Keely Mama, you do make some good points but, IMO, you are painting with too broad a brush. There is a world of difference between brands of dog foods and they can't all be lumped together. Just go to dogfoodanalysis.com and browse the ingredients of some random 1 star foods and then look at some 4,5 or 6 star foods. The differences are obvious. Also, I believe most quality brands spray on the digestive enzymes and helpful bacteria at the end of the process so they aren't subjected to heat. I do agree that the AAFCO gives companies too much latitude in arriving at their nutritional requirements. It doesn't seem that digestibility is a concern with them and, if it isn't digestible, it may as well not be there. I do think that well-formed stools are a good indicator of a healthy digestive system but I'm sure there are ways to do it 'on the cheap'. This is why folks should do a little research and find out which ingredients are truly good and those that aren't. The Dog Food Project is a good source of info. There are alternatives to feeding commercial foods, such as raw or home cooked. Still, with both these methods, some research is required to ensure your pet is getting a balanced diet. In the end, what to feed is a personal choice but, no matter the choice, some research is required to make an informed decision. |