I didn't see this thread prior to now, but I would like to refer you to the following article:
http://leda.law.harvard.edu/leda/dat...Patrick06.html
Especially, to this particular paragraph (but I urge you to read the complete article if you are sincere about learning what is contained in dog foods):
Ever noticed that the veterinarians office is often, if not always, filled with commercial pet food? The more the veterinarians sell their food to ?clients?, the higher their commissions on the sales through incentive programs.[262] Some manufacturers even offer cash bonuses to the vets. In essence, the veterinarian is ?on the take.?[263] Even the Veterinarians Association itself is a major shareholder in Hills Science Diet, which perhaps explains its ubiquitous presence in veterinarians offices. Indeed, one pet owner said she ?felt pressured? by the veterinarian?s suggestion that she buy Hills Prescription Diet Feline because the vet told her ?overweight cats can get diabetes.?[264] While this might be true, the client was disturbed by both the price tag, $15 per bag, and the fact that the food was available for purchase through her veterinarian?s clinic.[265] All that really matters in a pet food is whether it meets your pet?s nutritional needs. This can be achieved through a $15 bag, or a $8 bag so long as both bags contain the necessary nutrients in a digestible form.[266] But clinics push particular foods because the mark up on premium pet foods can account for as much as 20% of a veterinarian?s income.[267] Plus, pet owners buying food through the clinic visit the clinic more frequently, increasing the opportunities for sales of other goods and services. If this doesn?t seem like a conflict of interest, imagine visiting your doctor?s office once a month to purchase Lean Cuisine meals from their waiting room.[268]