What are the differences between the “Petfood-ABCDE score” of Facebook groups and that of Petfood Advisor?

[Toxic Petfood]

Here are the differences between the Petfood-score ABCDE systems.

There are two distinct scoring systems that use the name "Petfood-score ABCDE":

A system promoted by conspiracy-driven Facebook groups. This system, not validated by professionals, assigns ratings to kibble based on controversial and inconsistent criteria. It's easy to understand why you can't recommend one type of kibble for all animals.

Petfood-score ABCDE by Petfood Advisor. Unlike the previous system, this one evaluates the consumer, not the kibble. It assesses the consumer's learning journey in animal nutrition and their ability to identify misinformation. Users can even create their own Petfood-Score ABCDE, for example, based on phosphorus levels.

Petfood-score ABCDE from Facebook Groups

Scoring Criteria: This system is based on analyzing ingredient lists and analytical compositions provided by manufacturers. However, this approach is unreliable if the provided information is inaccurate—and it often isn't entirely correct!

Golden Rules: Five "golden rules," developed by an individual without expertise in animal nutrition, determine the final score. These rules focus, among other things, on the absence of animal by-products and grains. But this doesn't make sense, as by-products often consist of meat fit for human consumption.

Reliability: This system has been criticized for its lack of reliability, errors, and fluctuating kibble rankings. For instance, kibble rated "A" can later be deemed toxic, and vice versa.

Danger: Petfood Advisor highlights the danger of rating kibble since every animal has specific dietary needs.

The Concept of Petfood-score ABCDE by Petfood Advisor

Objective: This system aims to evaluate the reliability of information on animal nutrition and the consumer's awareness. Most importantly, it does not rate kibble. Instead, consumers can create their own Petfood-Score tailored to their pet’s needs.

Scoring: A score of E indicates that the consumer relies on unverified information from unreliable sources like Facebook. A score of A reflects a vigilant consumer who verifies sources and consults professionals.

Petfood Advisor believes that encouraging consumers to question the composition of their pet’s food is what truly matters.

Critique of Facebook Groups’ Petfood-score by Professionals

Sources provide a detailed analysis of the golden rules used by the Facebook Petfood-score, critiquing them point by point:

Animal By-products: Prohibiting animal by-products is unrealistic, as they are present in all pet food. The term "by-product" is often misunderstood and does not necessarily indicate poor quality.

Grains and Legumes: Banning grains is unjustified, as grain allergies are rare. Legumes, often used as an alternative to grains, can distort protein levels and are suspected of increasing the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.

Protein Levels: Focusing solely on protein percentages is misleading. The actual amount of protein consumed is more important. High protein levels can make kibble harder to digest.

Fats: High-fat levels are not always necessary and can lead to health issues. Plant-based oils, such as canola oil, are crucial for providing omega-3s.

Carbohydrate Levels: Ranking based on carbohydrate levels is misleading, as it fails to distinguish between starch and soluble fibers. Carbohydrates are not inherently harmful to animals’ health.

The Facebook groups' Petfood-score ABCDE is based on unscientific criteria and has been criticized by animal nutrition professionals. On the other hand, the Petfood-score ABCDE by Petfood Advisor aims to raise awareness about the importance of reliable information in animal nutrition.