Editorial Standards
Our commitment to transparency and quality in cat food research.
Selection Criteria
We include products in our database based on the following objective criteria:
- Commercial Availability: Products must be currently available for purchase in the United States through major retailers.
- Complete Information: Products must have publicly available ingredient lists and guaranteed analysis (nutrition facts).
- AAFCO Compliance: Products must be labeled as meeting AAFCO nutritional standards for cats.
- No Prescription Requirement: We focus on over-the-counter products accessible to general consumers.
Testing Methodology
What We Analyze:
- Ingredient quality and composition (protein sources, fillers, additives)
- Nutritional balance (protein, fat, fiber, moisture, carbohydrates)
- Life stage appropriateness (kitten, adult, senior, all life stages)
- Special dietary considerations (grain-free, limited ingredient, etc.)
What We DON'T Test:
- No feeding trials: We do not conduct feeding trials or palatability tests with animals.
- No laboratory analysis: We rely on manufacturer-provided nutritional data rather than independent lab testing.
- No veterinary evaluation: Product reviews are based on nutritional data analysis, not veterinary assessment.
Carbohydrate Calculation:
We calculate carbohydrate content using the industry-standard formula applied to guaranteed analysis data:
When ash content is not provided, we use an estimated value of 6% for dry food and 3% for wet food.
Data Sources
Our analysis is based on the following sources:
- Official manufacturer websites and product specifications
- Product packaging and labeling information
- AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines
- Major retailer product listings (Amazon, Chewy, etc.)
Update Frequency
Regular Reviews: Product information is reviewed and updated quarterly (every 3 months).
Last Major Review: March 2026
Individual Product Updates: When manufacturers release formula changes, we update affected products as soon as the change is verified. Product pages display the date of last data verification.
Data Accuracy: While we strive for accuracy, manufacturer formulations can change without notice. Always verify current information on the product packaging before purchase.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Affiliate Disclosure: Bowlly participates in affiliate marketing programs. When you click on product links and make purchases, we may earn a commission. This helps support our research and maintain the website.
Editorial Independence: Our product analysis and recommendations are independent of affiliate relationships. We do not accept payment for product placement, positive reviews, or favorable rankings.
No Pay-for-Placement: Brands cannot pay to be included in our database or to improve their product's ranking or presentation.
Product Inclusion: All products in our database meet the same objective criteria for inclusion, regardless of affiliate status.
Expert Review Process
Current Review Process: Content is researched and written by our research team using manufacturer data and nutritional guidelines.
Future Enhancement: We plan to engage a DACVN-credentialed (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition) veterinary nutritionist to review our content once revenue stabilizes. This will further strengthen the expertise behind our recommendations.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations for your cat.
Corrections Policy
If you identify an error in our product information or have updated data, please contact us. We investigate all reports and update our database when verified corrections are provided.
Contact
For questions about our editorial standards or to report data issues, please contact us through the information provided on our About page.