The 4 TOP Dog Foods to AVOID?! 😳 Purina, Orijen, Victor and Diamond

"Analyzing Dog Food Brands: What to Feed Your Furry Friend in 2023"

As a dog owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry companion. Choosing the right dog food is crucial for their health and well-being. In this article, we'll delve into four popular dog food brands for 2023 and dissect their pros and cons. I'll provide my insights as a human nutritionist with years of experience in the pet food industry and a dedicated dog mom. Be sure to read until the end, as I'll also recommend some brands that I personally favor.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Diamond Naturals Pet Food
3. Purina Pro Plan
4. Victor Dog Food
5. Origin and Acana
6. Conclusion

1. Introduction

As we enter 2023, the pet food market is brimming with options, making it essential to make informed choices. Let's explore some popular dog food brands and evaluate their suitability for your beloved pet.

2. Diamond Naturals Pet Food

Pros:

• Claims to use decent sourcing with terms like cage-free and pasture-raised.
• Family-owned, which can indicate a commitment to quality.

Cons:

• Categorized as feed-grade, using ingredients unfit for human consumption.
• Contains controversial ingredients like meal (e.g., beef meal).
• Relies on lower-quality filler ingredients like sorghum and rice.
• Includes "natural flavors," which lack transparency.
• The salt divider rule places many healthy ingredients after salt.
• Protein content at only 25%, falling short for carnivorous dogs.

Pros	Cons
- Claims to use decent sourcing with terms like cage-free and pasture-raised.	- Categorized as feed-grade, using ingredients unfit for human consumption.
- Family-owned, which can indicate a commitment to quality.	- Contains controversial ingredients like meal (e.g., beef meal).
- Some variations incorporate real whole foods.	- Relies on lower-quality filler ingredients like sorghum and rice.
	- Includes "natural flavors," which lack transparency.
	- The salt divider rule places many healthy ingredients after salt.
	- Protein content at only 25%, falling short for carnivorous dogs.

 

3. Purina Pro Plan

Pros:

• Promotes taurine and seaweed in its formula.
• Provides carbohydrate percentage information.
• Protein content at 26%.

Cons:

• Owned by Nestle, a profit-driven conglomerate.
• Contains several lower-quality filler ingredients.
• Utilizes ingredient splitting tactics to downplay the presence of low-quality components.
• Relies on synthetic vitamin premixes.
• Uses the term "natural flavors" without specifying ingredients.
• Poor sourcing practices.
• Pricey for its quality.

Pros	Cons
- Promotes taurine and seaweed in its formula.	- Owned by Nestle, a profit-driven conglomerate.
- Provides carbohydrate percentage information.	- Contains several lower-quality filler ingredients.
- Protein content at 26%.	- Utilizes ingredient splitting tactics.
	- Relies on synthetic vitamin premixes.
	- Uses the term "natural flavors" ambiguously.
	- Poor sourcing practices.
	- Pricey for its quality.

   

4. Victor Dog Food

Pros:

• High protein content (30%) with a focus on animal sources.
• Discloses carbohydrate percentage.
• Incorporates real whole foods like pumpkin and butternut squash.

Cons:

• Classified as feed-grade, using ingredients not suitable for human consumption.
• Still awaiting quality assessment post-acquisition by a larger company (Mars).
• Pricey.
• Availability varies by region. 

Pros	Cons
- High protein content (30%) with a focus on animal sources.	- Classified as feed-grade, using ingredients not suitable for human consumption.
- Discloses carbohydrate percentage.	- Still awaiting quality assessment post-acquisition by a larger company (Mars).
- Incorporates real whole foods like pumpkin and butternut squash.	- Pricey.
	- Availability varies by region.

 

5. Origin and Acana

These brands have historically been favored for their high protein content from animal sources, quality sourcing, and minimal use of filler ingredients. 

Pros	Cons
- Historically favored for high protein content from animal sources and quality sourcing.	- Recent acquisition by Mars raises concerns about potential changes in quality and sourcing practices.
- Known for their protein-rich formulations.	- Availability and pricing may vary by region.
- Some variations incorporate real whole foods.	- Post-acquisition quality assessment is pending.
	- Potential changes in quality post-acquisition.

Note: The recent acquisition of Origin and Acana by Mars may affect their quality and sourcing practices, so vigilant monitoring is advisable.

6. Conclusion

Selecting the right dog food brand requires careful consideration of your pet's specific needs, dietary preferences, and your budget. Always check the ingredient list, sourcing practices, and nutritional content before making a choice. While these four brands have their merits and drawbacks, it's essential to stay informed about any changes in their formulations.

In summary, as of 2023, I recommend exploring alternative options such as gently cooked or raw food diets for your furry friend. These options often offer a higher quality and more natural approach to canine nutrition.

Remember that your dog's health is a priority, so choose wisely and consult with your veterinarian to ensure the best dietary decisions for your beloved companion.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive guide. For more insights into pet nutrition and related topics, don't forget to subscribe to our channel. Have a fantastic day, and take good care of your furry family members!

8. FAQs

Q1: Are there any dog food brands you recommend? 

Yes, there are many high-quality dog food brands available. It's crucial to research and choose one that aligns with your dog's specific needs and dietary preferences. Brands like [Your Preferred Brands] often receive positive reviews.

Q2: Why are these brands considered controversial? 

 These brands have raised concerns due to factors such as ownership by large conglomerates, ingredient quality, and sourcing practices. Dog owners are encouraged to prioritize brands with transparent ingredient lists and ethical sourcing.