Editorial Policy

Transparency is central to everything we publish at PawfullyHonest. This page explains how we research, write, and review our content — and how we handle corrections, sponsorships, and affiliate relationships.

How We Research Articles

Every guide on PawfullyHonest begins with primary veterinary and scientific sources. Before writing, we review:

• Peer-reviewed veterinary studies and clinical data
• AAFCO nutritional guidelines for pet food evaluation
• The Merck Veterinary Manual for health conditions and treatments
• FDA pet food safety advisories, recalls, and investigations
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) position statements
• University veterinary programs including the Cornell Feline Health Center
• Manufacturer ingredient lists, guaranteed analysis panels, and sourcing disclosures

We do not rely on press releases or brand marketing materials as primary sources. When manufacturer data is used, we verify it against independent testing or veterinary references.

How We Make Product Recommendations

When we recommend a product, we evaluate it on these criteria:

1. Ingredient quality — Named protein sources, absence of artificial preservatives and fillers, nutritional completeness per AAFCO standards
2. Recall history — We check FDA recall databases and note any history of safety issues
3. Manufacturing transparency — Where is it made? Does the brand own its facilities? Are sourcing details publicly available?
4. Price and availability — We consider value relative to quality, and whether the product is widely accessible
5. Real-world performance — Community feedback, veterinary endorsements, and hands-on evaluation where possible

We do not accept payment from any brand in exchange for a favorable review or recommendation. Our product picks are based solely on our evaluation criteria.

How We Handle Corrections

We are committed to accuracy. When we discover an error — whether through our own review or a reader report — we correct it promptly. Corrections are made directly in the article text, and significant factual corrections are noted with an update date.

If you find an error in any of our content, please email contact@pawfullyhonest.com with the article URL and the specific concern. We review every correction request.

Sponsored Content Policy

PawfullyHonest is not paid by any brand to recommend products. We do not publish sponsored articles, and no brand has editorial influence over our content. Our recommendations are based entirely on our independent research and evaluation criteria.

Affiliate Links

Some links on PawfullyHonest are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships never influence which products we recommend — we choose products first based on quality, then add affiliate links where available.

For more details on our advertising and affiliate practices, see our Terms & Conditions.

Sources We Trust

These are the primary sources we consult when researching pet health and nutrition:

• Merck Veterinary Manual — Comprehensive veterinary medical reference
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — Veterinary policy and research
• Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) — Pet food nutritional standards
• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine — Safety advisories, recalls, and investigations
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Feline health research
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Canine health research funding and publications
• Association for Pet Obesity Prevention — Pet weight and nutrition data
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) — Behavior science and training position statements