Some dog foods fail safety and nutritional standards

Choosing the right dog food can be tough for pet owners. A recent investigation by Consumer Reports tested over 50 popular dog food brands for safety and nutrition. They looked at well-known brands like Blue Buffalo, Hill's Science Diet, and Purina. The investigation revealed some surprising results. While most dog foods met basic nutritional standards, some raw foods contained harmful bacteria. For example, they found Listeria monocytogenes in Raw Bistro's chicken and in Viva for Dogs' ground beef meal. Both of these products are frozen raw foods. Raw Bistro stated that its internal tests found no contamination, and the batch in question is no longer on sale. Viva mentioned they have improved their testing procedures. Another concern arose with Pedigree's Complete Nutrition Adult recipe, which had nearly five times the safe limit of vitamin D. High levels of vitamin D can be dangerous for dogs. However, Pedigree claimed there were no issues with their product and that it is safe to consume. Consumer Reports recommends that pet owners consult their veterinarian for advice on choosing dog food. They suggest looking for foods that meet standards from the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Experts also advise limiting treats to no more than 10% of a dog's diet and to be cautious with raw diets, which can pose serious health risks.