Here is the sites statement on RX foods which I also find interesting:
Quote:
The following items represent some of The Dog Food Advisor’s most frequently asked questions about prescription dog foods.
How do you rate prescription dog foods?
With prescription dog foods, we always limit our judgment to the estimated meat content of the recipe as well as the apparent quality of their ingredients only. And nothing more.
What about the claims of efficacy made by the manufacturer or a prescribing veterinarian?
Our ratings have nothing to do with the ability of a product to effectively treat or cure a specific health condition.
Why do some prescription dog foods not get a star rating?
To treat certain health conditions like kidney or liver disease, some veterinary products have been intentionally designed to reduce or completely eliminate the meat protein content of a recipe.
Since we shamelessly favor dog foods rich in meat, it would be inappropriate for us to assign a star rating to such meat-restricted prescription food products.
In these cases, we award the product our “not rated” designation.
Why do you still rate most prescription dog foods? Shouldn’t they be exempt from scrutiny?
Although we respect the right of every veterinary professional to prescribe what would be in the best interest of each patient, we still believe these foods should be held to the same scrutiny allotted virtually any other commercial food product.
Every consumer of veterinary products has the right to expect at least the same quality and good value for his money afforded any other pet food purchase (as well as protection from lower-quality, over-priced dog foods… no matter why or how they’re dispensed).
Can you recommend a dog food I can get from a pet food store that’s designed to treat a specific health problem?
Unfortunately, since I’m not a veterinarian, I cannot provide specific medical advice. However, please see our FAQ page for a list of some suggested products for you to discuss with your veterinarian.
Since one of the prescription foods you reviewed received a low rating, can you suggest a non-prescription substitute?
Because our ratings have nothing to do with a product’s ability to treat a specific condition, we do not recommend ignoring your veterinarian’s advice and replacing a professionally prescribed product with an over-the-counter substitute. |
I think this final paragraph pretty much says it all. If your dog is healthy I see no reason not to feed what you feel is best. But if you have a dog that has issues even the dentist feels you should follow your vet's advice.
