How We Rate Pet Food
Every cat and dog food on Moesonson is reviewed against the same standards, read straight from its ingredient list and nutrition label. That consistency is what lets you compare two foods fairly. Here's exactly what we look at on a label — and why each part matters for your pet.
How does Moesonson rate pet food?
We read the two parts of the label that actually describe what's inside — the ingredient list and the guaranteed analysis — and apply the same standards to every food. We don't taste-test or run lab analyses; we assess what the manufacturer prints on the pack, the way an informed shopper would, only consistently and with the relevant nutrition guidance in hand. Every food ends with a single 0–5 star rating, plus the detail behind it.
Why do clearly named meats matter?
We look at how clearly a recipe names its animal proteins. Specific names like "chicken" or "deboned salmon" tell you exactly what's inside; vague terms like "meat by-products" or "animal derivatives" don't. Under AAFCO labelling rules a named ingredient must meet a minimum amount of that exact protein, while catch-all terms carry no such guarantee and can change from batch to batch — so naming clarity is one of the strongest quality signals on any pet food label.
How much animal protein should pet food have?
Cats and dogs rely on nutrients that come mainly from animal sources, such as taurine and arginine, so where the protein comes from matters — not just the headline protein percentage. We look at how meat-led a recipe is versus how much it leans on plant proteins like pea or potato protein, which can lift the protein number on the label without giving a carnivore the same nutritional value.
How do we compare nutrition fairly?
We read the guaranteed analysis on a dry-matter basis — with moisture taken out of the picture. A canned food can look lower in protein than a kibble simply because it holds more water, so removing moisture is the only fair way to put a wet food and a dry food side by side. It's the same comparison a veterinary nutritionist would make.
Which ingredients and allergens do we flag?
We highlight common pet allergens — such as dairy, egg, gluten grains, and specific proteins — and flag ingredients that are unclear or carry little nutritional information. The aim is to let you spot, at a glance, anything that might matter for a pet with sensitivities or a particular dietary need.
What does the star rating mean?
We bring everything above together into a single 0–5 star rating: a quick verdict you can scan. A higher rating points to clearer labelling and a more animal-led, better-balanced recipe; a lower one flags vaguer labels or heavier reliance on plant proteins and fillers. Every review shows the reasoning behind the score, so treat the rating as a starting point — not the whole story.
Frequently asked questions
Does Moesonson test pet food in a lab?
No. Our reviews are based on the information manufacturers print on the label — the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis — assessed against the same standards every time. We don't run feeding trials or laboratory tests.
Is a higher star rating always the right choice?
Not necessarily. The rating reflects label quality and recipe composition, but the best food for your pet also depends on their age, health, and preferences. Use it as a starting point and talk to your veterinarian about specific needs.
What's the difference between "chicken" and "chicken by-product"?
A named ingredient like "chicken" must meet an AAFCO minimum for that specific meat. "Chicken by-product" or generic "meat by-products" are catch-all terms with no such guarantee and can vary between batches — which is why we reward clearer naming.
Why is a food I like rated lower than I expected?
It usually comes down to vague ingredient naming, heavier reliance on plant proteins, or a less favourable nutrient balance once moisture is removed. Open the review to see exactly which factors affected the score.
Our sources
Our standards draw on regulatory guidance and peer-reviewed veterinary nutrition, including:
See the standards in action
Browse reviews scored against these standards:
These reviews are based on the published label and general nutrition science. They're for information only and are not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.