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...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Many of the Dog Food Analysis reviews are pretty old. I don't use them much any more, as the ingredients have changed in many of the foods since the reviews were written. They also heavily favor grain-free foods; you'll notice that they don't give more than 4 stars to any food that contains grains. So take those reviews with a grain of salt, lol. To be honest, in my humble opinion, you really can't go wrong with any of the foods on our FG recommended list.

Natural Balance is a different brand from Innova; NB is Dick van Patten's line of dog food. It's best for dogs who have food intolerances or sensitivities, but i wouldn't use it for dogs who have no food issues, the protein content is too low for most dogs. Innova is part of the Natura company's line, which also includes EVO and California Naturals. These used to be among our favorite and most highly recommended foods, but we are cautious about them now because Natura sold the company to Proctor and Gamble earlier this year, and big corporate takeovers are never a good thing for dog foods...or any other kind of food, usually. They are bound to start outsourcing ingredients, changing formulas,  and using cheaper ingredients.

TOTW is a good grain-free line that is reasonably priced. And Petcurean is a newer company that many FG members have had good results with.

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

Sounds like you have done your homework and are now making a wise educated decision. Let us know what improvements you see in your dogs, because it seems likely you will.

[BG and Gavin]

I am Canadian and Petcurean is a Canadian company.  Their grain free GO! Endurance is 6 star. That's what I feed my guy.  It is more expensive than some brands, but you feed less (31/4 cups for my large dog as compared to 6 cups of the food he used to be on) and it is less expensive that Orijen.  I know that Canadian Petsmarts carry both Wellness and Blue Buffalo which are highly rated.  Check out this site for on-line purchasing  http://www.petacular.com/natural-dog-food-48-ctg.html

[Sharon]

I see this is a really old discussion. Is Nutro still not recommended? My 5 month old standard goldendoodle seemed sensitive to chicken and I could not find any puppy kibble for large breeds that did not have chicken other than this (Taste of the Wild is for all sizes but that makes me more skeptical). Please enlighten me!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Sharon,

Nutro is still not recommended, and unless they somehow go back to being an independently owned company instead of part of Mars Inc, they never will be, lol. 
(Same with TOTW)

However, there are literally dozens of all-life stages foods on our recommended list. You really don;t need a "large breed" formula unless your doodle is expected to weigh more than 90 lbs as an adult, and maybe not even then. The "large breed" formulas are really intended for the giant breeds like Great Danes and St Bernards, who end up weighing 130+ lbs and don't reach full skeletal growth until well into their second year. 

However, there IS a large breed puppy formula on our recommended list that doesn't contain chicken (there are probably more than one, but this one came to mind without having to go through the list, lol). 
Fromm Large Breed Puppy Gold: https://frommfamily.com/products/dog/gold/dry/#heartland-gold-large...
So if you feel that you want to stay with a puppy specific formula and a large breed formula (or either one), that may be a good option for you. 

It would also be unusual if your pup actually had a sensitivity to chicken before at least 6 months of age. I don't know the history, but there are all kinds of things that can cause digestive issues in a puppy, and the protein source is usually not the culprit. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And here is our list of Recommended Food Brands from The Food Group. 

If you're not already a member, please join us, there is a wealth of info on the issues you've raised here and lots more! 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup