Interesting take on Nature's Variety

[PrincessDiana]

I found this dog food analysis website while doing some research and read some things I didn't like about Nature's Variety. I was completely shocked as I have never heard anyone say anything bad about NV. I have always held NV in high regard, recommended it to others and I'm even considering switching to Instinct.

I know less than I'd like about nutrition so I was wondering if you all experienced feeders could tell me if this analysis is correct or even legitimate?

Here is the analysis of the Instinct Rabbit formula: Instinct Grain-Free Kibble Rabbit Meal Dry - Healthy Dog Foods?

Other reviews of NV products: Nature's Variety Dog Food - Healthy Dog Foods? Reviews and News

Other reviews of various dog food brands: Nature's Variety Dog Food - Healthy Dog Foods? Reviews and News

[Woogie Man]

My first question would be who in Blazes is Susan Peters? When you click on 'about Susan Peters' all it tells you is that she is from Oklahoma, is in the 'hall of fame' (whatever that is) and that you can join her fan club . There are absolutely no credentials or anything else about her and she only comes up on the Hub Pages when you google her. As for her 'reviews', she is out of step with most nutritionists and her criticisms are sarcastic, unfounded and, in some cases, just wrong. Case in point: She makes it seem that montmorillionite clay is solely an oil industry product and implies that it's dangerous. The fact is that montmorillionite clay is considered one of the 'edible clays' that is useful in removing mycotoxins from the body and is also used by humans. Very few dry dog foods have it and it should be considered a plus. I don't personally use Nature's Variety (I use Nature's Logic) but it certainly wouldn't be considered a 'bad' food. IMO, all her reviews that I read are bogus to some degree. I also checked her review of the food I use and had to laugh. I may be missing something here but, to me, she is a prime example of how a little knowledge can be dangerous, especially if you blast it all over the internet. I would trust The Dog Food Project for good background info on canine nutrition and dogfoodanalysis.com for more reliable product reviews.

[Ashley V]

I looked at that woman's "safe" food list and it has CESAR'S on it. WHAT?

Dog Food Safe List

Truthfully, I wouldn't take this random person to heart. If your dogs are doing well with Nature's Variety, then I say continue to feed it.

[ambocken]

Her dog safe food list is basically anything she deems quality.... until something happens and a dog gets sick... then she deletes it or adds a "caution" to the end. What a joke!

[Ashley V]

Originally Posted by ambocken

Her dog safe food list is basically anything she deems quality.... until something happens and a dog gets sick... then she deletes it or adds a "caution" to the end. What a joke!

Exactly. I think this person is a joke. Don't take her for heart. Truthfully, I would do your own research on ingredients from vets and other skilled professionals and make your own educated decision. Only you know what works best for you and your dog.

[Missiemiss]

Based on the outcome of the clicks - it appears she is a distributor for Darwin. I wouldn't take the review to be unbiased.

[Ellie May]

I'm really not sure what to think about this. I do not recommend NV because I know so little about thier kibbles and I don't recommend raw at all. I know their canned food was being made at Menu and to that I say.

It seems that there are some exaggerations on that site. Natural flavors = manure appears to be an unfounded accusation. I always hesitate when I see "nature flavors" (the other company that comes to mind is Innova) but that doesn't mean it is anything bad at all. You can always try to ask the company what makes up that ingredient.

I haven't studied the use of clay in dog food and I wouldn't be surprised if some types are safe. That said, my dog does not eat clay and, unless I find some amazing health benefits that are absolutely essential from it or it is in prescription diet that contains it, she probably never will.

A lot of dog foods contains brewers rice and brewers yeast. I let the brewers yeast go because no food is perfect and I don't think it makes up a huge portion of the food. At this time I wouldn't want Ellie to have any of this until I get more information.

I think that the by-product/organ meat issue gets confusing for some people. Organ meat can be considered by-products. That doesn't mean it is bad. I wouldn't want my dog to eat anything listed as a "by-product" but if each organ is listed individually so that we know it isn't the leftovers, that might be okay. So while rabbit lung may sound discusting to humans, it may be healthy for dogs. It may not be the leftovers but something humans just don't like the taste of. Now, since Ellie gives me kisses all the time, if I wouldn't eat it, she doesn't eat it except for her vitamins.

I hope that made some sense. I do not use and do not recommend NV but I do think that review was stretching things a bit.

[DaisyMaesMama]

What I noticed on her "safe" list was that quite a few of the brnads she has listed are at some point deleted because of this or that reason. Kinda flakey, IMO.

I also wanted to see what her credientials are and as stated above....nothing.

~Kathy