This page explains in detail how each product gets its rating. The methodology is applied identically to every product in the database.
Kroket ratings are indicators based on the public composition of products. They are in no way a substitute for advice from a veterinarian. Every animal has specific needs (age, breed, health status, allergies) that should be discussed with a qualified professional.
Each product receives a score out of 100 and a rating from A+ to F based on the actual composition of its ingredients and its nutritional profile.
Score = 100 − penalties + nutritional adjustment (±20)
Every ingredient classified in the Kroket reference database receives a quality tier from 1 to 5 (1 = best, 5 = worst). This tier reflects the nutritional value or intrinsic safety of the ingredient, independent of its quantity in the product.
Tier 1, Excellent: high quality ingredients, beneficial for health. Named fresh meats (chicken, beef, salmon), whole fish, essential vitamins, active probiotics, natural vegetables and fruits rich in nutrients.
Tier 2, Good: decent ingredients, neutral or useful. Quality dehydrated meats, whole grains (brown rice, oats), legumes, natural vegetable oils.
Tier 3, Average: tolerable but not very valuable ingredients. Unspecified but identifiable meat by-products (poultry by-products), refined grains (corn, wheat, white rice), generic animal fats.
Tier 4, Poor: controversial or undesirable ingredients. Synthetic preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), artificial colorants (Red 40, Yellow 5), questionable flavor enhancers.
Tier 5, Avoid: ingredients known to be harmful to animal health, or identified as risky by international health authorities. Includes substances toxic to the animal (xylitol, onion, garlic, chocolate) and some additives banned in several countries.
Functional tier 1 ingredients (vitamins, probiotics) trigger a bonus: +5 if at least 3, +2 if at least 1.
Harmful: ingredient identified as toxic for the species (dog and/or cat) by the ASPCA, the FDA, or recognized veterinary authorities. Can cause acute reactions or poisoning.
Risky: substance identified as risky for animal health by recognized scientific bodies (IARC, EFSA, FEEDAP), often found in synthetic preservatives.
Allergen: ingredient known to trigger frequent allergic reactions in animals (beef, chicken, wheat, soy, milk). Not harmful in itself, but to be avoided if the animal is sensitive to it.
Avoid: rating D, product whose composition raises several issues (low protein quality, tier 4 additives, nutritional imbalance) without however containing any ingredient classified as harmful.
Documentation used: 2024-2025 editions.
This methodology is regularly updated as new scientific studies are published and authorities' recommendations evolve. Last updated: May 6, 2026.
Kroket is an independent project developed by a solo developer. If you represent a pet food brand and would like to discuss a rating, provide additional information, or report a factual error, contact us at jason@helixion.eu. Any dispute will be reviewed and, if justified, the rating will be adjusted according to the methodology.