Choice of food to feed your pets is a very personal choice. There are many differing opinions out there about what to feed our dogs.
You will hear from people that swear by their vet's choice (usually Science Diet, Iams or Eukanuba). I personally think that vet clinics probably get kick backs from the companies. Vets, while educated in animal science, are not nutrition scientists so therefore while I will listen with respect, I still make my own choice.
You will hear from people that swear it should be all natural with no fillers or by products. Well our domesticated dogs came from wild animals originally that ate whatever they could find in the wild and they did fine. Obviously most of what they found was all natural with no by products so there could be something to that argument. Then for years, we only had the choice to choose from brands such as Purina and our dogs lived just fine off that also.
If we look at this issue from different angles it all comes down to these simple facts.
*will your dog eat what you give them?
*is your dog happy and energetic?
*is your dog a healthy weight?
*is your dog's skin and coat condition healthy?
*is your dog satisfied?
I watch the society as a whole and I see people that believe if they spend more money on something it somehow makes them a better person, or in this situation, better pet owners. The amount you spend on a dog food shouldn't be what makes your decision. If Ol' Roy does the trick for you - great! If Innova is your choice - that's great too. There are trends in our lifetimes and dog food trends are not excluded.
Medical science as well as animal nutrition science has advanced over the years, yet we still see people and animals sick with debilitating illnesses and diseases, obesity in humans and animals on the rise, and we are all still going to die some day from something. While they have found cures for some things, new diseases and challenges are presented every day. Look at the new products and medicines that have come out in recent years and how often you see Class Action Lawsuits developing from unknown problems that have arisen from them years down the line.
I guess what I am trying to say is that the amount you spend on something doesn't necessarily make it better. Companies like Purina have done research for years, just like these newer brands are doing now and I think it comes down to what you believe is best for your family and it's furry members. Take other peoples advice, talk with your vet, weigh all the factors in your own belief system, but when it comes down to it - you are ultimately the one to make the final decision.
