How do you know if a food is ok?

[Kim]

I have read the recommended list and I was going with the Blue Buffalo Wilderness line.  My husband became sold on a food sold at a local store.  I have read so many discussions on this group and every single one of them has great information.  I'm just wondering how to know for yourself what makes a good dog food.

Here is a link to the food we are using right now in case anyone wants to weigh in.

http://kahootsfeedandpet.com/dog/dog-food/kahoots-beef-boar/

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, I started out with a background in human nutrition and then spent 5 years researching canine nutrition, dog food manufacturing practices, and dog food ingredients. I used science-based websites and books, not chat forums or websites that sell things. :)

Back a few years ago, we did have discussions about this: how to analyze the ingredients and nutritional profile of different kibbles. There are websites that can help you with this. But what most of them omit is the sourcing of those ingredients. The only way to determine that is to go to the manufacturer's website and find the information. Often, you have to call or email to get the info.  Sometimes you have to do some digging into who actually owns the brand, too. If one formula looks good, but the company makes other lines that contain the worst possible ingredients, I don't recommend that company's products, period. Either you care about not putting dangerous chemicals in any of your products, or you don't get my business.

The best-looking ingredient list in the world means nothing if the it's sourced from China.

I looked at the link briefly and did not see the nutritional analysis for this food (protein percentage, omega fatty acid content, etc). I also didn't see any information on sourcing. But it's dinnertime here so I didn't have time to really look. 

One thing that I did notice in glancing at the ingredients was "egg product" rather than "eggs". A small thing, but one that would made me want to look further. Which I will when I have a chance, lol. :)

[Kim]

Thank you. The analysis looks like this- crude protein (not less than)- 33% crude Fat not less than- 16%, Crude Fiber not more than 3.8%, moisture not more than 9%, zinc 150mg, selenium .4mg, vitamin E- 175mg, linoleic (omega 6) 2.4%, omega 3- .4%

Karen your knowledge has helped so many. I hate to be the type to throw something on a board and ask others to do the work for me...at the same time I wasn't sure where to start. Thank you.

[Kim]

Shoot Karen I meant to reply to your comment...still working out how to get around on here.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That Omega 6:3 ratio is too high, at 6 to 1. Otherwise, the formula doesn't look bad. But we still have to find out where those ingredients come from. The price is very low for a grain-free food with a high protein content, which makes me suspicious. Of course it doesn't take much to make me suspicious, lol. :)

[Kim]

I emailed them and asked. Yes the price is low...my husband felt like the ingredients and analysis looked good and was reasonable. I just wanted to know what I was missing. :)