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Hoping not to start (restart) a food war, the following is just my opinion
from my own experience. I really am beginning to think we are being hornswoggled
by dog food companies. Aside from dogs with allergy problems (and there seems
to be way too many of them) or specific health problems, I have serious doubts
as to how much it matters WHAT is fed.<br>
<br>
With 70 years of dog ownership experience, my dogs today are no more heathy
nor less so than the first one. We fed Purina (and whatever came before it)
probably the first 55 years. For the last 15-ish, we've avoided kibbles whose
first ingredient is "yellow corn" and fed brands featuring rice and lamb
or rice and chicken or are grain-free.<br>
<br>
The treats are another matter. I don't pay attention to what's in them, partly
because they are a very small part of doggy intake and also because I'm not
about to pay $7 or more for a 12-oz. (or less) box or bag of SuperDuperHealth
biscuits.<br>
<br>
Throughout all these years, for whatever reason, I have never had a single
dog with a health problem that was in any way related to food. In fact, mine
have had very little health problems of any kind (knock on wood) and every
single one, regardless of breed (tho most were Bassets) lived to the average
lifespan or well beyond. <b>Every one</b> -- except for a pup I bought in
the 60's who turned out to have VWD (bleeding disorder). However, I'll continue
with the "believed to be better" kibble and continue to avoid the first-ingredient-corn
hoopla, but am no longer convinced it matters as much as we're told.<br>
<br>
I certainly know plenty of people who feed their dogs the cheapest and junkiest
dog food, and the dogs seem to live forever, unless they get hit by a car.<br>
<br>
Riche<br>
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