Editorial Policy & Review Process

Last updated: October 2026

What you feed your dog matters, so the information we publish has to be accurate, clear and honest. This page explains how our content is made and what you can expect from us.

1. Our Editorial Principles

• Accuracy before speed. We would rather publish later than publish something wrong.
• Safety first. When evidence is unclear or mixed, we say so and take the cautious position.
• Independence. Advertisers and affiliate partners have no say in what we write or conclude.
• Clarity. We write for dog owners, not for search engines, and we explain technical terms in plain English.

2. How an Article Is Made

1. Topic research. We start from real questions dog owners ask and review what authoritative sources say about the topic, including safety concerns and known toxic risks.
2. Writing. The article is drafted with a clear answer near the top, practical guidance (preparation, portion sizes, warning signs) and links to the sources used.
3. Fact-check. Before publication, a human editor checks claims, numbers (such as portions, calories and toxicity information) and links against the original sources.
4. Publication and updates. Each article shows the date it was last updated. We revisit articles when guidance changes, when a relevant recall is announced, or when a reader reports a problem.

3. Sources We Rely On

We prioritise primary and expert sources, such as:

• Regulatory and standards bodies: U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), FEDIAF
• Veterinary organisations: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
• Research: peer-reviewed veterinary journals and veterinary school resources

We do not use anonymous forums, unverified social media posts or brand marketing as evidence for health or safety claims.

4. Veterinary Review

Our writers are not veterinarians, and our articles are not individually reviewed by a licensed veterinarian unless the article clearly says so and names the reviewer. Instead, we base our guidance on published veterinary sources and link to them so you can check them yourself. Our content is educational and does not replace your own vet. See our Veterinary Disclaimer.

5. How We Use AI Tools

We use AI tools to help with tasks such as organising research, outlining and drafting. AI is never the final word: a human editor reviews, fact-checks and edits every article before it is published and is responsible for its content. Safety-related numbers are always checked against original sources.

6. How We Evaluate Products

When we discuss dog foods, treats or supplements, we look at published information such as the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis, AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, manufacturer transparency and recall history. Unless an article explicitly says we have used a product ourselves, our assessments are based on this research rather than hands-on testing. We never invent ratings, prices or customer reviews.

7. Advertising and Affiliate Independence

Clean Paws Diet may earn money from ads and affiliate links. Our editorial decisions are made separately: we include products because we think they are useful to readers, and we mention drawbacks or safety concerns regardless of any commercial relationship.

8. Corrections Policy

If we get something wrong, we fix it. When a correction changes the meaning of an article or any safety information, we update the article promptly and change its "last updated" date. Minor fixes, such as typos or broken links, are corrected without a note.

9. Contact

Questions about our editorial standards? Email [email protected].