To be fair, I’m not against dog food ratings. In fact, they can be very useful when used in the right way or in the right order, but pointless if used as the only method of selecting food for your dog.
Never forget, overfeeding causes far more problems than underfeeding ever could.
Dog food rating websites are popping up everywhere.
These sites usually adopt their own scoring systems, created by someone, a stranger, who then rates as many dog foods as possible using this system. Then the masses swarm in, desperate for some sort of canine feeding knowledge to help them make the right decision.
But remember, rarely do Bees waste their time telling flies that honey is better than shite!
This blog is your Bumble Bee talking!
These sites often claim to be non-profit, yet will also mention in the smaller print that they “Might” charge for advertising or use affiliate links to cover costs and make a small living. Hmmm.
This clear contradiction, saying one thing and doing another, should make you stop and think: how trustworthy are these ratings, really?
It’s like being sold an ‘independent’ review by someone who’s getting paid behind the scenes. They might not be influenced by the temptation of money. They might publicly say they are not being influenced. Something you have to respect if true. But Robert Maxwell said he was squeaky clean right up until he wasn’t! So, all I am saying is…be cautious.
It’s just saying, be cautious. Stop and think. It’s well within your ability to question.
If the system isn’t transparent, how can it guide you to the right choice for your dog?
These contradictions should give you pause.
Now, enter dog food ratings. As I write this, two clients come to mind:
Client 1 feeds their Labrador a premium dog food rated over 80%. But they’re guessing portion sizes and handing out treats like they’re feeding a buffalo in the wild! The result? Their dog has been in and out of the vets, costing over £5,000 in four years. Simply put, they can't be bothered. When it comes to anything, they claim to know everything. In fact, whenever I talk to them, I often leave with the feeling they haven’t learned a single thing since the day they left school, but they just know everything. You know the type I mean.
Client 2 uses a food rated just over 50%. However, they weigh out every meal, constantly monitor their dog’s weight, and carefully balance treats to complement their dog’s health. This Labrador is now 13 years old and has never needed a vet visit since its puppy vaccinations. They simply feed what they can afford, but they ask questions, have an overwhelming desire to learn, and witness the benefits in their dog. They love their dog and, above all else, they love to understand why they are doing what they are doing when it comes to nutrition. Proper nutrition, you know, the kind that makes dogs healthy and live a happier life!
If you put these two dogs next to each other, you would think they were both 8 years old.
This alone blows the rating system right out of the water by confronting it with "Reality."
This stark contrast highlights the problem with relying solely on ratings: they encourage lazy decisions. Lazy decisions lead to poorly cared for dogs, and those dogs often end up at the vet.
If only it were as simple as trusting a rating from a random stranger, are people really that gullible?
Understand and plan proper nutrition for your dog. This means providing all 22 amino acids your dog NEEDS, along with the vitamins and minerals it also NEEDS, in the right amounts. This means the right amounts, not guessing, not saying, “Oh, that rating is high, so it will do,” but by following a proper, disciplined nutritional plan, put together so your dog’s life and quality of life depend on it. BECAUSE IT DOES!!
This is step one, and it’s non-negotiable.
Don’t rely solely on ratings, read your chosen dog food’s label and apply your own critical thinking.
Have a well thought out feeding plan and execute it. This means weighing portions and balancing treats responsibly.
Only then do ratings become relevant.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, the quality of food can help fine tune your dog’s health. Your dog will thank you, and your local vet won’t have an unhealthy relationship with your bank account, drastically reducing that possibility.
As the famous dog trainer Barbara Woodhouse once said, “I don’t train dogs; I train people.” 🐾
Take control of your dog’s nutrition, and ratings will become a helpful tool rather than a crutch. Your dog’s health is in your hands, so be the hero they think you are! 🌟
If you’re unsure where to start, we can help. Whether you need guidance or a fully tailored feeding plan, our advice is completely free.
Let’s work together to give your dog the healthy, happy life they deserve. 🐾