Whole Dog Journal

[Sue]

Does anyone have the 2012 list of dry dog foods? I am wondering specifically about Blue Buffalo dog food, and how well it compares with some of the other top dog foods like Fromm, Origin, TOTW, etc.

I may have a job at a local pet store selling it, but I first want to get an unbiased report on it. I personally have never fed it to my dogs, but might think of trying it especially if I get the job.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sue, are you talking about our Food Group list of recommended barnds, or a list published in the WDJ?

Blue Buffalo is one of our recommended brands, but it is not as high-quality as Fromm's and no dry food is as high-quality as Orijen, IMO. Nutritionally, you have to compare formula against formula, not just brands, as there are huge variations in the formulas within each brand.

[Sue]

No, I'm talking about the annual list that WDJ puts out. I trust that it would be the most unbiased about reviewing the different dog foods.

I want to make sure it is high enough quality for me to feel good about selling it.

I think I read somewhere that it got 4 stars out of 6 on some other list.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, I like to think that we are pretty unbiased here in TFG, lol.

I'm not a big fan of "star" rating systems, as they don't take manufacturing and sourcing factors into account.

Can't you get the WDJ recommendations on their website or in the journal itself?

[Sue]

Speaking of sourcing factors,I have heard that even if it says produced in the USA, the ingredients may have come from China. So how do you know which ones really are strictly USA?

I do know that Fromm comes from Wisconsin, only because I live in Wisconsin, but who knows, maybe they import ingredients too.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

 It is true that "made in the USA" doesn't mean the product wasn't made with ingredients imported from elsewhere. If you call or email any company, and ask the geographic source of their ingredients, or if they use any ingredients from China, however, they should be willing to provide you with the information. We have done this with most if not all of the brands we recommend. If a company claims it's "proprietary information" and won't answer, that's a red flag.

You will find that many if not most vitamins are imported from China, even in human food products. But otherwise, the source of all major ingredients should be North America, and with some animal proteins like lamb or venison, it may be New Zealand.

This is one reason I love Orijen & Acana; Champion foods is the only company I have found that not only gives the country of origin, but the actual supplier.

[Sue]

Thanks Karen, that's interesting info!

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

The list on the Whole Dog Journal site is protected content for subscribers only. You can order the back issue in hard copy for $7.95.

If you don't want to subscribe, and you really want a star rating, you can check the Blue Buffalo formulas on dogfoodadvisor.com. Also check out his article, "The Problem with Dog Food Reviews" at http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/dog-food-reviews-pr....

If you do advise people on dog foods, it's also a good idea to be familiar with http://www.dogfoodproject.com/. It explains what all the terms in ingredient lists really mean, among many other things.

Personally, I have recommended the Blue Buffalo formulas to people who are looking for a better food but have a limited budget and/or for people who live in less-populated areas and don't have specialty pet stores or even Petsmart. Blue Buffalo is carried by most Tractor Supply stores and many local feed stores.

I feed my own dog Orijen, which I believe is the best. But sometimes other factors can make a somewhat lower-quality, but still safe and nutritious food a great choice.

Best of luck!

[Sue]

Thanks for all that info!!  It will be very helpful to me. I have been a subscriber in the past of WDJ, but have lapsed this past year. I won't get my new subscription in time for the phone interview.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Elizabeth, I may have to make you a group moderator! Great advice and info, I completely agree.

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

Thanks, Karen! I learned it all from you! *^_^*

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Sue, when is your interview?  I think I have that WDJ report at home, but am out of town on business and won't be back until tomorrow night.

[Sue]

Well, it's in about 20 minutes, lol

I'm not too worried about it, I can take it or leave it.