I wonder how true this is:
Issues Surrounding Champion Petfoods Orijen recall in Australia
Looking at the irradiation thing in particular. They didn't know what would happen when importing to AU? I'd be completed uncomfortable with this sort of thing.
I wouldn't say fish has to be $3+ a pound, but truly good fish is quite $$. Ok fish is going to be less. Fish from China is going to be cheaper. I'm sure Ry gets meat from China right now (maybe?), but I know it is dog food meat. When I go buy fresh fish for me or my pups, I really don't want it to be from China if I can help it. I think people expect too much of companies for what they want to pay. I also think a company can be very clever in listing ingredients that appeal to consumers. But there is so much difference in quality and that info can't go in the ingredient list.
A lot of by-products are very nutritious, but disgusting sounding or tasting to humans. Some (i.e. beaks. etc.) are much less desirable, but we don't know a company is using that type of thing unless we ask them.