FAQ

We developed this rating system to help dog and cat parents make informed decisions about their companions’ nutrition.

Pet food products available on the market vary greatly in terms of quality and nutritional value. Our system is designed to evaluate these products in an objective and transparent way, always keeping animal health and well-being at the heart of the assessment.

Our rating system is based on strict scientific criteria tailored to each major food category: dry food (kibble), wet food, and single-ingredient foods (fruits, vegetables, meats, etc.). For each category, a total score out of 20 points is awarded according to weighted criteria derived from international veterinary recommendations (FEDIAF, NRC, AAFCO) and scientific literature.

Dry Food (Kibble): The rating takes into account protein quality and origin, fat sources and balance, carbohydrate content and type, the presence of functional additives (prebiotics, probiotics, joint-support ingredients), and ingredient transparency (level of detail, percentages, and sourcing).

Wet Food: The scoring framework follows the same principles but is adapted to high-moisture products. Nutrient values are recalculated on a dry-matter basis, while fat and mineral profiles are analysed in detail. Ingredient quality is also assessed based on the additives and texturising agents used.

Single-Ingredient Foods: Each food is evaluated using a synthesis of data from at least five veterinary or institutional sources. The assessment considers whether the food is suitable for pets, its benefits and risks, the edible part, safe serving size, and recommended feeding frequency.

All evaluations undergo a three-step verification process (calculations, content compliance, and score consistency), ensuring scientific rigour, reliability, and reproducibility of the final result.

A high-quality protein source, according to our methodology, must meet three cumulative criteria:

Origin: proteins should come from fresh or premium dehydrated animal ingredients (muscle meat, hearts, livers, etc.), with no unspecified by-products or significant amounts of plant proteins.

Digestibility: proteins must be highly digestible, meaning that more than 85% can be absorbed and utilised by the animal (according to values documented in veterinary literature). Feather meal, crude plant proteins, or unspecified protein hydrolysates are considered poorly digestible.

Bioavailability: proteins must provide all essential amino acids, particularly for cats (taurine, arginine, etc.).

For this reason, we favour whole or minimally processed animal proteins from traceable supply chains, taking into account both their position in the ingredient list and their percentage on a dry-matter basis.

The balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is essential for preventing inflammation and supporting your pet’s overall health.

Omega-6 fatty acids are necessary, but when present in excess, they may contribute to chronic inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, have anti-inflammatory properties and help support brain function, skin health, and joint health.

A proper ratio between these two fatty acid families is crucial for maintaining this balance and promoting long-term health and well-being.

A low carbohydrate content means that the food contains fewer plant-based ingredients that are converted into sugar by the animal's body.

Dogs, and especially cats, are naturally adapted to diets that are rich in animal-based nutrients and relatively low in carbohydrates. Excessive carbohydrate intake may contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

As part of our methodology, we generally favour foods containing less than 20% carbohydrates, as they are typically closer to the nutritional profile of a carnivorous diet.

Ingredient transparency is essential because it allows you to know exactly what you are feeding your pet.

A brand that is transparent about the origin of its ingredients, its manufacturing processes, and the absence of controversial substances demonstrates a commitment to quality and accountability.

This transparency helps pet parents make informed decisions with confidence and choose products that best support their companion's health and well-being.

Our rating system clearly distinguishes between the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats. For each species, the scoring criteria are tailored to their specific physiological needs:

Dogs: a balanced protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, a fat profile adapted to size and activity level, as well as consideration of digestibility and functional ingredients.

Cats: a strong focus on high-quality animal proteins, strict carbohydrate limitation, and the presence of essential nutrients such as taurine, arachidonic acid, and active vitamin A.

In addition, APPETTO is developing an advanced personalisation system. In the future, product ratings may be adjusted according to age (junior, adult, senior), breed, neuter status, physiological condition (pregnancy, lactation), and specific needs such as allergies or metabolic disorders.

APPETTO is committed to continuous improvement. Our main areas of development include:

Personalised Ratings: the gradual rollout of a system that adjusts scores and recommendations based on individual profiles, including age, breed, weight, and specific health needs.

Greater Transparency: the introduction of a "Full Transparency" label highlighting brands that disclose complete information about ingredient percentages, sourcing, and production methods.

Expanded Methodology: broader evaluation of wet food, fresh food, and homemade diets, as well as future coverage of treats, veterinary diets, and complementary foods.

Ethical and Environmental Criteria: the integration of sustainability indicators, including ingredient sourcing, packaging practices, corporate responsibility policies, and manufacturers' environmental impact.

Scientific Monitoring and Collaboration: rapid updates to our methodology when new scientific research or health alerts emerge, regular consultation with veterinary experts, and ongoing feedback from pet parents and industry professionals.

Cats have unique nutritional requirements as obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs, they cannot produce certain essential nutrients on their own, such as taurine and arachidonic acid, which must be provided through their diet.

They also require a higher intake of animal-based proteins and generally have a lower tolerance for high levels of carbohydrates.

Our methodology is specifically designed to take these biological differences into account, ensuring that cat foods are evaluated according to their unique nutritional needs.

The APPETTO rating provides an objective assessment of a food’s overall quality, but it is still important to monitor your pet’s individual response:

• Digestibility (healthy digestion, no diarrhoea or vomiting)
• Coat and skin condition
• Energy levels, palatability, and maintenance of a healthy weight
• Absence of allergy or intolerance symptoms

We recommend using the APPETTO rating as a starting point to identify high-quality products, then refining your choice in consultation with your veterinarian based on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history.

Labels and brand popularity do not always guarantee the nutritional quality of a pet food product.

Some well-known or heavily marketed products may still contain lower-quality ingredients or provide an imbalanced nutritional profile.

Our rating system helps pet parents look beyond marketing claims and brand reputation by offering an objective evaluation of ingredient quality and nutritional composition.

APPETTO currently provides independent, science-based evaluations across three main product categories:

Dry Food (Kibble): all brands and product ranges for both dogs and cats.

Wet Food: wet diets for dogs and cats, assessed using a methodology adapted to dry-matter values.

Single-Ingredient Foods: fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, eggs, and more. Each food is reviewed using available veterinary literature, with clear distinctions between canine and feline nutritional requirements.

Our rating system is designed to provide a consistent framework across species, while still accounting for the specific nutritional needs of dogs and cats.

The scoring grids for both species follow the same structure (a score out of 20 and ratings from A to E), but the thresholds and weightings are adjusted to reflect their unique physiological requirements. For example, cats have an absolute requirement for high-quality animal proteins, while dogs generally have a greater tolerance for carbohydrates.

As a result, comparisons between products within the same species are the most meaningful. Cross-species comparisons can still provide useful insights, but they should be interpreted with caution.

Our rating system is primarily designed to assess the overall quality of products using universal, science-based criteria. However, we are currently developing a personalisation module that will soon allow users to filter products and recommendations based on specific needs:

• Weight management: identification of products with lower fat content or moderate energy density.
• Allergies and intolerances: automatic exclusion of foods containing selected ingredients (such as chicken proteins, gluten, etc.).
• Digestive sensitivity, age, and activity level: recommendations tailored to individual requirements.

Until this feature becomes available, our product pages already include specific alerts and general guidance for a variety of common risk factors and nutritional concerns.

The final rating for each product is calculated using a detailed scoring framework out of 20 points, based on multiple criteria tailored to the category of food being evaluated:

Dry Food (Kibble): protein origin, digestibility and bioavailability; fat sources and balance; carbohydrate content and quality; presence of functional ingredients; and brand transparency.

Wet Food: the same 20-point framework is applied, with nutrient values recalculated on a dry-matter basis, alongside an assessment of texturising agents and mineral balance.

Single-Ingredient Foods: evaluation based on data from at least five independent sources, cross-validation of information, suitability scoring, risk and toxicity assessment, and nutritional benefits.

For each category, the weighted sum of points awarded across all criteria determines the final score and rating category (A to E).

All ratings undergo both manual and automated verification before publication and are accompanied by a complete list of the sources used in the evaluation process.

Each food undergoes a comprehensive review based on at least five veterinary or institutional sources (SantéVet, FEDIAF, AVMA, ASPCA, etc.). We analyse:

• Whether the food is considered safe or unsuitable for each species
• Its nutritional benefits and key nutrients
• Potential toxicity or allergy risks, including parts that should be avoided (pits, skin, seeds, etc.)
• Official recommendations regarding serving size, feeding frequency, and preparation methods
• Symptoms associated with overconsumption or poisoning, as well as expected onset times
• Breeds, life stages, or situations that may present a higher level of risk

A summary table is then created for each food, with a clear distinction between dogs and cats. It also includes specific warnings whenever data is limited or available sources are insufficient.

APPETTO follows strict scientific standards when evaluating and publishing information:

• If no reliable data is available for a particular species, a "Species Data Unavailable" warning is displayed and the food is not rated for that species.
• If fewer than three veterinary or institutional sources are available, an "Insufficient Data" warning is displayed, and the result may be excluded or shortened.
• If equally reliable sources provide conflicting conclusions, the most cautious interpretation is applied, or a "Conflicting Evidence" notice is displayed.

Information sourced from unreliable channels such as forums, social media posts, or unverified blogs is excluded from our evaluations without exception.

Each evaluation follows a rigorous quality-control process:

• Double data entry by two separate reviewers
• Automated calculations for dry matter, energy values, and nutritional ratios
• Triple verification: text accuracy, calculation accuracy, and consistency between sub-scores and the final rating
• Systematic archiving: each product or food profile includes the full list of sources used, available upon request
• Continuous correction: any update triggers a full review before publication

This process ensures the transparency, reproducibility, and scientific robustness of every published rating.

The APPETTO team actively encourages collaboration with its community. Suggestions, corrections, and error reports can be submitted through the contact form available on the website or app, or via our dedicated support email.

Every submission is carefully reviewed by our scientific and veterinary team. Any validated correction, improvement, or update is incorporated into the next relevant release or content update.

Yes. APPETTO is gradually integrating ethical and environmental criteria into its evaluation framework:

• Assessment of ingredient sustainability (origin, organic certifications, sustainable fishing practices, etc.)
• Evaluation of environmental impact, including carbon footprint and packaging or waste management practices
• Consideration of corporate responsibility commitments and supplier traceability

These criteria will eventually be highlighted through a dedicated badge or score available on each product page.

Our scoring criteria, methodologies, and product evaluations are updated on an ongoing basis.

Whenever new scientific research, veterinary reports, or health and safety alerts become available, the relevant criteria are reviewed and updated when necessary.

Product profiles are reviewed and refreshed at least once a year, or sooner if a formulation change or ingredient update is identified.

Regulatory developments and community feedback are also taken into account and incorporated once they have been reviewed and validated by our expert advisory team.