I think that once people find a food that they think is very good, they want to share the information. Every day somebody posts on these blogs asking what is a good food. I think if DaveyD started the thread he has a right to post information on the food, especially since it isn't widely available in the U.S. to go read the labels. There have been plenty of people pushing their brand of food in the blogs. If you post to the forum at least it isn't a constant push. I've been guilty of posting about Canidae here and at The Pet Food List. Anyway, I'm giving the benefit of the doubt because I'm capable of taking in a lot of information and making my own decision, but I've seen plenty of people who are easily swayed.

I have heard nothing but praise for Orijen and my pet food store says it is "THE" hot food right now, but he can't get it yet. I think the ingredients should be scrutinized, but the fact that they make their own food and all the ingredients are Canadian makes it worthy of consideration. I too, am on Canidae, but I'm researching a backup just in case...

Thanks for the tip about pH strips, straybaby!  I was dreading a visit to the vet to get a urinalysis done....not a happy kitty.  I'll try to pick some up this week and see if I can get a 'sample'...should be interesting!!  

I wanted to comment on ally's comment re: DaveyD's posts, because I suppose I could also be included in her charge, since I have posted in several places singing the praises of Orijen.  

If we strictly abide by the forum rules, then ally is correct saying that we should not be posting the same reply in more than one thread.  But how many people have actually been abiding by this rule?  And so many people are asking the same questions and asking for the same advice (ie what should I feed my pet?  What companies makes their own food? What is a good food to feed? etc.. etc...).  So if you are feeding a product that you truly believe in, should you just stay silent for fear of breaking forum rules, or even worse, suspected of working for the company?

I for one have not stayed quiet and admit to posting in more than one thread.  In some cases, I have even used similar wording (contrary to your suggestion, ally, I would argue that this is actually more honest).  Am I wrong to do so?  

As I mentioned in BW's thread, I suppose it's understandable that the pet food recalls have bred lots of cynicism and bitterness - but I think it's a shame when posters on this forum have to start questioning the sincerity of each other's post....maybe I'm being naive??  Anyway, if you don't trust my word, or DaveyD's, then just do a google search on Orijen - it's listed quite favourably on various sites (in the interest of full disclosure, please note that I have also posted as trooper10 on rateitall.com).  

On one thing I agree with ally (though I thought it went without saying) - pet owners need to do their own research and make up their own mind.  Thanks for the reminder.  

Thanks as well to you, SymbaandTrooper, for at least hearing me out.  It is appreciated.
Whether people believe me or not, I do mean only the best.  Like many of you with your pets, my dogs are the light of my life.
I would never be able to forgive myself if I did something to bring them harm when it could have been avoided.

Ok, I had asked the question about the high protein levels of this food. I dug through my old issues of The Whole Dog Journal, and found an article on senior dog nutrition in Dec. 2006. It basically said that the theory that high protein is bad for senior dogs is just a myth. That in fact senior dogs may need up to 50% more protein than active adult dogs. It specifically mentions Acana and Orijen, among others, that are high protein-low carb (all I can think is South Beach Diet for Dogs!). It may also be beneficial to dogs suffering arthritis like mine. So.... I'm seriously considering this food, if I can find a way to get a 30 lb bag for under $50. Unfortunately my budget is not unlimited with three large dogs.

I do not work for Orijen nor do I have any association with them...
They are in Alberta...2000 miles from where I live.
As I said I am going to start to rotate this with the Canidae (which I also find to be an excellent food) he is currently on and I have looked at many brands.. I was simply pointing out better options than commercial junk pet food...
Take it for what it's worth.
I read the story about Orijen and was very impressed that actually let a reporter into their plant to see the ingredients and the food being made...they even took pictures.
The one thing about Canidae that I don't like is the secrecy about where it is made and the source of some their ingredients.
I have recommended Canidae and Felidae to more pet owners that I know than Orijen...

SymbaandTrooper not all, just some.  If you hop around the blogs & forums as much as some of us loonies do (many of us are considered "nuts" by friends due to the attention we've paid this recall), certain posts about certain foods can't help but jump out at you.  It IS sad we now have to question everything but I also think it's invaluable to share, especially if we've found something that works.  I debated quite awhile before posting in this thread.  Any way it's done and I do very much appreciate the folks who've given my thoughts a fair shake.  We're all worried and anxious beyond belief.  I can't wait for this nightmare to be over and can go back to doing one of my fav things for my dogs:  feed them!  The way they come running with tails madly wagging while doing the "wiggle butt dance" until their bowl hits the floor.....I can't explain it, but it feels great.  Especially if you feel the food is safe - something I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd have to worry about.

SymbaandTrooper  - I'm glad your dog is OK.  Scares like that are a pet parent's worst nightmare, aren't they?  Please let your guilt go.  Dogs are curious by nature and often want to investigate or ingest things they shouldn't.  You want to let them play and have as much freedom as possible but man, the things our pets can get into.  I'm sure your dog knows how much you love him.  Just check out the way he wags his tail next time he gazes at you.

One last thing - if this food feels right to you & you've done your research, then by all means go for it.  There are still viable options available.  The main thing for ALL of us, is to find what's safe and pallatable to our pets while helping them to live long, naturally healthy lives.

DavyD
          I have had the same experience with Purina ProPlan. I have fed that food to my Whippet for years.  Just 2 days ago I found out that he is  early stage RENAL FAILURE. Now I wonder about the food. My Vet, a man that I have always listened to, was little or no help when it came to food. I left the Vet's office with early stage Kidney Diet kibble made by EUKANUBA. I was so shocked by the news that I took the bag without thinking. I have since consulted a person well versed in a holistic approach to renal failure and I am going with her suggestions. The Vet said the dog has, at the most ,6 months to live---so what do we have to lose?
                  Kathleen