I'm really not sure what to think about this. I do not recommend NV because I know so little about thier kibbles and I don't recommend raw at all. I know their canned food was being made at Menu and to that I say
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It seems that there are some exaggerations on that site. Natural flavors = manure appears to be an unfounded accusation. I always hesitate when I see "nature flavors" (the other company that comes to mind is Innova) but that doesn't mean it is anything bad at all. You can always try to ask the company what makes up that ingredient.
I haven't studied the use of clay in dog food and I wouldn't be surprised if some types are safe. That said, my dog does not eat clay and, unless I find some amazing health benefits that are absolutely essential from it or it is in prescription diet that contains it, she probably never will.
A lot of dog foods contains brewers rice and brewers yeast. I let the brewers yeast go because no food is perfect and I don't think it makes up a huge portion of the food. At this time I wouldn't want Ellie to have any of this until I get more information.
I think that the by-product/organ meat issue gets confusing for some people. Organ meat can be considered by-products. That doesn't mean it is bad. I wouldn't want my dog to eat anything listed as a "by-product" but if each organ is listed individually so that we know it isn't the leftovers, that might be okay. So while rabbit lung may sound discusting to humans, it may be healthy for dogs. It may not be the leftovers but something humans just don't like the taste of. Now, since Ellie gives me kisses all the time, if I wouldn't eat it, she doesn't eat it except for her vitamins.
I hope that made some sense. I do not use and do not recommend NV but I do think that review was stretching things a bit.