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BARFLAB Score in dog and cat diets

A short guide to the role of BARFLAB Score in dog and cat nutrition.

BARFLAB Score

The BARFLAB Score is a single number that summarises the quality of the whole diet. Instead of reading through every nutrient, every ratio and every limit one by one, you get a shortcut: how well this particular variant performs as a whole.

The Score is our indicator — the way we summarise the analysis in BARFLAB. It is not a value from a separate scientific study. Underneath, however, it is based on recognised nutritional standards [1] [2].

What it consists of

Three things influence the score:

  • Coverage of requirements — whether the diet supplies nutrients at the level of NRC standards, treated as the base [1].
  • Ratios — whether key ratios are within range (e.g. calcium to phosphorus, omega-6 to omega-3).
  • Safety limits — whether no nutrient exceeds the upper bounds.

Everything is calculated per 1000 kcal, which makes it possible to compare diets for small and large animals. More about how to read the standards themselves is in the article How to read the standards.

What it's for

The Score works best as a comparison tool. The generator shows several diet variants — the Score helps you quickly see which one performs best nutritionally. The same is also shown by the article How the generator works.

A higher result usually means better coverage of needs and fewer compromises. But a variant with a slightly lower Score is sometimes more practical: simpler, cheaper or closer to what you have at home.

What the Score does NOT do

  • It does not replace a full analysis. The number tells you "how good overall", not "what exactly is missing". The details are always in the diet analysis.
  • It does not replace a vet. With illnesses (kidneys, liver, pancreas, allergies) the decision is made by the doctor, not the indicator. A high Score does not mean that the diet is suitable for a sick animal.

What to remember

The BARFLAB Score is a convenient shortcut, not a verdict. Use it to compare variants, and for a real decision about the diet of a sick animal, rely on a full analysis and a specialist's assessment.

Sources

  1. National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats
  2. FEDIAF. Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/