Hi Erika,
For feeding trial information read the AAFCO statement on the bag of food you are interested in. It will say something like “formulated to meet ” or “Animal feeding tests …”
You will likely need to call the company to see if they have veterinary nutritionist on staff. Smaller companies can’t afford to employ a nutritionist full time but instead may have a contractual arrangement with one. Other companies employ PhD nutritionists and veterinarians vs a veterinary nutritionist. But ask for credentials!! In talking to companies I found they will say “yes” to the do you employ a nutritionist question and then the person they are calling a nutritionist has a bachelors in business marketing!
Ask who formulates the diet and what their degree is. A company may consult with a nutritionist but that isn’t who is formulating the diet.
These are the guidelines I use to start to evaluate a food. I do allow for exceptions in certain circumstances.
