Originally Posted by Wills1

Thanks Nellie Dean and James, useful re UK food (will read later at leisure when more time) and points taken - but James, was only passing on in good faith what has been posted elsewhere on this site, so it's the original author you need to address if you want to have a go at someone, not me, OK?!

It is true, however, that a recent survey of vets (not sure which journal) showed that most think the significant increase in bloat in dogs (v. dangerous, rapidly fatal medical emergency if not treated) in recent years is down to the increased feeding of dry complete dog foods.

Originally Posted by Wills1

The thing is, Skinners have (like the vast majority of other manufacturers, even Vitalin) as their protein content, meat MEAL instead of what most people would regard as proper meat. Meat MEAL usually includes ground up waste/rubbish, a lot of it pretty unlovely - have you all seen another topic on this site "the dangers of complete dog food"? I urge you to read it if you haven't already. (NB I've spent the last hour searching but can't find it now!! was written by a guy called AndyL who does have books on it to sell, but convinced me with his common sense and articles on the greed of large manufacturers, nearly all of whom use pet food as a convenient way of getting rid of their waste products arising from their human food companies)

I'll use complete as an emergency backup (currently snowed/iced in!!) but for us in the longterm, a natural diet of raw (Prize Choice frozen blocks of various minces) or cooked meat plus top quality mixer or home cooked starch such as oats, barley or rice OR the excellent trays of ready meals with pure natural ingredients produced by, eg, Forthglade, Wainwrights etc, are the way to go. The trays are about 30% more expensive but just as quick to serve as complete; the meat + mixer takes a little longer but is no more expensive.

I've yet to see a dry complete ingredients label that I'd be completely happy with...

Originally Posted by smskar

I had a quick look on Golden Acres' website. mmmm interesting... It never crossed my mind that there are companies like this. wow It reminds me a bit of the business gifts companies, here is a pen put your logo on it bingo! Personalised gift...

I am in the process of swapping from Burns to Skinners. Very friendly company indeed, they sent me loads of samples (good size sample bags too), no upset stomachs so far and the dogs love their food as it is, no need to put anything on the kibble. Less rice, more meat and much cheaper too.

Originally Posted by growler1961

we use purina pro plan puppy for weaning & mum has this while feeding
we have tried them all !!
this one is our preferred choice
dr johns dry complete is another food that suits our dogs, when a special diet is not required
but we are considering changing to a natural diet meat bone & vegetable?
as this is some thing we have not tried ,does any body else feed this ??

Originally Posted by Gary Fishman

Don't mean to sound like a party pooper luvvies but my dog's got a great coat, doesn't have smelly baba, runs like a whippet (he's a collie-dog) and oozes health. I'm gonna stop frying it in lard though. Seriously, if this stuff was as bad as you say wouldn't mr average just stop buying it? Seems blummin' right to me. Mind you, i do eat chips and burgers (I know you aren't supposed to). My dog will also eat Winalot casserole too. Now that surely is a super-food?