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PetScans uses a 0-100 scoring system based on veterinary science. Each product is evaluated on safety, nutrition, and species suitability. Scores are displayed using a traffic light system:

• Excellent (75-100): High-quality product with safe, nutritious ingredients
• Good (50-74): Generally safe with some room for improvement
• Moderate (25-49): Contains concerning ingredients - use with caution
• Poor (0-24): Contains potentially harmful ingredients - not recommended

Processing levels indicate how much an ingredient has been altered from its natural state. PetScans uses a classification system adapted from NOVA for pet food ingredients:

• Minimally Processed: Whole foods like fresh meat, whole grains, and vegetables
• Culinary Ingredient: Extracted/refined ingredients like fats, oils, and flours
• Processed: Foods preserved with salt, oil, or other methods like meal and dried ingredients
• Ultra-Processed: Industrial formulations with additives like hydrolyzed proteins and artificial flavors

Important: Processing level is for informational purposes only and does NOT affect safety scores. Many processed ingredients (like vitamin supplements) are essential for complete nutrition.

Each safety rule in PetScans is rated by evidence strength:

• Strong: Multiple peer-reviewed studies with regulatory consensus from bodies like FDA and AAFCO
• Medium: Limited studies with guidance from regulatory sources
• Weak: Case reports or preliminary research

We prioritize rules with stronger evidence when calculating safety scores, but always err on the side of caution for your pet's safety.

PetScans uses data from trusted veterinary and regulatory sources:

• AAFCO - Association of American Feed Control Officials for ingredient standards
• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine - U.S. pet food safety regulations
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control - Extensive toxic substance database
• Merck Veterinary Manual - Comprehensive veterinary reference
• EFSA - European Food Safety Authority standards

Our team continuously updates the database as new research emerges.

PetScans can analyze three categories of pet products:

• Food: Dry kibble, wet food, raw food, and specialty diets
• Treats: Training treats, dental chews, and snacks
• Cosmetics: Shampoos, conditioners, and grooming products

You can scan barcodes directly or take a photo of the ingredient label for products without scannable codes.

To set up allergen alerts for your pet:

1. Go to the Settings tab in the app
2. Select your pet's profile (or create a new one)
3. Tap "Allergens" to view the allergen list
4. Toggle on any ingredients your pet is allergic or sensitive to

Once configured, PetScans will automatically flag products containing your pet's allergens and factor them into the safety score.

Yes, your privacy is important to us. PetScans stores all your data locally on your device. We do not:

• Collect or store your personal information on external servers
• Share your data with third parties
• Track your scanning history remotely
• Require an account to use the app

Your pet profiles, scan history, and preferences remain entirely on your device. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

PetScans maintains a comprehensive database of pet food ingredients, but some products may use proprietary names, regional variations, or newer ingredients not yet in our database.

When scanning, you'll see a "match rate" showing what percentage of ingredients were recognized. The app applies appropriate caution to unknown ingredients in the safety score.

We continuously update our ingredient database. If you find ingredients that aren't recognized, please let us know at petscansapp@gmail.com.

PetScans provides species-specific safety analysis for:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Rabbits
• Birds
• Small Mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.)
• Reptiles
• Fish

Certain ingredients that are safe for one species may be harmful to another (like chocolate for dogs or onions for cats). PetScans factors in species-specific risks when calculating safety scores.