# MetricPaw Pet Food Intelligence & Clinical Nutrition Database
> Independent pet food science, guaranteed analysis auditing (DMB), AAFCO adequacy compliance, and canine/feline ingredient safety monographs.
> Canonical Domain: https://metricpaw.com/
> Slogan: Better Food Choices. Happier Pets.

## Core Capabilities
- **MetricPaw Smart Pet Food Analyzer**: Multi-species (Dog & Cat) commercial formula auditor.
- **Dry Matter Basis (DMB) Calculator**: Normalizes protein, fat, fiber, and ash percentages across wet canned and dry kibble to eliminate moisture distortion.
- **Clean-Label Audit**: Automatic detection of synthetic preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), artificial dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5), carrageenan, and pulse legume dilution (pea protein, lentils).
- **AAFCO Compliance Verification**: Cross-checks nutrition declarations against AAFCO Dog & Cat Nutrient Profiles (Adult Maintenance vs. Kitten/Puppy Growth).
- **FDA CVM Recall Radar**: Tracks real-time Class I and Class II pet food recalls.

## Verified Pet Food Products
- **Purina Pro Plan High Protein Adult Chicken & Rice (Dog)**: 29.5% Protein DMB, 18.2% Fat DMB, Score: 92/100 (AAFCO Feeding Trial Substantiated).
- **ORIJEN Original Feline Grain-Free (Cat)**: 44.4% Protein DMB, 22.2% Fat DMB, Score: 97/100 (90% Animal Ingredients, Taurine 0.20%).
- **Blue Buffalo Life Protection Adult Chicken & Brown Rice (Dog)**: 26.7% Protein DMB, 15.6% Fat DMB, Score: 88/100.
- **Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Indoor Adult (Cat)**: 29.3% Protein DMB, 12.0% Fat DMB, Score: 85/100.
- **Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken (Cat Wet Can)**: 80.0% Protein DMB, 13.0% Fat DMB, 0% Carbs, Score: 98/100 (Carrageenan-Free, Gum-Free).
- **Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin (Dog)**: 26.1% Protein DMB, 17.2% Fat DMB, Score: 90/100.

## Key Ingredient Monographs
- **Taurine**: Essential beta-amino sulfonic acid. Mandatory for cats (min 0.10% DMB dry, 0.20% canned). Critical for preventing feline central retinal degeneration and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
- **Chicken Meal**: Clean, dry rendered poultry tissue exclusive of heads, feet, and feathers. Protein density is ~300% higher than raw chicken meat (~70% water). Low-ash chicken meal (<14% ash) is a premier digestible protein source.
- **Pea Protein & Legumes**: Plant protein concentrates. Under FDA investigation for non-hereditary canine DCM when fed as primary ingredients in grain-free foods.
- **Carrageenan**: Red seaweed hydrocolloid used in wet canned foods. Associated with feline gastrointestinal mucosal inflammation and ulcerations; strictly avoided in clean-label diets.
- **BHA & BHT**: Synthetic chemical antioxidants added to rendered fats. Classified as potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. High-grade foods utilize natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E) and Rosemary Extract.

## Authoritative Standards & Regulatory Partners
- AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)
- FDA CVM (Food and Drug Administration - Center for Veterinary Medicine)
- Merck Veterinary Manual & NRC (National Research Council) Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats