Editorial Guidelines & Sourcing Policy

At PetHub, we reject the practice of producing generic, unsubstantiated calculator farms. Every formula, growth velocity curve, and feeding recommendation published across our platform is rooted in rigorous veterinary literature, institutional dietary standards, and open scientific methodology.

1. Primary Literature & Evidence Hierarchy

Our calculation models prioritize primary, peer-reviewed clinical research published in respected animal science and veterinary journals. When designing algorithms, we refer to:

• Official Guidelines: The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).
• Nutrient Profiles: The National Research Council (NRC) and Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
• Epigenetic Clocks: Genetic and DNA methylation research published in high-impact journals such as Cell Systems and PNAS.
• Actuarial Data: Canine and feline mortality and life tables published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science and PLOS ONE.

2. Algorithmic Transparency & Limitations

Unlike commercial platforms that conceal calculation assumptions behind black-box forms, PetHub explicitly displays the mathematical equation, literature reference, DOI hyperlink, and physiological limitation for every calculator:

• If a formula has domain restrictions (for instance, the logarithmic epigenetic clock being uncalibrated for puppies under 8 weeks), that limitation is explicitly disclosed right beside the result.
• Where clinical consensus favors multiple competing interpretations, we present dual-model comparative views rather than artificially favoring one.

3. AI Use Disclosure: "AI-Assisted, Human-Verified"

Our editorial workflow utilizes modern machine intelligence exclusively during the build-time editorial research stage:

• AI-Assisted Curation: Natural language models assist our editorial staff in indexing, cross-referencing, and synthesizing multi-breed actuarial datasets, growth curves, and peer-reviewed veterinary papers.
• Human-Verified Rigor: Every physiological equation, numeric factor, and milestone threshold is manually validated and audited against original academic publications by human researchers before publication.
• Zero Runtime Inference: When you use our calculators, no generative AI API is called. Results are computed via verified, deterministic JavaScript formulas running directly in your browser.

4. Corrections & Continuous Review

Veterinary research continuously evolves. We review our baseline datasets semi-annually against newly released institutional guidelines. If you identify a discrepancy or wish to submit clinical feedback, please reach our editorial desk at: editorial@petcalculators.org.