Contents
🔬 VetKriter™ Scientific Methodology
Scientific Foundations, Clinical Approach, and Ethical Framework
1. Introduction & Purpose
VetKriter™ is a multi-criteria nutritional assessment methodology developed for the scientific evaluation of commercial pet foods for cats and dogs, considering species, life stage, physiological status, and clinical objectives.
VetKriter is not a consumer guidance tool; it is a scientific evaluation framework that operates on label data.
2. Scientific Foundations
The VetKriter methodology is based on the following key references:
- AAFCO – Association of American Feed Control Officials
- FEDIAF – European Pet Food Industry Federation
- NRC (2006) – Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Current veterinary nutrition literature
- Nutritional principles accepted in clinical veterinary practice
This approach ensures that VetKriter is reproducible, transparent, and auditable.
3. Core Principles
🐱 Species Specificity
Separate evaluation algorithms are used for cats and dogs.
📅 Life Stage Sensitivity
The same product may receive different scores based on kitten/puppy, adult, neutered, or senior criteria.
📊 Relative Suitability Approach
Scoring does not indicate whether a product is "good" or "bad"; it expresses the level of suitability for a specific physiological goal.
🏷️ Label-Based Evaluation
Interpretation, assumptions, or brand perception are not included in the evaluation.
4. Evaluation Categories and Weights
VetKriter operates on a total of 100 points.
| Category | Max. Score | What Is Measured? |
|---|---|---|
| Macronutrient Compliance | 40 | Suitability of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber for species and life stage |
| Ingredient Quality | 30 | Quality of protein source and ingredient transparency |
| Life Stage Criteria | 15 | Goal-specific components such as taurine, L-carnitine, omega-3 |
| Safety & Purity | 15 | Ambiguous sources, sugar, artificial additives |
5. Negative Content Assessment Approach
Score-reducing factors in VetKriter:
- Ambiguous traceability statements such as "meat and meat derivatives", "animal by-products"
- High concentration of plant-based proteins with low bioavailability
- Unnecessary artificial colorings and sweeteners
- Controversial antioxidants (BHA/BHT, etc.)
6. Ethics & Academic Framework
VetKriter Commitments:
- Has no sponsorship, advertising, or commercial relationship with any brand or company
- Does not rank products for commercial gain
- Designed to be open to academic criticism and scientific updates
The methodology may be revised in parallel with scientific developments. Such revisions are publicly announced.
7. Limitations & Disclaimer
⚠️ VetKriter Assessments:
- Do not replace a veterinary examination
- Do not contain clinical diagnosis or treatment recommendations
- Do not claim absolute results to cover individual animal differences
This methodology is a tool that supports informed decision-making.
8. Conclusion
VetKriter™ is an academic evaluation system that combines the fundamental principles of nutritional science with label reading practice and clinical reality.
The purpose is not to guide consumers, but to make information transparent and comparable.
Doç. Dr. Mehmet ÇOLAK
Veterinarian – Academic
VetKriter™, 2026