I long ago rejected using dog food in favor of cooking for my dogs. However, convenience foods are sometimes needed -- both for me
and for my doggies. So, I have tried many brands over the years. I remember the brand new BB and the reps in the store talking it up, so I bought it, and it was a matter of a day or two before my dogs had gastric distress and diarrhea. Recently, I put my dog Teddy on RC at the suggestion of my veterinarians, including one who is ACVN and I would trust over any employee of any store or rep of any company or internet armchair nutritionist. I have been so impressed with the food that I have been very lazy about cooking.
I just don't trust companies who don't do feeding trials. And I do believe larger companies with more at stake in international markets are going to do it all better than the little guy, sorry to say. I stand by my home cooking as my #1 choice to feed my dogs. Second to that, I will go with the large companies who have ACVN vets on staff who conduct feeding trials and perform research to better the field of canine nutrition, health and disease. None of the little guys are doing anything to better canine nutrition, why not?