What are the 9 scoring rules?
The score is built from 9 specific rules - each targeting a different aspect of nutritional and ingredient quality. Rules can add or deduct points.
The maximum attainable score is 100 points. Most rules either add a bonus or apply a deduction - the final score is the sum of all 9 rules applied together.
Rule 1 - Carbohydrates Points deducted based on dry matter carbohydrate percentage. The lower the carbs, the less the deduction.
Rule 2 - Protein Amount Points added or deducted based on dry matter protein percentage. The baseline is 50% - foods above this score better, below it score worse.
Rule 3 - Non-Meat Protein If significant protein comes from plant sources (pea protein, corn gluten, soy isolate, etc.) points are deducted. Cats need animal protein - plant protein doesn't deliver the same nutritional value for obligate carnivores.
Rule 4 - Source of Meat and Fat Named whole animal sources ("chicken", "salmon") score higher than vague or generic sources ("poultry fat", "animal meal"). By-products trigger deductions here.
Rule 6 - Additional Animal Protein Bonus points when a food includes a second named animal protein source - adding nutritional diversity and reducing reliance on plant fillers.
Rule 7 - Meat Quality and Location The specificity and position of meat ingredients in the ingredient list matters. Named, high-quality meats appearing early score better.
Rule 5 - Chemical Additives Artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), colors, and flavors trigger deductions. Natural preservation methods (mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract) do not.
Rule 8 - Natural Taurine Taurine is essential for cats. Bonus points when it's provided naturally through high-quality animal ingredients rather than added synthetically.
Rule 9 - Chelated Minerals Chelated minerals are bound to amino acids for better absorption. Foods using chelated forms over basic inorganic minerals earn bonus points.
Dive Deeper →
Last updated 4 days ago