Our method
How we grade the evidence
Pet advice is full of confident claims that contradict each other. So every claim in a Pet Primer article gets a grade that tells you how much evidence stands behind it, in plain words, with the sources linked underneath.
The five grades
A grade describes the evidence, not how important the advice is. “Grapes can poison dogs” is graded Strong because it is well documented, and it is also urgent. A harmless habit can have a Weak grade simply because nobody has studied it.
Which sources count most
- Research in veterinary and animal science journals, especially reviews that pull many studies together.
- Veterinary reference works and vet school guidance, such as the Merck Veterinary Manual and university veterinary hospitals.
- Poison control and public health data, for example the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the US FDA.
- Large owner surveys, which are useful for everyday behaviour but rely on what owners notice, so they rarely earn more than Moderate on their own.
- Personal experience, including mine. It is clearly labelled as experience and never graded as proof.
How an article is checked
- Each article is split into individual claims, so one shaky point doesn’t hide behind a solid one.
- Every graded claim lists its sources so you can read them yourself.
- The date at the top shows when the article was last reviewed.
- When new research changes the picture, the grade changes too.
What a grade is not
Pet Primer is not a vet and a grade is not a diagnosis. Every pet is different. If your pet may be unwell or in danger, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline straight away.
Spotted a mistake?
If you think a grade is wrong or a better study exists, email petprimer.care@gmail.com with the link. Corrections are welcome and get reviewed.