Our Commitment to Transparency
At PETSAFE, we believe in complete transparency about how we gather, verify, and present information. Your pets' safety is our top priority, and we want you to understand exactly how we determine our safety ratings.
Methodology for Food Safety Ratings
Our food safety ratings are determined through a systematic research process:
Primary Research
We begin by consulting established veterinary resources including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center database, Merck Veterinary Manual, and published studies from veterinary journals.
Cross-Verification
Information is cross-checked across multiple reputable sources including the Pet Poison Helpline, VCA Animal Hospitals resources, and university veterinary department publications.
Safety Classification
Foods are classified into three categories based on the consensus of veterinary literature:
- Safe - Foods that are generally considered safe for healthy pets when prepared properly and given in appropriate amounts.
- Moderation - Foods that are not toxic but should be limited due to factors like fat content, potential digestive issues, or limited nutritional value.
- Toxic - Foods that contain compounds known to be harmful or potentially fatal to pets.
Species-Specific Evaluation
We recognize that dogs and cats have different physiologies and dietary needs, so each food is evaluated separately for each species based on species-specific veterinary literature.
Regular Accuracy Audits
To ensure our information remains current and accurate:
- We monitor updates from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and veterinary journals for new findings about food safety.
- We review our database regularly to incorporate emerging research and clinical findings from the veterinary community.
- We track user feedback and questions to identify areas where our information could be clearer or more comprehensive.
- When new scientific evidence emerges about a food's safety, we prioritize updating that information.
Information Sources
Our information is compiled from established veterinary resources including:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center database and publications
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- Pet Poison Helpline resources
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) guidelines
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine resources
- Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine publications
- VCA Animal Hospitals clinical resources
- Veterinary Information Network (VIN) clinical consensus statements
Important Disclaimer
The information provided on PETSAFE is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet's health or diet, especially if your pet has existing health conditions, is pregnant, nursing, very young, or elderly.
Feedback and Corrections
We welcome your feedback and are committed to correcting any inaccuracies promptly. If you believe any information on our site is incorrect or outdated, please contact us.
Financial Transparency
PETSAFE is an independent resource dedicated to pet safety. We do not accept sponsorships or payments from pet food manufacturers or other companies that might influence our content. Our goal is to provide unbiased, accurate information to help you keep your pets safe.