Just what in the heck is Rick so upset about? All of Wysong’s products have a “recommended” status with an appropriate 4 or 5 star rating.

From reading his angry post, you would think Mike had given this food 1 star and spit on it.

All of Wysong’s products seem to be of good quality and are, therefor, recommended by Mike.

So what was all the hostility about? Jeepers.

I wanted to join in here about the merits of Wysong products. I offer Wysong products in our small pet food store.

I do have one testimony for Epigen; a customer’s lab had sudden itchy hot spots–tried Epigen for a week or so, and the condition improved significantly, and he continues to use Epigen product. He states his dog’s coat is healthy now.

Although anecdotal, I just thought I would share this experience. I do like one of Wysong’s comments, which is our pets should be fed a variety of foods, including healthful home made foods.

Many people are looking for the “best” food, and I question if there is such a thing as one best food for all pets, even in the same species. For example, if a dog has kidney problems would high meat content be the best source of nutrients?

At any rate, I appreciate these comments, and would to like to learn more about pet nutrition.

Thanks for the reviews and providing a venue for discussion.

Patti

In any case, I can certainly see why you would question any dog food ingredient labeled corn (or wheat) protein. I too would suspect that item to be something akin to corn or wheat gluten.

However, Wysong takes a controversial approach… calling this long held industry-wide definition nothing less than “pet food mythology”. They argue the starch portion of wheat and corn should be considered a by-product… whereas the protein component should be thought of as the nutritious part of a cereal grain.

Maybe so. Yet no one we know refers to corn or wheat gluten as a “by-product”. But many consider pet food glutens (and other vegetable proteins) inferior in quality to meat proteins.

Although we respect Wysong’s position, the evidence still supports the fact that plant-based proteins possess a lower biological value than animal proteins.

Mitzie, as a consumer, you have every right to question the meaning of Wysong’s listed ingredients… and you also have every right to expect your question to be answered with tolerance and respect.

I have communicated with Wysong over their new Epigen food and received very condescending replies over questions about the “wheat protein” and “corn protein” (which I believe are glutens) used in Epigen. Based on the “Rick’s” response, the tone and wording of the e-mail sounds like something written by someone from their company. If you read their website Q&As you will know what I mean.

Rick, although I certainly agree with your critical assessment of the pet food industry, I find no other way to help people see through the exaggerated claims, hype, fancy packages, and inferior “profit-first” dog foods on the market. These mirages of so called science held in the minds of innocent consumers are the direct result of the “marketers, lackeys of corporate boards beholden to profit hungry stock holders, partners of greedy venture capitalists…” etc. you mention in your post.

I only use the Guaranteed Analysis and the ingredients lists because they are regulated and standardized. They help me organize the dog foods reviews into five different categories. Sometimes I struggle deciding which classification best suits a particular food. It’s not always so easy.

As I have mentioned, “it has never been my goal to base my ratings on a company’s merits but rather on 2 important criteria of their finished goods. I rate dog foods on (1) quality of ingredients and (2) the estimated dry matter meat content of their nutrient profiles.”

Rick, I’m in no way claiming label information to be superior to your (or anyone else’s) “direct empirical experience”. But for those of us without your knowledge and experience with Wysong, it’s all we’ve got.

Regarding liability, what would the world be like without free speech… the ability of anyone to review music, art, movies, books, restaurants, products, food… even dog food? As long as those opinions are not based upon lies or false statements the law protects the rights of all who choose to post their views publicly.

Rick, I’m sorry you have taken my reviews so personally. For in many ways, we both agree on many issues. I hope in the future you will not see my opinions as a personal attack on your favorite products but rather just what they really are… an opinion (good or bad) posted by just one well-meaning person.