Ever notice how those that bash this food (and virtually any other pet food that doesn't bat its wings under the "holistic halo"?) make totally baseless and non-scientific statements (albeit for some fear mongering crap they read somewhere on the internet that someone else wrote likely without scientific basis?

Purina, just as an example, has a SCIENTIFIC research and development center in St. Louis, MO that's 60,000 (yes, count it... That's 60,000) square feet! Plus, there are other research centers around the globe. http://www.purina.com/science/facilities/PetCareCen ter.aspx

Plus, Purina has a facility for Immunology, Cell Physiology, Molecular Biology & Genetics... the list goes on. http://www.purina.com/science/facilities/Index.aspx

Purina (or officially "Nestle Purina") had U.S. sales of $828.3 million. http://www.hoovers.com/nestlé-purina-petcare/--ID__104717--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml?cm_ven=Biz_Dev&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla =Free&cm_ite=Factsheet

So, with that kind of sales volume basis economics suggest Purina is left with a few hundred million in PROFIT. Which should be obvious considering the aforementioned facilities that are currently operative.

Now, before someone can even say it, yes I know Purina had a few canned varities involved in that recall. But, back in September 2007 Bravo! raw diets were recalled due to possible salmonella/listeria contamination.(http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/ 1843)
In 2006, holistic Merrick had a recall because there was a metal tab under the chicken wing. (http://www.merrickpetcare.com/swf/letter.html)
Now according to Merrick they were not informed of this by the supplier and have since discontinued using that company as a supplier. Purina, on the other hand, along with the FDA have stepped up ingredient testing as you'll see here: http://www.purina.com/wheatgluten.aspx

I know this post appears that I'm holding Purina in a ray of sunshine and holisitic formulas under a shade tree in a pile of dirt. But, allow me to clarify:

I'm certain there are perfectly fine holistic foods and I'm equally sure there are perfectly crappy ones. The same can be said for store and national brands. All I'm saying is that from MY perspective, Purina has both the facilities and the monetary resources to really be a major force in the pet food industry (which they obviously are). Oh, and for those who say "Purina's only in it for the money". Uh, well, isn't that why people start a business in the first place? To make money? I'm quite certain that beyond making pet food the folks at Old Mother Hubbard (makers of Welness) or Garth Merrick thought... "Boy, I hope I can make some money doing this".

We have pets. They make pet food. That's capitalism. Buy what works for you and your pet. But, don't just take my or anyone else's word for it. Do your own research from reliable sources... not baseless claims that are plentiful on the internet and do what makes sense to you.

*Disclaminer*: The author of this post is not affiliated with any pet food maker. He feeds Purina One to his dog and has tried holistic formulas with (mostly) abysmal success. His dog food pantry is currently stocked with Purina brand treats along with Merrick Texas Toothpicks and Merrick Beef Filet squares.