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Originally Posted by ladyjane  I have chosen the one that does feeding trials. Makes me more comfortable.
As for "typical" SD food....I don't think that has anything to do with the price of milk. I said this: I choose a company first and ingredients second and feel I have chosen wisely. I don't honestly care about all of the other foods a company makes...I choose what works for my pups. I am not as convinced as some of you that corn is that bad...but that is a total different topic that I really don't want to get involved in. |
Bolded: Huh?? lol
Fromm does feeding trials as well, just thought I'd throw that out for anyone reading who may be interested in this topic. I *believe* Precise does too.
I don't really feel feeding trials are done that great anyways. It takes big bucks to fund clinical trials because they are usually very in depth and take a long time to complete so of course smaller companies aren't going to be able to do them (which I'm not necessarily saying is a "good" thing). And most would most likely not be impressed at the regulations and requirements for these "clinical" trials anyways because they are in no way sufficient to produce accurate, life long results. It's a nice extra step, I think, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. I guess it's a nice added peace of mind.
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Dog food and cat food feeding trials that would prove the food provides proper nutrition for an adult dog/cat has the requirement "the test shall run for a minimum of 26 weeks." In other words, a pet food feeding trial runs only for six months; it is doubtful that many/most nutritional inadequacies or excesses would be shown in the dog/cat in just six months (26 weeks).
All dogs in the trial are given a complete physical examination at the beginning and end of the test. This 'physical examination' can be provided by any veterinarian including the pet food manufacturer veterinarian; a clear opportunity for bias.
Up to 25% of the dogs/cats that begin the test, can be removed and the reasons why the dogs/cats were removed are not required to be included in the final results.
The "diet fails if any dog shows clinical or pathological signs of nutritional deficiency or excess." However, the only stated clinical signs of nutritional deficiency and excess are...
1. "No individual dog/cat shall lose more than 15% of its initial body weight."
There is no requirement for dogs that experience weight gain; nothing that would cause a pet food to fail the test if the dog/cat gains 15% or more body weight.
2. There are minor blood test minimums required for hemoglobin and serum alkaline phosphatase values, and with cat foods there are minimum requirements for taurine levels in the bloodwork.
Dr. Cathy Alinovi (certified in veterinary food therapy) shared with me her thoughts on these blood tests...
"They are testing minimal things: number and size of blood cells, one type of protein, and one general measure for liver/bone levels. Very non-specific. They are not measuring vitamin or mineral levels, they aren’t measuring body pH, a modern indicator of true health. |
PS - I just wanted to add, I'm not trying to argue. Just adding both "sides" because, as you said, others may come in and read this thread and want to research and find out info for themselves to find out what is best for their pups.
