A new online dog food evaluation resource has been made posted at Reviews.com. It is intended for those looking for help in choosing a new food.
The underlying philosophy is that “it is all about quality ingredients.” The site is an independent view of major brands now available and is expected to continually update its results.
While we do not agree with all the criteria used to evaluate their choices, the methodology appears to be unbiased and free from commercial influence. That in itself gives the site more credibility than is often found in similar sites.
The site outlines how more than 2000 formula choices were narrowed down to under 120 “top picks.” The foods were evaluated for ingredient quality and form, recall history, and Guaranteed Analysis profile.
Not all of the final choices are currently available at Smiley Dog, but the final list reflects some excellent quality foods. We’d likely add some others since our selection process differs a bit, but it’s refreshing to find another approach that is valid and useful.
Sprinkled among the food evaluation are snippets of “expert” opinions on subjects including life-stage and breed-specific formulas, the relationship of diet to health, ingredients and raw feeding. While some of these opinions are questionable, they are presented as quoted statements, rather than facts to be accepted as gospel.
We can often find something disagreeable when researching, and this site is no exception. But surprisingly, the majority of the information contained here appears sound, particularly when viewed through the lens of the writers’ stated benchmarks.
Is this a good method evaluation method for you? Do you prefer the approach used by The Whole Dog Journal or The Dog Food Detective? Have a look at each site and decide for yourself!
Click the links below for more information:
• Reviews.com Dog Food Evaluation
• The Whole Dog Journal’s Annual Approved Dry Dog Food List (must be a subscriber- well worth the $20/ year!)
• The Dog Food Detective
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