eye since pets don'? see color. Garlic Helps tone digestive tract and discourage worms and other parasites, including fleas Grapeseed Oil Rich in vitamin E and is loaded with omega 6 (linoleic) fatty acids which is excellent for the skin and coat.  Contains nearly 76% essential omega 6 and 3 is highly stable. Iodine For prevention of goiter.  Has profound effect on growth and development.  The Thyroid gland stores and uses iodine. Iron For healthy blood.  More important for dogs as cats eat more meat.  A deficienly of iron causes nutritional anemia. Iron Proteinate Chelate of iron Kelp Dried Kelp:  Seaweed ? source of iodine as well as an easy to digest protein wrapping for chelated minerals L ?Lysine Essential amino acid Lecithin Phosphorized fat from plants/animals.  Important for body tissue and cells.  Protects cell membrane from damage caused by oxidation.  Largely composed of the B vitamin choline.  As an emulsifier, it provides an excellent addition to the diet facilitating fat soluble vitamin absorption. Linoleic Acid For skin and coat (studies have shown linoleic acid to be a natural anticarcinogen in mice and rats.  Further study needed for other animals and humans) Lipase Enzyme, aids in proper fat absorption ? important for healthy skin and coat. Magnesium  Mineral needed for healthy muscles, blood and bones   Manganese Proteinate  Chelate of Manganese   Manganous Oxide  Source of Magnesium   Meat  Clean, wholesome flesh of slaughtered animals   Meat By-Products  Products not fit for human consumption, from any meat source.   Monosodium Phosphaic  Sodium   Niacin  Water-soluble Vitamin B3. Helps to maintain normal function of skin, nerves, digestive system.   Oats  Toasted oats are highly nutritious, have natural palatability enhancements and combined with whole oat flour, provide extraordinary grain based nutrition.  An excellent source of protein without the allergy causing glutens found in wheat and other grains.  Rich soluble fiber for better health.    Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)  For appetite, normal growth and development, and digestion   Papain & Alphy Amylase Enzymes  Enzymes added to facilitate digestion and absorption of protein and carbohydrates.   Amylase activity is derived from aspergillus niger, a microorganism in the mod genera fmaily, which produces an enzyme that helps to break down starches into simple sugars for energy and metabolism.   Papain  Vegetable enzyme, used as a difestive aid (from Papaya)   Potassium  Mineral vital in proper muscle functioning and growth   Potassium Chloride  A source of Potassium   Potassium Sorbate A chemical preservative   Potatoes  Rich in potassium, lysine and other minerals.  An excellent carbohydrate source (energy)   Poultry By-Products  Products not fit for human consumption from any source of poultry.  Includes feathers, intestines, heads and feet.   Poultry Fat  (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid)   Probiotics  Used to facilitate good health and wellness.  They inhibit unfriendly bacteria proliferation, help nutrient absorption and facilitate digestion.   Protein  For Growth and Maintenance.  Most important is the type of protein in the food, not the quantity. The ?Crude Protein? lists the amount of protein in the not, not the amount that can be digested.   Propyl Gallate Chemical preservative, suspected of causing liver damage.   Propylene Glycol Chemical preservative known to cause illness in dogs (additive found  in anti-freeze)   Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) Promotes normal red-blood-cell formation. Maintains chemical balance among body fluids. Regulates excretion of water. Helps in energy production and resistance to stress. Acts as co-enzyme in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Source of Vitamin B6 Quinoa A highly nutritious,  gluten free, grain (vegetable) from South America.  A high Andes grain that is 100% organically grown, rich in amino acids and is an excellent energy source. Riboflavin (B2) Mineral necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody protection, cell respiration, and growth. It alleviates eye fatigue Rice: Excellent carbohydrate source Ground Rice Product obtained by coarse grinding the whole grain rice Rice Bran The bran or internal germ of the rice Rice Flour Product obtained by fine grinding the whole grain rice Rosemary Extract Concentrated with rich, naturally occurring phenolic compounds that provide excellent anti-oxidant activity to protect the fats ? preventing harmful peroxide and free radical formulation that reduces the nutrient quality Safflower Oil Highly unsaturated oil extracted from safflower seeds ? excellent for the skin and coat Sage Extract Concentrated with rich, naturally occurring phenolic compounds that provide excellent anti-oxidant activity to protect the fats ? preventing harmful peroxide and free radical formulation that reduces the nutrient quality Screenings Foreign material obtained in the process of cleaning grains and seeds Sodium Chloride ?Salt?  Maintains normal body functions (digestion, pH, ability of muscles to contract), healthy skin and coat Sodium Selenite Source of Selenium, one of the 7 trace minerals considered essential in a pet?s diet.  Selenium acts to naturally ?detox? an animal?s cells Soybean Oil Oil extracted from the soybean.  Source of protein, a glyceride ester of 90% fatty acids.  Good for the skin and coat Sucrose Simple Table Sugar Taurine Essential Amino Acid in a cat?s diet.  Helps prevent blindness, helps prevent heat problems Thiamin (Vitamin B1) For appetite, growth, and muscles Thiamine Mononitrate Source of Vitamin B1 Tocopherols Closely related Vitamin E fat soluble compounds in vegetables.  Antioxidant and natural preservative DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate Source of Vitamin E Tomato Flakes and Pomace Excellent source of protein, vitamins (especially A&C), minerals and fiber.  Aids in digestion Vegetables: Rich in bioflavinoids (Vitamin P).  Helps with Vitamin C absorption and are natural antioxidants Dehydrated and Freeze Dried Vegetables Carrot flakes, peas, tomato flakes, celery, garlic granules, spinach, parsley flakes, and green bell peppers Viscera All the organs in the great body cavity, including the intestines Vitamins: Vitamin A Supplement For eyes, appetite and growth Vitamin B-12 Supplement For growth and blood Vitamin D-3 Supplement For bones and teeth ? responsible for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines and subsequent deposition as bone Vitamin E An antioxidant helps preserve and protect the Vitamin A and other fatty acids.  Needed for reproduction, fights disease and minimizes the effects of pollution Wheat: Ground Whole Wheat Course ground whole-wheat grain Whole Wheat flour Very fine ground whole-wheat grain Wheat Germ Meal Ground wheat Whey Dried Whey (dried milk) Yeast High protein.  Natural source for biotin and folic acid Brewer?s Dried Yeast High protein.  Natural source for biotin and folic acid Yucca Schidigera Extract Reacts with the urease enzyme activity to reduce amonia production in urine and feces.  Significantly reduces the odor.  Yucca extract is derived from the yucca plant, pulp, and juices Zinc Important for growth and immune system function Zinc Oxide Source of zinc 1. Animal Protection Institute of America P.O. Box 22505, Sacramento, CA 95822 2831