Quote Originally Posted by wolfsoul
I don't know what all has been said in this thread, but I will post my opinion ( please no bashing, it's what I know/think and I will stick to it). Science Diet is a very low quality feed. I wouldn't feed it if someone paid me -- just my own preference.

This is Science Diet Mature. In bold are the bad or questionable ingredients. One thing that should definatly be pointed out -- where is the meat? Our dogs are primary carnivores -- and there isn't a single bit of meat in this food, only grain and vegetable. They derive the majorty of their protein from soy and corn -- both of which aren't very digestable, and thus do not provide the dog with alot of protein. The majority of people find this to be proper for a senior dog. I disagree, but that is just me.


Many of the Science Diet formulas contain ehtoxyquin and BHA/BHT, which are carcinogenic preservatives linked to cancer, epliepsy, stillbirth, disease in puppies, etc. Ethoxyquin is a chemical rubber hardener and powerful insecticide that is illegal in most places of the world. They used to spray it on lawns until they discovered it was causing bad adverse health issues in people. Since it kills things, it's very good at killing bacteria, and thus is added to some Science Diet formulas. Science Diet is also owned by Ralston Purina, a company that is big into animal testing.
Vets do not learn about nutrition in school -- from what I've been told by different vet/vet techs, their nutrition seminar lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and is held by Science Diet respresentatives. They offer vets free dog food and may even help them with college funds if the vet, in return, sells and advocates their food in their clinic. For vets that have already been taught by Science Diet that Science Diet is the best food out there, most will be happy to do such.
And so it is not only the ingredients that bother me, but the entire idea behind it all. Everything these days is a conspiracy unfortunatly.
Very good wolfsoul- well said.. Lets also highlight "flax seed"- this causes gas- and actually so does ( if it had it here) "beet pulp" if the sugar is not removed.. That one will ferment in the intestine..