FDA confirms probe of NUTRO pet food deaths/illnesses

[LeAnn, Lucy & Rusty!!]

I use NUTRO dog food for both my puppy and adult dog. I switched about two years ago and saw a huge improvement in my german shepherd's coat and, more importantly, his ability to get up and down (he was gettin' old). I have not ever had a problem with the food but a friend sent me an article from a "consumer affairs" website that was worth reading. I am continuing to read the information. I'm including two links - one to the consumer affairs artlcle and the other to NUTRO's defense. I recommend reading both before drawing a conclusion.

It's important to note the "consumer affairs" website is an independent website and is not affiliated with anyone - including government agencies. I have read the article three times now and personally have come to the conclusion that the FDA is looking into complaints they have received nothing more, nothing less. "Probe" is a emotional word and the connotation is not positive. No conclusions or even suggestion conclusions have been determined - there has been no recall. Prior to reading this article I had no knowledge that there even MIGHT be a problem... I'm glad I know of a potential problem... but I'm not going to change foods... yet...

[F, Calla & Luca]

And big bags are definitely much cheaper in the long run than small bags and your doodle is large. Also, many people find that they need to feed less of better foods than cheap brands. the better foods have more calories per cup and are more nutritious.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showcat.php/cat/7/p...

Check out the dog food analysis site. We use this as a reference on the food group quite often. Most of us feed a 4-6 star food to our doodles and have terrific results and health with our dogs. Beneful is a 1 star. There is no lower. I didn't look for the other two you mentioned, but they might be in that same range as well. Lot's to learn on the food group. You will find it very educational.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Also, The Dog Food Project website.

 

It's funny how these old discussions get reactivated. This one is from April of 2009. At first I thought it was from the Food Group. It does kind of make me sad that as big as TFG is, and as much information, research, and work has gone into it, so many members still don't know that resource is there for them. :(

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

As new members come to DK it definitely is great to be able to refer them to all the good information on the Food Group, IF they are interested.  I'd think it would be hard to ever go on the Forum or Main page and NOT notice The Food Group. It may be more that there are those that don't WANT the information. Ignorance is bliss sometimes.

[F, Calla & Luca]

If the search function gets back in gear it would be so much better though.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Mine worked tonight. Strange

[Leslie J]

Karen, TFG is probably the most important group (for me) on DK.  I have learned so much since I started Cocoa out as a puppy on Nutro.  I hadn't made the connection on health issues and food.  Now I am so particular about what goes into Cocoa's tummy... but I am still learning (I had no idea until recently about the dangers in mixing high-fat foods with Cocoa's kibble).

 

I also see your dog's sweet face on the group site- it is such a travesty that there are dog foods are so unhealthy that they can actually be poisonous.  Your group (and advice) really does make a difference.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, thanks, Leslie! It means a lot to hear such nice comments about what has been (and continues to be) a true labor of love.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I've been to several different Vet's and not one of them was familiar with good quality dog foods. Only the brands that they were made aware of during Vet School. Because those companies sponsor the schools. Your best bet will be to order it online. I know quite a few people who do. FOr that matter, some feed and grain stores carry some great dogfoods like Fromm. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Orijen is made in Canada; also their sister line, Acana, which is slightly less expensive. Another good choice, Petcurean, is available there as well. And I think a lot of the others, I'm sure we have a good number of Canadian members in TFG who are feeding the premium foods.

The vets only sell the expensive Rx crap. More xpensive than the top premium foods, and no better than Ol' Roy.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Jared I don't know if you have a Costco near you, if you do the Kirkland dog foods are 4star and while not the best are better than the supermarket brands and the price is not too bad. You may not have to eat Kraft dinner after all.

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

If you have a PetSupplyPlus near you, they carry a pretty excellent selection of top-rated foods...and not-so-top-rated foods.  Everything from Purina to Acana, Nutro to Taste of the Wild, etc.  The way the PSP is set-up here is that all the good foods are on one aisle and all the supermarket stuff is on another.  BTW, a good rule of thumb, if you can buy the food at a supermarket like Publix or Kroger, don't bother.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but most of the foods sold at Publix/Kroger/etc. are products of Proctor and Gamble, which are not known for good pet food products.