[brutus'mother]

moondog, Atleast we agree that dogs do not NEED grains and their digestive systems are not capable of digesting raw grains. So, what they can digest are the grains in kibble that are cooked to the point that there are minimal to no valuable nutrients left but still contain those wonderful calories!

Which means the kibble makers are forced to add high amounts of sythetic vitamins and minerals to "supplement and balance".

I don't think there was any mention of a special needs diet. I am aware there are dogs that need a high carbohydrate/grain diet due to medical issues. This was not the topic of discussion as there are also dogs that don't tolerate any grains, you did not mention that though..?

As far as the comments on obese dogs, I disagree with you. Excess carbs are stored in the liver as glycogen and in the body as FAT. There are lots of dogs on crap kibble that are overweight. Do you think these dogs that are eating crap foods get any excercise? Usually when an owner is educated about diet and exercise a change in what is fed follows. I never said there were not A LOT of empty calories from the processed grains which will cause overweight dogs.

It was very clear to me that you indeed already knew the answer to your own question. I use that same questioning technique with my kids to encourage problem solving on their own. However, when someone is trying to learn about a specific topic and asks a point blank question I don't see a problem in providing the "why" and then allowing them to seek more information to back it up. I don't play games on this board. My answer was a direct answer to that question with a little of the "why" behind it.

It cracks me up that people are so brainwashed with the "balanced commercial diet" thing. I strongly believe owners should feed the best they can.
I also believe I am doing the best I can for my dog by feeding a species appropriate diet for a carnivore.