Natura and P&G Questions

by Louis
(Huntington, WV, USA)



I was just wondering three things.

1) Why not drop Innova dog food from your recommendations only if P&G change the food?

2) P&G already makes Iams and cheaper dog foods, so why would it buy Natura if it planned on cheapening the product and producing more of the same?

3) How will consumers know if and when P&G changes the Natura product formula?

I am happy with Innova and would like to continue using it IF the product maintains its quality.

=================
Editor's Reply:

Hi Louis -

These are three great questions! Thank you for writing in.

Please take a look at our In-depth "Study" on Procter & Gamble and Natura Dog Food.

We've included a lot of reference materials and information which clearly shows just some of the factors we took into account while making our decision. Be prepared for a lot of eye-opening reading!

In a nutshell though, we can pretty much answer all three of your questions with the following one answer ...

We, personally, have no respect for P&G and its past business antics. We consider them an unethical and untrustworthy company. Their history speaks for itself, and we believe it would be irresponsible to ignore this, and leave them at a top dog food rating. Our former 5 Scoop ranking was based on products manufactured by the "former" Natura Dog Food Company - a company with a proven excellent reputation.

We are highly doubtful that us consumers will EVER really know what P&G is up to behind closed doors -- with Innova dog food and all the Natura brands!

That's our personal opinion and, of course, everyone needs to do what they feel comfortable with.

We stocked up on a few extra bags of our pup's Evo dog food before the sellout ... and now we're moving on! No use in crying over spilled milk :-(

It's certainly a very sad event but remember, there are many other premium dog food choices. And it's always good practice to rotate between dog food brands and formulas anyway.

Thanks again for your questions.

To our other visitors, we welcome all your input. Yes, whether or not you agree with our decision!

Comments for Natura and P&G Questions

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Is the food good after it expires?
by: Anonymous

Is the food good after it expires?


________________

Editor Comments
________________

Please see here for our detailed articles on Dog Food Shelf Life and "Best By" Dates.
Rating
star 		Way out of date
by: Anonymous

These products need updating, way out of date. I really don't see any change and EVO continues to be rated high on other web sites. You really can't downgrade a product based on new ownership but only on actual changes
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Down with P&G
by: Anonymous

I don't believe any pet food even remotely related to P&G should get any scoop ratings ! While they are enjoying their profits,our animals (family members) are suffering from poor health and sickness as we pay big $$$ for vet care to try and save them. Down with P&G ! As for me and my house, we will ban all of their products not just pet food.....
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Previous user of EVO red meat
by: Anonymous

I was a long time user of EVO red meat formula from 2007 through Dec. 2012. One of my dogs has an allergy to chicken/poultry, and EVO red meat was a great solution for a high energy performance(agility) dog.

For years she did great on EVO red meat, but I became wary of potential changes when it was bought out by P & G.

By the end of 2012, my dog started having diarrhea and skin problems. Medication and prescription shampoo had no positive affect on her until I discontinued using EVO.

My pet food supplier believes that P & G kept the "same" ingredients, but reduced the quality of those ingredients. I wasn't there to witness what happened, but I witnessed what happened to the health of my dog. I have yet to find another food that is as good as EVO was, but I know that EVO is not what it used to be.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		No recalls with home-made raw...
by: Roger Biduk

Feeding your carnivore dog and obligate carnivore cat a home-made, balanced raw meat diet is not only the cheapest but the best species-appropriate diet with no recalls.
Roger Biduk
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I sold NATURA pet food for years!
by: Anonymous

I sold Natura pet food for 9 years. As a small company, I was proud to represent such a good pet food company and their products!

I knew when "Natura" sold to "P&G "that it was just a matter of time till a good co. went down the drain! A huge conglomerate like P&G does not know how to run a dog food business, they have their fingers in to many pies! BIGGER is NEVER BETTER! I am so SORRY to see such a good DOG FOOD COMPANY ruined by people who do not care about whether they make the best product, just how much MONEY they MAKE! SHAME on you P&G ! QUALITY in a product matters the most, not the MONEY!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		P & G buyout of Natura
by: Anonymous

I do not think P&G will change the formulas of something as great as the quality of Evo, Innova & California Natural. Unfortunately back in the 90's for Iams and Eukanuba...The food was already crap..the first Ingredient was always CORN or By products. I used to sell it in the pet food industry, unfortunately it was still the best crap out there.. what choice did we have? There have been a lot of changes in the pet food industry since then. There are still recalls on just about every food. constantly tweaking the formulas. I wish people in the United States would take better care of themselves. These pets eat better than most people. I wish people would support P&G's efforts. They are one of the last American companies left.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Show me a lab report that proves changes.
by: Anonymous

Undoubtedly a number of the competitions labs are teasting P&G Natura Products monthly as they have already capitalized on this ridiculous hysteria driven totally by pet shop owners who are still mad at P&Gs Iams/Euk purchase. Where is the proof of any change? NONE because there hasn't been any. Very flakey to downgrade on an emotional speculation and not proof of a reduction of quality.
Rating
starstar 		Recalled 5 Scoop and 2 Scoop Dog food
by: Anonymous

Merrick, Diamond Dog Food Products, Mulligan Stew, Dick Van Patten Dog Food. They have all been recalled so why are they on your 5 scoops and 2 scoops list. I would think they would be downgraded to 0 scoops.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Do Not Purchase Innova
by: Anonymous

My dog has had problems with diarrhea and loose stools since I purchased Innova in 2010. Before I gave him Nutro (he had good stools) no diarrhea (but then Nutro was bought out by Procter & Gamble.) I switched to Innova because it was organic but I was not aware it was bought out by Proctor and Gamble. He started having loose stools and occasionally diarrhea which he could not control. Diarrhea got worse.

I will not buy Innova or any other Procter & Gamble product!!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reply to Tricia w/Go Natural
by: Cindy Smith

Tricia: I am glad you are pleased with Go Natural! I'm debating on TOTW Pacific Stream which is 5* rated. It has salmon, salmon meal, white ocean fish along w/other limited ingredients. I'm just hesitating because it also has smoked salmon in it and because my Airedale, Cody, is 11, I'm concerned with the salt content, but my dermatology vet said it wouldn't be a problem. I really like the ingredients in Go Natural also. Right now he's on Royal Canin Rabbit and Potato since having major problems w/CA Natural and the buyout w/P&G. Did you have a hard time finding the Go Natural? Would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It has been a year later
by: Anonymous

Guys it has been a year later and Natura has not changed their ingredients, or where they get their products or where the food is made (in their own facility). I understand the concern, but many of these great brands get bought out by bigger institutions.

The comments about the dogs getting sick. I feed my dog Wellness fish Core by the way because of his sensitive stomach (but support Natura). My dog gets sick from time to time, but I don't blame the food. Dogs do get sick. I do not blame my food when I get sick. I do not see any firm evidence that the food actually made any pet sick than people being afraid that P&G took over.

The people who were in charge of the decision making before P&G bought Natura are still the people in charge. They have not changed the staff (even the wife and husband who had Natura are still much involved). Pretty much nothing has changed.

And the thing about Nutro lawsuit. Nutro is owned by MARS and didn't Nutro just get into a lawsuit for stating false ingredients or death of some pets. You can NOT believe all lawsuit because a lot of people want to make money from these companies. Most of these lawsuits fall through.

The 2007 recall from MENU FOODS was a real problem. Thousands of pets became ill or death. They also did research and found that there was melamine in the gluten. This problem had substance NOT these so-called lawsuits that have no substance. Every dog food company had some king of problem in the past (trust me name anyone of them and I can tell you there was a problem). A good company is how well they deal with that problem. And you can not believe everything you read off the internet.

IAMS and EUKANUBA were NEVER great products even before P&G. They were just good for the time and people did not know any better. Has anyone ever read the formula of them before P&G bought them. small pet store owners became upset because they went into big chain pet stores and they could not compete with the prices.

I believe Natura make great products. There is nothing to prove and I mean REAL PROOF to prove otherwise. And always call up the companies and ask questions and that is for every brand of food. Trust me what is stated on the bag is what you are getting in it. Pet store owners and employees always get a head up if they formula will change so you may always ask them if the companies have stated something. They are organisations that check up on these food companies and if they are lying they do get shut down. And do not be fooled ever dog food company small or big are in it for the PROFIT. If you feel unease about this go RAW or COOKED that way you know what it going into your pets food :)
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		We will overcome
by: Anonymous

I also was a long time purchaser of California Natural chicken and rice. I noticed huge changes in my dog with the last two 30lb bags I purchased and finally connected it to the food.

He had hot spots on his paws, intense ear scratching and frequent urinating accidents in the house that I have seen some improvement as I have taken him off this food for 1 week.

Plus I did research on rosemary extract that is in the food that can cause neurological problems seizures and anemia. My dog is also having neurological problems for the past year. I wonder why?

I am going to call the store where I purchase the dog food and tell him of my situation and urge him to discontinue selling this product in his store. From now on I will be cooking brown rice, shredded chicken and carrots. My dog also likes to have dry food as a crunchy snack and is good for his teeth.

I am looking into Bench & Field's Holistic Canine Formula (also for cats) which is made in the U.S.A. Plus it is very difficult to find which could be a good thing. It is available at Trader Joes. At this point I am putting all my efforts on building up my dogs immune system and on the road to recovery and I have very little faith in any dog foods that are out there. I urge everyone out there reading this to at least start your pet on a probiotic to start the healing process.

California Natural is history and I am spreading the word of the dangers of dog foods. Stand up everyone, take control and hopefully we will get these products off the shelves and let them sell soap not poison and kill our pets.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fed Up
by: Anonymous

I am so thankful for this site as for many years of health issues with my Afgan Hound and switching brands to find out they ALL have side effects.

My dog has been on California Natural chicken and Rice for years. As of recent he has symptoms of Cushings Disease and I truly believe it is from this food, I am so done with any brand of store bought dry dog food. I don't trust any. It's all about the money!

After coming across this site I will now cook for my dog, I have had it! For all you pet lovers out there please pick up the book: The Nature of Animal Healing by Dr. Martin Goldstein, D.V.M.

I am treating my dog with homeopathic products as recommended in this book. I am against drugs because all they do is cover up the symptoms and worsen things as they do in humans and harm the liver, kidneys, etc. Natural is the way to go. I love my dog too much and will do whatever it takes to lengthen his life not shorten it. I also give him a probiotic daily to build up his immune system.

It is up to US to keep our pets safe and out of harms way.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ingredients from China in Avoderm ?
by: deb

Does Breeders Choice, Avoderm contain products from China ?
Thanks
deb
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Change
by: Susan

Well Sandra,

When you have all of these people who have used this food with their dogs and everything was great until P&G took over, you can only assume that they did something to compromise the food.
Well, not really assume, since our dogs have reacted in such a horrible way to the food.

I am still trying to find a food that was as good as the EVO red meat. So my dog is paying for it.

So the scoop rating is correct.

Susan
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Update from April 9, 2011 review
by: Tricia Schlosser

I finally decided to go with Go! Natural Salmon and Oatmeal dry food and canned (it's an all life stages by Petcurean). And I'm very happy to report that my dogs have not had one loose stool or diarrhea since switching them over the week of April 11th.

My puppy is doing great on it too and she's had no further digestive issues. All those months of the dogs having loose stools and diarrhea on and off...it just never occurred to me that it could be the California Natural because their reputation for high quality pet food was so good.

Unfortunately things can change and I found that out the hard way to the tune of $900 in emergency vet bills for my puppy.

I'm very happy with Go! Natural and I hope there will be no changes with that company.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Response to "Conjecture and Bias Abound - Sandra
by: Cindy

Sandra, hello?? You say, "none of the anticipated issues have actually occurred," and "no proof of any wrong doing on the part of P&G has been give." Do you not read the problems, including myself, that people have had w/California Natural?? Are you blind? I put 2 posts out there and this is my 3rd.

My Airedale, Cody, was on CA Nat. chicken and rice for years and halfway through a bag out of the blue has diarrhea. We get him back to normal stools and 4 days later diarrhea and vomiting. That doesn't happen for no reason. Obviously P&G put something in the food which they can do 6 months after a buyout and not put the change on the bag. Then I give him CA Nat. Lamb and Rice. He's never had lamb before so he couldn't be allergic to it. They must have thrown in soy or wheat or another highly allergic ingredient.

Look at all the problems people have had with their dogs on Natura. How much "proof" do you want? And obviously, the "anticipated issues" have actually occurred. I know they have with my dog. I'm convinced. P&G admitted to ruining Iams and Eukanuba. They cheapened the ingredients and I'm sure they are doing it again.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Natura bought out by P&G
by: Sherilyn Jackson

I have used California Natural canned Cat Food for some time for my own cats AND fosters. I am HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED by this outcome. Now WHAT??

I will have to find a BETTER canned food that is NOT owned by P&G ~ simple solution?? No, with my own family pets AND 24 foster kittens & 4 adult foster cats, it will be HARD finding the time to research this ~ can YOU possibly help with some suggestions?? I want corn & corn gluten free, natural proteins, veges, enzymes & a bit of brown rice or oatmeal. IF you can't make suggestions, I will DO MY BEST to change ASAP as I don't feel right supporting such an deceptive giant.

THANK YOU for your wonderful research on this matter~

Sherilyn Jackson
Kitty Foster Mom
Rating
star 		Conjecture and Bias abound
by: Sandra

I struggle with the lack of actual facts that would warrant a change in Scoop rating. Yes, the purchase of P&G is fact; yes, the historical events of P&G are mostly factual; but the primary reason given for the Scoop rating drop is admittedly based on pure circumstance and conjecture. I understand the concern. But the fact remains that none of the anticipated issues have actually occurred. No proof of any wrong-doing on the part of P&G has been given regarding Natura, leaving me to conclude that Scoop ratings are largely based upon personal opinion and bias, not on hard facts and science. Very disappointing as I thought this site was a resource of solid reliable and unbiased information. With the same logic used to downgrade Natura, I could conclude that this site is not to be trusted in any way.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Naturao Sell Out
by: Anonymous

I believe that P&G will do as it has in the past to make profits for it's stockholders as all of corporate America has done. Another sad day!!!
Rating
star 		Don't buy into P&G
by: Anonymous

This is the very reason why I started making my own dog food. You just can't trust manufactures can hold true to their promises and mission statements.

And any company that would sell Iams is a company that I will stay far far away from.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ugh! P&G
by: carol chai

I used to love California Natural for my Dalmatians. The moment I heard of the P&G takeover, I switched to Wellness.

I will not knowingly touch any product made by Proctor and Gamble because their cruel and inhumane treatment of animals in labs is widespread and well documented. They are a huge conglomerate with only profit in mind. They do not care about animals, human animals or the earth.

I say run like hell away from anything they make. Read your labels. Boycott Tide detergent and anything that touches their hands!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Common Sense People! Check out Dr. Becker on Mercola.com
by: Axle's owner

I have not gone back to any Natura products since hearing about the P&G buy out. However I had questioned the product before this since Axle would not touch a new bag we purchased. We had some left of an old bag and he ate it just fine. There were changes in color and odor of the food. Pet shop took it back no problem. ALL stores should take your returned products if you have not used more than 3/4 of the bag. AND if your dog does not like the food or has changes in health TAKE THEM OFF THE FOOD! Common sense.

And to those who say this website is irresponsible....these posts are from dog owners who have experienced CHANGES ...We are responsible pet owners. I now feed Solid Gold Barking at the Moon and Dick Van Patten's limited ingredient foods. Also SoJo's (Sojourner Farms) dehydrated no grain food with my own protein source. Way cheaper and much better for Axle.

See what Dr. Becker has to say about dog food.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Natura Pet Products / Fromm Dog Foods
by: Carol Minkus

Being a dog food fanatic since 1975 when I got my first show dog - and fed Iams way back when, I totally agree with your assessment of Natura Pet Products pet food line. P&G will most certainly downgrade the ingredients - the only question is by how much.

My understanding is that Natura Pet Products had 1 years worth of sourcing of the food ingredients prior to the sale of the food. That is up June 1st of this year. Then it will be totally up to P&G to source the ingredients.

Right now, I thing that the food should be rated 3 scoops - I think 2 is a bit low for the way it is today. I have no doubt that by this time next year it will be much lower. I just can see you justifying a 2 scoop right now.

Far as a future top 10 food. How about checking into Fromm. They still make their own food. I have been feeding it now for over 3 yrs. Went to this food when Canidae messed with their formula. I currently feed the Gold Nutritional but do get the 4 Star from time to time. They have the most pre/probiotics of any food I've seen except Eagle Pack Holistic (bought out by Burwind). Check them out.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dog Food Safety
by: Anonymous

So what dry/wet dog food is safe? If any and from what I have been reading all the dog foods are unsafe??? How do we feed our dog safe foods and make sure they receive the vitamins and minerals and also the protein they need???
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It all makes sense now!
by: Tricia Schlosser

How ironic I came across this site from a Maltese Forum that I joined this week because I have a new Maltese puppy.

Last summer I had to switch my other 4 dogs from Innova because they all developed diarrhea. I'd clear it up with rice and canned chicken and reintroduce the Innova and it would begin again.

I decided to go with California Natural Chicken & Rice Adult and the first few months were good until the end of the year when they started having intermittent diarrhea/loose stools again and this has continued until now. The past 2 weeks all of them are on rice and canned chicken with some kibble and every time I reintroduce them back to their dry kibble only it starts again.

My puppy developed diarrhea the first week I had her and then 2 days ago had to be admitted to our local Animal ER for severe vomiting. Labs came back good and so they did a barium study on a 14 week old puppy because they felt this was intestinal related. That was normal too however the x-rays prior to the study showed huge pockets of air in the stomach and intestines. The study normally takes 12 hours and she was done with it in less than 6 hours.

She's now recovering on Science Diet I/D and I have been searching all night for a new dog food for all of my dogs because I began to suspect something might be wrong with the California Natural. That is how I got from the Maltese Forum to this website tonight.

Now I know for sure that there must have been some changes that we are not aware of yet to the California Natural Chicken & Rice Adult dry kibble and something in the CN Chicken & Rice puppy dry kibble that is making my new puppy sick.

I went through this very same scenario several years ago when Canidae changed their All Life Stages diet and my dogs were sick for months with diarrhea.

In the future I will remember that when the dogs start having unexplained diarrhea I will immediately check to see if the company has been bought out or ingredients added or changed. I hate to see my dogs suffering all because of a greedy company like P & G.
Rating
starstar 		Judge all brands
by: Todd

Question to the editor?
So you have down graded Innova due to a buy out of Natura brands bt P&G. Ok then is it not fair to expose other brands?
1. Diamond has a Zero rating, Artemis, Canidee, Solid Gold and Chicken soup are all made by Diamond. Should their rating be dropped
2. Merrick is rated in the top ten food, Merrick had a recall 2 months ago due to some treats causing a salmonella issue.
3.Wellness and Eagle Pack are owned by Berwind corporation which makes Elmers Glue. Should their rating be dropped?
If you are going to drop a rating simply by who owns them please due the same across the board!
Please point out health issues with Merrick. Please point out that Diamond brand produces Artemis, Canidee, Solid Gold,and Chicken Soup!
If you are going to be insistant on caution with Natura than please use the same standards on other brands!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Just wondering
by: Anonymous

A little curious how Todd Hall can say "I happen to know there will be no changes!" Do you own P&G??
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Innova Has Changed
by: Anonymous

I have fed my dog Innova for the past 3-4 years.
Recently I have noticed he does not want to eat his food and before he couldn't wait to eat.

Since P&G has bought out Innova the quality has gone down....Not the "Organic" Food it was.

I will not buy Innova any more. I will look for a more quality dog food.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		P&G Apparently Does Not Care About Animals
by: Anonymous

I have fed my dog Innova for the past 7 years and I have noticed recently he throws up and does not want to eat his food since P&G took over. I will not buy Innova any more and how do they get away with this???? P&G is household products not dog/cat food!!! What is going on and we need to protect our pets!!!! P&G is disgusting and sickening!!!!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Evo Red Meat
by: Susan

After having my dog on raw for years I had to switch her to kibble because of her allergies.
Realized that raw was not right for her even though I love it.

Tried different foods and then started using the Evo Red Meat. She was doing great on it. Glad to finally find a food that doesn't make her itch and get hot spots.

Over the last few months I noticed her shedding all of the time nonstop. Very unusual. Got another new bag last week and within 2 days started getting hot spots. I always soak her food for a few hours also. Noticed that it is not soaking in the water as well either. They can add fillers such as peanut shells, corn husks, etc. without reporting it.

Will not support them anymore. What a shame for something that was so good and is going to go down now. The previous owners are going to be so disappointed when they figure it out. I am glad I found this site and there are others like me.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		California Natural new bag problem
by: Eric Heuschele

Our 3 year old Rottie has a sensitive stomach. We tried many foods and had great luck with the first bag of Pure & Simple Grain Free Chicken Meal Formula. Finally, everything seemed normal.

We purchased another bag and the kibble is much darker in color. Now she is having major stomach problems. Loose stools, vomiting and lethargic.

We took her to the vet for a blood screen and stool sample for parasites. All came back negative. All I can figure is the darker food is different than the first bag. Something in the food has changed. I can't deal with inconsistency! My dog is suffering from it.

I am taking back the bag to the store and picking up a bag of Natural Balance LIT.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		California Natural has changed
by: Cindy Smith

I recently wrote a comment below and I'll write another. I now have proof that P&G did put "something" in the CA Natural dog food.

After months of having my Airedale, Cody, on a food trial (Royal Canin Rabbit & Potato) through my dermatology vet, we have come to the conclusion that P&G definitely put something in the food to cause his intolerance of the Chicken and Rice, and the allergy of the Lamb and Rice when I switched over from the chicken.

Because he had a yeast infection and severe bacterial infection on his skin and was losing his fur from the Lamb and Rice, I kept him on just the Rabbit and Potato until the itching subsided, which took about 4 weeks. At 4 weeks, I added boiled chicken to the Rabbit and Potato for 7 days with no reaction. Then I added just beef with no reaction, then I tried beef and rice with no reaction. I'm giving him cuts of lamb - no reaction.

So, it's obvious that since he had no adverse reactions to any of the above meats, particularly the lamb, P&G put something in the CA Natural to cause the intolerance and itching. We'll never know what since they didn't have to put it on the bag for 6 months.

The only way to truly see if they did do something to the food would now be to put him back on the Lamb and Rice and see if he reacts to it, but I risk putting him through the severe itching he endured for weeks. It's not worth it and in my heart, I already know P&G is up to no good. Just look at their history and that will tell you everything you need to know.

Some people say don't over react, P&G didn't do anything to the food. Well, when other people's dogs (and some dogs will and some dogs won't) have reactions to the food, you better believe they put something in it. I've read other sites and so many people have had issues since the buyout. I've spoken with distributors and some dogs sniff the food and won't eat it anymore, some have diarrhea and vomiting. This just doesn't happen to all these dogs for no reason.

Cody will be very slowly transitioning over to Natural Balance Venison and Sweet Potato now. Natura now has Limited Ingredient foods with no grain and as much as I loved the California Natural, there is no way I am going to put him through what he's been through since September.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		EVO
by: Anonymous

I wanted to believe that nothing had changed with EVO, but when I started to see changes in all of my dogs, it was time to change! I too was told by Natura and P&G rep that formula hadn't changed. Wondering though if quality of ingredients have.
Rating
star 		Irresponsible story
by: Todd Hall

I am back to comment on my own follow up! I not seen any changes in the Innova product and I happen to know there will be no changes! This brand will remain the same and P&G bought them for the high quality. Its sad to see soo many people run out when an article is written about a what IF? I have 5 tournament hunting dogs that all feed on Innova, there health and performance has never been better. I didnt realize soo many people buy the (Sky is falling) this article is very irresponsible!
Rating
starstarstar 		Nothing has changed
by: Linda

I have done a lot of research on this topic. I have talked to distributors and Natura representatives. All of whom confirm, that nothing has changed since the buy out. I still feed my dog Evo and have noticed no difference.

I was told that Natura products are still made in the same location and will not be made at the p&g facility. I believe that p&g were simply wanting to get a head start on where the pet food industry is going. More and more information is being passed about what our pets should be eating. Buying a company like Natura is giving them a head start into the future, at least that is my opinion.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Why Oh Why
by: Oscar D

The one dog food my dogs love (EVO)and this. Why did they have to sell? Money doesn't buy everything,right? Or?? I will not support P&G, it scares me to feed my dog their food. Who is next P&G??? So I know who not to buy. Thank you Dog Food Scoop for the info.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		California Natural
by: Anonymous

I am so thankful that I stumbled across this website.

I am in the process of choosing a new food for my dog, and was doing some research online. I had decided to give California Natural a try, and then after reading here that they're now owned by evil giant P&G...No thank you!!! I don't purchase any of P&G's products and don't intend to start now.

I think I'm going to try Dick van Patten's Natural Balance instead.

Thank you for a very cool and informative website!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		California Natural
by: Tina Gianos

Although I make "homemade" dog food for my dog, I usually add a small scoop of dried processed food to her dish.

She has been on California Natural for 5 years now. Over the summer I bought a new bag. Since then she has had skin infections. The vet still has no idea why so she suggested looking into her diet. I was really thankful to find this site and all of the information on California Natural. Maybe it is just a coincidence. I do not have evidence that this is causing her skin problems but I am definitely switching dog foods. Hopefully she will start to get better.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Former Natura Products
by: Anonymous

I work at a higher end pet store in Ohio, and in the past few months have seen an increase in Natura foods being returned.

The majority of customers state that their pets have been on California Natural / Innova for years with no problems. Now, their pets refuse to eat it, or are now having diarrhea, gas, and allergic reactions. One customer brought back a can of Innova with a piece of plastic tubing in it!!!! The customer stated that 2 other cans had chunks of hard corn feed in them.

So IMO, whether or not an ingredient change has been announced, something is going on.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Changing food from California Natural
by: Holly

Just an FYI for anyone looking to change food from California Natural Chicken & Rice both dry and wet foods and for dogs who need to eat only one protein.

After doing my research and trying different foods I have found these foods to be wonderful for my Amstaff. Evangers Classic Dinners Chicken & Rice WET food only. Unfortunately, the dry food has brewers yeast in it which my dog was allergic to. I am also using Castor and Pollux Organix dry food. Not only does my dog love these foods but they agree with her system and her skin looks great. I have had her on these foods since last August (approx. 7 months) with no problems whatsoever.

Hope this helps you find new food.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Innova was bad food 4 years ago
by: Theresa

I am a small hobby breeder and I faithfully fed Innova (green bag) to my kennel for years.

In the spring of 2007 I noticed that my entire pack really craved grass; had loose, gassy stools, and drank water like no tomorrow. I figured it was spring, and that they all got giardia from the melt off and thus the loose stools. Rounds of treatment with my holistic vet using alternative and western methods kept them healthy.

During this time I bred one of my females and awaited her litter; I faithfully fed her Innova for a healthy litter - and she delivered a stillborn full term pup with its entrails on the outside of its body. A trip to the vet revealed she had dead puppies inside her that were being resorbed. In other words, something had arrested the development of her litter.

It wasn't until later I found this thread on Innova being tainted with cyanuric acid:

The pictures of the kibble - the black and white chunks - I saw that *first hand* with my own eyes in the Innova kibble that I fed to my pregnant girl and the entire pack. I thought they were just vitamins myself, but they were crystaline - odd, but I didn't question it. Later I didn't question it when I saw labels on the bags of Innova proclaiming they were cyanuric acid free; in hind sight it was to combat the word spreading on the internet.

If you read the entire thread linked you will see that Innova was contaminated and rather than informing their loyal customers chose instead to cover it up, and threatened to sue the messenger who brought this problem to light.

I never had a chance to avoid feeding this poison to my dogs. I wish I had known sooner - my dog could have had a lovely litter of live puppies, and the two seniors I lost that year might have lived longer were it not for the toxins coursing through their systems dosed out daily in their Innova kibble.

I will never, ever feed any Natura pet product. If they can't own up to their problems like the other food companies have, they don't get my business. And now with them being acquired by P&G, what was bad before can only become worse. Folks would be wise to stay away. Just my opinion based on my experience.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Horribly Depressed
by: Anonymous

I hate to say it but I missed the announcement, and here it is 6 months later and I will have to scramble to find another food to use. I will not risk my dogs with P&G - thank you so much for downgrading the food.

Whoever said it previously is right - past behavior is the best indicator of the future.

Thanks so much for the heads up, even if I found out a little late!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		EVO
by: Debbie

Been feeding Natura dog food for 7 yrs. Stuck with them after the P&G buyout.

The past couple of months I noticed that my GSP's were just not looking as good as usual. Been feeding EVO. Checked the bag for changes. I had kept a bag from before the buyout. No changes that I see but wonder if P&G are using lesser quality ingredients.

One of my puppy owners just contacted me that her dog will not eat her California Natural grain free.

I have switched to Acana. Tried to give Natura the benefit but will no longer use any Natura products! Very sad really. My dogs are already looking better.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		EVO & California Natural
by: Anonymous

I have fed my two shelties EVO and California Natural for several years. One has a sensitive digestive system and California Natural was a life saver for her. The minute I heard about the P&G purchase I immediately purchased all the food that we would use prior to the expiration date.

I monitored their website for changes and since both the bag and the website showed no changes I purchased new bags of both California Natural and EVO. The sheltie eating California Natural digestive problems returned and the sheltie on EVO begin shedding her coat in the middle of winter in the northeast.

Needless to say I have changed both dogs and now have two wasted 30 lb bags of expensive food to trash.

So far I have had a really good experience with Merrick which I noticed is listed as one of the top 10 on this site and Sammy Snacks for the sensitive dog with food and skin allergies.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Don't throw away!!!
by: Deanna

All major dog food companies will refund all money spent on a bag of dog food if it is returned, throwing away 30# of Evo was probably $40 at least....yikes!!!!

As for the comment as to why P&G would buy a dog food company and then change things to make more of the same that they produce:

MARKETING!!! People are used to buying a certain brand and will continue to because most people don't read labels, check to see who makes the food etc. HABIT. And that's where they get you....complacency.

If everyone was as concerned as people that visit this website, 90% of the dog food would be off the market. Kibbles and Bits? Please.... People believe what they read on the bag: nutritionally complete, passed the AAFCO feeding studies etc. Read the ingredients on a bag of Science Diet Natural....bunch of CRAP! But it's recommended by "vets"!

What I would like to know is why things that are garbage are on the market in the first place? And not just dog food. My only answer is $$$$$$!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		EVO Red Meat made my dog sick
by: Anonymous

I've fed my dog EVO Red Meat for years. I was always recommending it to friends as a great dog food. Recently I opened a new bag of EVO and noticed it looked and smelled a little different. After a week of feeding it to my dog she became lethargic, runny eyes, her fur started to develop an odor, and she started vomiting. That's when I found out that P&G had acquired EVO. I've switched foods now, throwing away 30lbs of EVO, and my dog is back to feeling good and all the symptoms are gone.

I really did like EVO. I wished it had not sold out. What a shame.
Rating
star 		Wait and see
by: Michele

Almost every dog food company is getting sold out. The ingredients have not changed yet. It still a great dog food but you have wrote it off. Shame on you for doing that.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hysteria
by: Anonymous

I think your position is irresponsible. I'm not a fan of P&G, but you folks are dropping this food from 5 to 2 based on no testing at all. Show me test results. Should be easy to do.
Rating
starstarstarstar 		P&G Not Worth the Risk
by: tinydogsrule

I have fed California Natural canned for years, and sadly removed it from my dog's diet and will take it off my web site as a recommended food.

After the pet food recall with melamine/Menu foods and 4000+ 'unofficial' pet deaths, why risk any vendor that is not 100% trustworthy? We saw what happened when profit was placed over pets.

And we saw what happened when pet food companies did do quality control checks on their own products.

The facts remain P&G did change ingredients on Eukanuba & Iams to lesser quality and did not disclose they had done so (2 strikes).

There is a trust issue.
And a profit over pets issue.
And questionable ethics.

Add the dog testing issue (3rd strike)and I do not see anything that leads towards a 'commitment to high quality dog food'. Or dogs!

Are they trustworthy now? Maybe. Maybe not.

Why go there?

There are so many other great brands that are dedicated to the health of our dogs.

Those are the brands I will support with my money and recommendations.

I think 2 stars is fair given past performance - and that is all we have to go on is their reputation & prior action.

My dogs deserve better -so do yours!!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		P&G has changed the ingredients of California Natural
by: Cindy Smith

My belief is that P&G changed California Natural dog food (CN) during the last 6 months.

My 10-year-old Airedale, Cody, was on CN Chick & Rice for years and never had a problem with it. Halfway through a bag this past Sept. (9/10) He had diarrhea. We cleared it up and it happened a second time, this time with vomiting. So I switched him to Lamb and Rice (he's never had Lamb) and 4 days later he started severe, intense itching, literally nonstop.

I took him to a derm. vet and she thought it might be sarcoptic mange. Well 2 weeks into the medication, he was still itching. He has a yeast infection severe bacterial infection. Cost me $400. I told her we needed to get him off the Lamb and Rice. Obviously he didn't have mites.

So now he's on a trial diet (Royal Canin Rabbit & Potato). He's been on it for almost 3 weeks and the itching has stopped.

He is also on Temerol P a low dose because the stress of the itching is not good for an elderly dog and he needed relief. He's been on it every other day now for 10 days and the itching let up a couple of days ago. He has 2 doses left and then he comes off of it. So the Pred is not masking the itching since it's a low dose and it has the antihistamine in it, so it's not full strength. Then we'll have to figure out, preferably a grain free diet to put him on, probably Natural Balance which got great reviews from Dog Food Advisor and Whole Dog Journal.

So, sadly, I do believe P&G has put something in the food already, particularly when he was doing well on it for years and all of a sudden couldn't tolerate it. He wasn't allergic to the Chicken & Rice, since I gave him chicken to help clear up the diarrhea, he just couldn't tolerate it since P&G put something in it.

What a shame to ruin such a fantastic food. Shame on P&G. I will never buy their products.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Can't keep from posting again...
by: Anonymous

I am not happy about this buy-out and I am not a supporter of P&G!! I have expressed this before in my post last year, no need to go there again. I was just following up on this and have to say that your 2 scoop rating is very generous, oh my!!! I would not even have that; not my site and I know that but can't help but express my shock to see that! It's not all about change of formula but much to do with where they are sourcing those ingredients! That is where the change will come from and that is what will get the animals sick. Outside US sourcing with little to no quality control. Reading through some of these posts that actually want to give P&G the benefit are missing that very big point! Call that company now and ask where they are getting those ingredients especially the meat! I won't eat anything from Mexico why feed it to my animals?!! To those that are so ignorant, research and look at the prior recalls, you see for yourself where the meat source came from. Then at your animals expense come back and let us know if you still give P&G the benefit of the doubt!!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		P&G
by: Jon

I was feeding EVO Red Meat dry dog food for several months until the buyout. I bought two large bags around July 10 and it lasted me right about the P&G buyout. So I was able to get the good batch of food before any changes were made to the food.

I saved the bag and will compare the ingredients to see if there are any changes made. But I have found at least two kibbles that all my dogs really like so I really don't need to look at EVO foods any more.

I now feed Taste of the Wild - High Prairie Canine Formula Roasted Bison & Venison, and Sierra Mountain Canine Formula with Roasted Lamb dry dog food and Wellness Super5Mix Large Breed kibbles and Avoderm canned dog foods. In addition to raw. Raw Meaty Bones for treats/snacks.

All of my dogs love these foods and have no reactions of any kind to them. I really want to get them on Orijen but it is not as available as the above mentioned foods and shipping is too expensive.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dear: Reviews on this site are full of superstions and inexperienced critics
by: Anonymous

In response to...

"Reviews on this site are full of superstions and inexperienced critics
by: Anonymous"

Why don't you read the posts before lashing out. I didn't switch foods because I found out the P&G bought the company, I switched because my dog began refusing to eat it... and when she would nibble on it, it made her sick.

I am sure that there are people out there who switched just because they heard P&G bought the company... but I imagine that was due to past experience, or taking heed to what others are saying. Why risk it?

I am by no means boycotting P&G, they make a fine product... many fine products. But I will stick to their cleaning supplies and household goods... nothing that i need to feed my pets!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		so hard to know...
by: Anonymous

My dog, like many others noted above, had been doing well on California Natural Lamb and Rice for years and now has had diarrhea for the last two months.

I have contacted Natura. who state that the "brands and formulas have not changed. The ingredients, quality, integrity, etc have not changed."

They urged me to work with my veterinarian to help determine the cause. My vet said she has heard from a "reliable source" (Natura rep) who said otherwise about the ingredients. She urged me to change foods.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thoughts on rating drop..
by: Anonymous

Sometimes you are better safe than sorry. It jumps the gun to lower rating but they don't play fair either since they are not required to fess up to changes for 6 months..

Sadly these companies prove time and time again that all that matters is the all mighty buck and this food will inevitably go down the crapper just like the rest that they have bought out..

Sadly P&G does not deserve the benefit of the doubt to wait and see what happens and consumers should have plenty of time to make their choices. I am personally glad I found the website with this info because someone recommended EVO to me and I was thinking about a change. Now I?ll have to make sure they are aware of this.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reviews on this site are full of superstions and inexperienced critics
by: Anonymous

For a site to knock down a product because they don't like a specific corporation is a terrible way to go about things. This site is supposed to deal with real things, real evaluations.

It does not. Just because ownership of the Natura brand has changed it does not mean the product has changed. Saying its going to happen is acting if they are psychic predictors. What a joke.

The information on Proctor and Gamble has been refuted by most reasonable sources, including the American Kennel Club AKC. P&G was hit by PETA activists because they did business with a company that did animal testing, they broke that relationship, but the actions were of their subcontractor, and not what PG was doing.

So this site knocks down the food to a 2 star when it used to be 5.

I suppose the rest of the ratings are done so whilly nilly too.

I would not be surprised at this point if this site takes money for advocating brands from the makers....either way the ratings are done by people with agendas different than rating the products on their merits.

Shameful to put personal politics and ignorance above proper evaluations.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Already Dumped It
by: Anonymous

The moment I heard that P&G bought Natura, I stopped buying their products.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		P&G uses animal testing....
by: Deanna B.

Two things about the P&G buyout.

They have 6 MONTHS to change the label if they change the ingredients....how many bags do you feed in 6 months?

I wrote to Natura about their products, asking if the claim of ethoxyquin free is true. I got no direct answer but check out Coast Guard requirement 46CFR148.04-0 pertaining to the preservation of fish and remember: if the dog food company did not add the ingredient (ie it came with it already) it does NOT have to be claimed on their label. So if they are buying fish with ethoxyquin already on it they can CLAIM that it is free of this poison.

I also asked if they had any plans to change the food and there was no direct response.

I also asked if Proctor and Gamble does animal testing and this question was completely ignored. But they DID thank me for contacting them, I feel like contacting them again and thanking them for NOT answering my questions. I will not be using their product, sad because I had high hopes for Evo.

Thanks for reading!

Deanna, Dudley Zane and Zori
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		make your own
by: Anonymous

We had our dogs on Natura pet products for years. Then P&G took over. We found hair in the kibble and their rep said 'so what, if dogs were eating animals in the wild there would be hair in it.'

One of our dogs developed a urinary tract infection and a staph skin infection. The vet said it was probably from contaminated food.

We had switched from the California Natural products to Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Bison, so we don't know which food may have caused the illness. One of our other dogs had diarrhea and retching episodes every so often.

So, I had had it. And a week ago I started cooking for my dogs. It has not been easy to research how many calories dogs need, what kinds of food are good for them. But I'm getting the hang of it and already I notice such a big difference in our dogs. I am retired so I can do this but realize so many people do not have the time to do this. But if you have a dog that is not healthy and you are at your wits end like we were, then you might want to try making your own dog food.

Right now I am feeding honeysuckle ground turkey that I get at Walmart, sweet potatoes, farm eggs, carrots, apples, blackstrap molasses, fish oil. It's not hard once you get the hang of it and you can vary it so easily and let me tell you something else. I ran out of the turkey one day and only had ground beef on hand. I boiled that along with the other ingredients I use and they did not have any reaction to switching off like that as they usually do if you switch from one dog food to another.

They are content, sleep very well, no diarrhea, vomiting, itching. IT IS GREAT!!!!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		California Naturals has changed!
by: Aaron

To me, it is apparent that that California Naturals has changed. I have been feeding it to my dog for the past year, and she loved it!

Last week I got a new bag, opened it up, and she wouldn't touch it. i didnt think anything of it for a few days... sometimes she can be a little crazy, but I started to worry, she was starting to act hungry. I would tell her to eat her food, she would go to her bowl, sniff around and not eat. Sometimes she would pull a few kibbles out, sniff around some more, but still would not eat.

I took it back to the place I bought it, figuring it was just a bad bag or something. The guy at the store said that they had had several people claim the same thing. He informed me of the change, and that nothing was "supposed" to change.

I figured I would give it another shot, and exchanged for a new bag of the same thing. When I got it home... she still would not eat it. Same thing, she sniffed it, dug through it, and would leave it.

I took it back again the next day and got a new bag, one that is not a Natura food product. It really is too bad. Natura was great. they were local, and high quality. i cant imagine that they are happy about this. Money talks, I guess.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Let The Rating War Begin
by: David R

I can't understand why some people get upset over a dog food rating.

We used to feed our dogs from the, (embarrassed) zero scoop brands until doing some research online.

While testing out different brands and flavors, our dogs like red meat over chicken. We are staying within the grain-free types.

I got a 4oz sample of EVO red meat formula and our two dogs seemed to really like it. It's hard to really know from just a 4oz sample, but I was trying to decide if buying a big bag of EVO is worth the gamble. I knew about the P&G takeover at the time of testing the sample.

I just read this article and wow, 5 scoops to 2 scoops already?! I like this site, very forward thinking.

While EVO might not be a 2 this week, why wait, it will be in time given the history of P&G with name brands. Plus giving EVO a 2 scoop rating now will give the reviewers more time with brands that are improving dog foods rather then just their profit line.

By the way, we are trying the mid-size bag of Taste Of The Wild, High Prairie Formula with a dab of Authority canned (not grain-free or 5 scoops, 1 scoop here and 3 stars for the canned on another site, but about $1 a can and no meat by-products works for me), they seem to like it.

I hope other 5 scoop brands don't cave-in like Natura did. So sad.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		People are a trip!
by: SILENT

One should prove themselves prior to getting 5 scoops and hitting the top 10 list not hit the list with 5 scoops then prove they don't belong there. New ownership should be looked at as a company starting from zero! (In response to Sophie's Choice).

Why would one buy dog food from a company like P&G that abuses dogs?

Why would I want to pay a premium rate for Purina class dog food in a premium bag, that's what happened with IAMS.

With the loop hole that companies don't have to change their tags on the food for 6 months though the food has changed basically means, P&G can keep changing EVO's formula just before hitting the 6 month mark and go years with selling us Purina in an EVO bag and get away with it.

EVO is lucky for getting 2 scoops and i want to return my bag of 2 scoop EVO, for why would i buy dog food from a company that clearly abuses dogs and hustles its owners, i mean really, if my dog got sick from their food its not like they're going to say, Hey let me take responsibility. After all there's a reason why I'm choosing to pay so much for dog food.

Any time a company refuses to disclose information, especially when it has to do with food, just assume it's all bad.

It's too bad though, i liked buying EVO and my dog loved it too.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Natura cat foods made my cats sick
by: Emily

I'm writing to ask if you have done any work with Innova/Evo cat foods, dry and wet. They were the staple of my three cats' diet for many years, but recently they made my male cat so ill that he couldn't eat. He would literally vomit up the food he was trying to eat. My girls did better on the wet food, but the dry food made one of them sick, too.

Thanks to the ethical and concerned store owners where I buy my pet food, I learned about the P&G takeover of Natura. Not really believing that it would help, I cut all Natura products from my cats' diet.

Result: No sick cats. My male cat is like a different animal; he hasn't looked this well in months.

I am in shock, as nothing like this has ever happened to me. I fear that cats will die because of this food unless the owners are lucky enough, as I was, to have someone to explain the change in ownership and to mistrust corporations as much as I do. I might have had my male cat euthanized if I hadn't known.

I have called the FDA and am trying to reach P&G. What else can I do? What do you know?

Many thanks.

Emily (for Ajax, Ariel, and Maia)
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My two cents worth
by: Bearsmom

I just finished reading all of the prior comments and here is my two cents.

I fed Bear California Natural Lamb & Rice for almost two years. Before changing him to California Natural dog food, I did a lot of research, because he was having skin issues on his previous food. California Natural was a blessing ? his coat cleared up and he seemed to be in better health.

While I agree that it is unfair to downgrade a food just because of the company?s past offenses, I can not risk the health of my much loved dog in ?hopes? that P&G will not repeat the past ? not to mention their refusal to stop testing on animals.

As soon as I found out that Cal Nat was bought by P&G, I changed him to Natural Balance Venison & Sweet Potato, both dry and canned. I am now looking for another food, because he doesn?t seem to be doing as well on that one, and I have read some complaints about them on ConsumerAffairs.com.

Bear is now 13 years old and I just want my boy to be healthy and happy for what ever time he has left with me.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Any suggestions??
by: Luv My Frenchie

I have been feeding my very sensitive frenchie California Natural lamb & rice for quite some time now.

This food was a blessing and helped clear up his terrible skin problems that were due to severe food allergies.

But now his problems are returning. Something in the food has changed!!

Does anyone have any suggestions on a great food for a very very sensitive French Bulldog?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reformlate their own brands.
by: Jon

Wish P&G would just reformulate their own brands or add a holistic or all natural foods to their existing line of Iams or Eukanuba? and leave the other manufactures alone.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Worried about my dogs
by: Anonymous

I am like many others commenting here...for years I fed my dogs Innova and California Natural dog food.

Then things started happening to my dogs like loose stools, red and irritated skin and even vomiting. I'm sure it's the food and have taken them off it and put them on Taste of the Wild. So far, so good. All their symptoms are gone.

However, I am now concerned about the reliability of ANY commercial dog food. I have now started making my dogs' food from recipes developed by a dog nutritionist, vet, and a university. It's amazing how well the dogs are doing since I started feeding them homemade food. They just seem to be more content and robust. And they don't beg for human treats anymore because they get human food (only in dog ratios). I believe that as long as I follow the recipes of professionals, I can feed my dogs with complete confidence that they are not getting anything harmful--additives, chemicals, etc.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Innova preservatives have been altered???
by: Anonymous

I have bred and showed dogs (Whippets) for over 25 years. I started feeding Innova dog food to all my dogs about 10 years ago and have loved it. My dogs have thrived on it and have lived very healthy long lives (14-16 years).

I have not switched since the buy out only because I am trying to decide what to try that will be poultry based and about 18% protein for the old dogs.

However, since the switch to P & G, I have noticed that something has definitely changed with the adult food. If I mix it with any water - it will go sour within hours - and it will go sour overnight even if refrigerated!! I am doing everything the same as I have for the past 10 years - and it's not my refrigerator!

I have never had a bad bag of Innova, but either I do now - or P&G has altered the preservatives. What a shame.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dead puppy.
by: Anonymous

Been feeding my 9 month old, Pedigree Border Collie pup "Innova Puppy [Dry Food]" for as long as I can remember. I usually stock up on the large bags, we ran out a little under 2 weeks ago so we went to buy more.

Fed him the new food we just bought for the first couple of days, I noticed his mouth was looking a little frothy after eating, but I just shrugged it off. One day after feeding him I laid on the couch for about an hour, maybe a little less, and when I got up I couldn't see him running around the house. I spent a good hour and a half wondering where he'd gone and then I found him hiding between the couch and the wall, not moving.. Dead..

A pedigree puppy from a reputable breeder, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. Perfectly healthy, he just stopped moving. Now I find this website and realize that the owners of Eukanuba have bought this product? I wish I had found this website a fortnight ago.. I don't know what the hell they've done...
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fed EVO Red Meat
by: Jon

I bought two bags of the EVO Red Meat about a month before the buy out and now getting down to just a few bowls full left of the food. Once I run out I will be buying Orijen Red Meat for my five dogs.

I spent a good number of months and money finding the right dog food and I don't want to take a chance on my dogs getting ill from a company like P&G.

It's a shame too since my dogs love the EVO red meat, hopefully they will love the Orijen just a well but they also love Taste of the Wild too.
Rating
starstarstar 		Denial what Ignorance
by: Anonymous

History will always repeat itself!! As much of an Innova supporter I have been through the years, switching gears is what has to happen. P&G has done NOTHING in their prior buy-outs to build confidence in the consumers. They have had recalls left and right.

If you...the Closed Eyed Consumer living in denial want to hold out hope that Innova's quality will stay the same then you get right out there and do that, I will tell you that what will suffer is YOUR ANIMAL in the end because of the denial and closed mindedness!! Innova will be treated no different than the rest of the buy outs! Sad but true.
Rating
star 		California Natural Grain Free Venison
by: PBurke

We have fed several different Natura pet products the past few years. Never had a problem until now.

This summer we switched from Evo to the new California Grain Free Venison. The first couple of bags were fine. Then we got a bag that the kibble looked different, darker and harder. When we soaked the food with water before feeding, it smelled of animal guts and feces, a smell you would recognize if you are a hunter and clean your game.

Then we purchased two bags and they had hair in the kibble which appeared to be deer hair. We took these two bags back to the dealer. The 'good' bags had an expiration date of May '11. The 'bad' bags had an expiration date of June '11.

I will not buy Natura products ever again.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Calif. Naturals dog food
by: Anonymous

I will no longer buy the product!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		California Natural Dog Food
by: Anonymous

I am a Natura retailer and have been documenting the number of customers who have come in to the shop since June complaining of the same symptoms.

These people have been feeding California Natural for years and suddenly, their dogs are experiencing loose stools, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some customers have incurred large vet bills. The diarrhea stops as soon as the dog's food is changed.

I have repeatedly contacted the company and have been told that I am the only retailer in the US that is reporting this problem. And they haven't been very nice about it either.

My obligation is to my customers, not P&G. We are warning every customer that buys a bag of the potential risk. And as soon as we can get everyone switched to a food that won't make their dogs sick, we will drop the line.

If P&G can do this to California Natural in just a couple of months, just think what's in store for Innova, EVO & Healthwise.
Rating
starstarstar 		Content, not politics
by: Anonymous

I'm glad you posted the information, but I still don't think it should change the rating. A sample size of one does not a trend make. If you feel strongly enough, then I would have revoked a rating (pending future analysis 6+ months after the buyout), but lowering it is misleading, since people are looking for content of the food, not the politics of the manufacturer.

That said, I most agree with the poster below who said the rating should remain unchanged with an asterisk leading to this page, unless and until there is solid evidence to support an alternative.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Right On!
by: Debi

I agree with everything you said about P&G buying Natura! It's all about money and they can care less about our pets. This time they will be a lot more careful with theyir devious actions; learning from the mistakes they made with Iams. I think you are so right by not wasting your time and energy trying to speak to either party - they already have the script written.

Anyone can understand the owners of Natura wanting or needing to sell their company, however to sell it to P&G, a company with such a negative history of animal abuse, is immoral and inexcusable. It's sad that ones ethics can be sold.

Thanks for the information! I truly appreciate it.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Could change in Innova's formula cause urinary incontinence?
by: Lisaben

I've been feeding Innova to my sensitive-stomached lab for many years because it was one of a few she did well on.

She is now 11 and, last winter, started having urinary incontinence issues which were controlled with Proin. About a month ago, the Proin stopped working even with the maxed out dosage. We have tried other incontinence drugs which work for a couple of weeks and then-boom! also stop working. She's been through urinary tests and there's no infection or other health issues, except for mild spondylosis which is being treated very successfully with Bicom treatments.
My vets, yes plural, are stumped.

The consensus, though, of the dog food sellers in my area are that the timing of Innova's purchase by P&G with this is not coincidence. I am wondering what others think of this. Could a change in Innova's formula have tipped over the bucket, so to speak, and caused the Proin not to work?

I have switched my dog to Wellness, mostly because of the single protein and have started giving her a probiotic. So far, so good with her stomach issues, but still too early to tell with the urinary thing.

I'd welcome any comments or suggestions, please.
Rating
starstarstar 		ratings do confuse people....
by: Axle's owner

I do agree to a point on being cautious about Natura products..but any product can change. I have already chosen a stand by dog food that we are introducing to see if our Dog Axle likes it.

I have been feeding Axle California Natural, Innova, and Innova EVO red meat for years. We returned a bag of Innova large breed to our pet store over a year ago because Axle would not eat it. This was before the buy out. I know changes can occur even in the products we buy regularly. Our pet store gladly took it back and let me bring home a new bag with a different lot number that Axle did eat as usual. The store contacted Natura and gave them all the info and said they never had another complaint on the lot. Could be just one bad bag?? I always...ALWAYS...buy new food before the old is used up. My test...if Axle does not eat the new bag, we put out some of the old bag. If he eats that as usual...return the new bag! Do not make them eat it!!! If the dog wont eat either food, he may not be hungry or feeling well. Petco as well as our little local pet store will take back food with receipt if there is more than half still in the bag. Great policy!!

We also feed Axle an array of fruits and veggies as well as meat we fix in our own home so his dry food is only 1/2 of his diet.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Proof is in the "pudding"
by: Anonymous

After having read the comments on this page, I want to address some of them.

I have had two generations of dogs on California Natural. I had switched to California Natural many years ago when my dogs were continuing to have skin problems, occasional soft stools, etc. Their skin and digestive systems cleared up and they never had problems again.

I have had my (current) 4 dogs on California Natural. Again, never had skin problems or digestive problems. These 4 dogs range in age from 13 years to 2 years--different breeds of dogs.

About two months ago, all four dogs started having problems: red, itchy, irritated skin (lots of scratching) and occasional "pudding" stools and upset tummies. At that time I had no idea that P&G had bought out CN. I tried eliminating anything that could be causing the problems--treats, being exposed to grasses, etc. Nothing helped and their red, itchy skin was getting worse.

Finally, I decided to try a different brand of dog food. Low and behold, all 4 dogs are back to normal. No more red, itchy skin and digestive problems. To me that's a pretty good test that something has changed in the ingredients of California Natural. I am very sorry that I feel I can no longer trust CN products.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Very disappointed in P&G buyout
by: Anonymous

I am so disappointed that I will have to find another dog food since I believe California Natural (Natura) is/will no longer be the top quality product it once was.

I started feeding my dogs California Natural when the company was still fairly new. A groomer had recommended it to me because of my dogs' continuing itchy skin problems--at that time the dogs were 6 years old. The product was truly a miracle and my dogs never had a problem with their skin again. Both lived to ripe old ages 17 years and 14 years.

Then I got two new puppies and started them on California Natural. These two dogs have been healthy and never had skin problems until very recently.....

Could it be that some ingredients have already been changed????? In the past two months, my dogs have started having itchy, red skin. I tried a test, took them off California Natural and put them on another brand of high quality dog food. It's been two weeks and the skin problems are significantly better.

I will no longer buy California Natural for my dogs (and cats). I had been using the product for over 15 years. So sad.
Rating
star 		Utter Nonsense
by: Sophie's Choice

I will no longer use dpgfoodscoop.com for anything other than an example of hypocrisy and innuendo. You have NO reason to change your rating of Natura products.

You may have reason to "add an asterisk" to your rating, and include a link to why you think consumers should carefully consider these products and watch for any changes. But you have NO BASIS IN REALITY for changing the actual rating of the product.

Did you contact Natura and ask them about the effect the acquisition will have? Has there been any change in the management of Natura? Are there documents or press releases that explain how Natura will be managed currently and in the near future? Have you done or seen any analysis that says their formula has changed? Have you done even the LEAST due diligience to find out what is different at Natura today than on May 31?

So, based on PURE SPECULATION, you are now telling people they shouldn't buy a product that may still be one of the best available for their dogs. And you claim that P&G is unethical?

You can say what you want about past history of P&G acquisitions, say what you want about what you think will happen with Natura. You can even spout your baseless opinions on the quality of products from conglomerates versus single-line manufacturers (and remember, Natura MANUFACTURED THOUSANDS OF TONS of dog food, they weren't a little mom & pop operation making small batches in their garage). But if you are ethical, honest, and really care about pets more than politics, you will return Natura products to their 4 or 5 scoop ratings unless and until you have ACTUAL EVIDENCE that they no longer produce their signature quality product.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Something Has Changed...
by: Anonymous

Our 2 yr old Shepherd/Border Collie mix has a sensitive stomach. As a puppy we tried Canidae and Innova with a little success. But then he would start having pudding type stools that lead to diarrhea. We changed to California Naturals (CN) Chicken and Rice and had a long run of great success. His stools were well formed and small.

Two months ago he started have pudding type stools that lead to diarrhea. We put him on a bland diet of boiled chicken, rice, potatoes until things calmed down. We slowly reintroduced the CN food. Things went well for a while but the diarrhea returned when he was only eating CN. We were told to try the CN Herring/Sweet potato. We have for over a month. On this food his stools are soft but formed and much more voluminous.

Last week he developed the pudding type stools that turned into diarrhea. So we're back on the bland diet and slowly reintroducing the CN Herring.

So something has changed! I did not know that Natura sold out to P&G until I discovered this website. I am looking for a different dry dog food. P&G's bottom line is making money for its stockholders, not your dogs health.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sold out
by: Brad F

I went way out of my way to buy Karma organic, even having to order it in to Canada. This was especially a problem back in May when they reformulated it. Unknown to me? P&G was in the process of buying the company. I won't be purchasing this product again. Don't people remember the dog poisoning by P&G and others over at Menu dog food manufacturing.
Keep up the good work scoop.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		P&G acquisition of Natura
by: Anonymous

I ran into a P&G sales rep. in a pet store yesterday. I spoke about my misgivings about their recent acquisition, and she told me as far as she knows, P&G has no plans to change or alter the current Natura line.

Before we tar and feather P&G here, I feel we should give them the benefit of the doubt and allow them time to demonstrate their intent. I plan on continuing using Innova until I hear of any formula changes.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I won't gamble with my pets health!
by: FloridaGal

For those of you who think this website is wrong in downgrading the P&G brands, look at it like this. History has shown that P&G will make changes to the formulas without telling anyone, then deny it and try to hide their correspondence with the FDA.

Is this a company you are willing to bet your pet's life on? Would you really trust them?
I sure as heck don't and have already begun switching my 6 dogs over to other brands.

It's very unfortunate, I have fed EVO for a long time now, both canned and dry, but I don't pride myself on being an educated pet owner only to look the other way and take a "wait and see what happens" approach. Not a chance am I gambling with my pets' health. I'm happy to switch my business over to another smaller company who isn't a sellout to corporate America. P&G won't be fooling this consumer!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Goodbye Innova!
by: Altagal

In the past I had heard dogs were being subjected to horrific testing for Iams dog food, but I did not know just how cruel and unconscionable these tests were until I viewed the video. I have been feeding Innova dog food to my dog, but now that I know P&G have bought them I will not be feeding him any product owned by P&G. In fact, I am seriously reviewing the other P&G products I have been purchasing and will be doing a massive clearout in my home of all things P&G! Thanks for the education.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Evo pet food
by: Anonymous

I just recently started offering my cats Evo food along with Blue Buffalo Spa.

I am very disappointed to know Evo was sold to P&G as they have a very poor record of using and abusing lab animals. Why they continue to use animals in pet food tests is beyond me. I applaud PETA for exposing IAMS.

To get back on point, I seriously cannot continue to buy EVO knowing P&G owns it now. I have two bags left, enough time hopefully, to find a transition food. So very disappointing.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		California Natural Puppy Food
by: Anonymous

I thought I was doing my new litter of puppies a favor by feeding them California Natural Puppy Formula. Now I am worried! But I can't believe you give Blue Buffalo such high ratings. I bought that for my dogs and it was so stale you could smell the moldiness when the bag was opened! I called the company...got no response....I emailed the company...still no response. I would never ever feed my dogs Blue Buffalo.

I had my dogs on Canidae, until they switched manufacturer. The Diamond Company now makes Canidae and all the dogs and puppies have had a terrible time of diarrhea from the switch. Eagle Pack is made by Diamond...why not take them off your best dog food list....I wouldn't trust anything from Diamond, or for that matter China. Eagle Pack gets their glucosamine from China??? Give me a break, Glucosamine is in chicken, why go to China!

I don't trust any food made by Menu Foods or Diamond Foods! How can you blackball California Natural before anything goes wrong and not the others that have had plenty go wrong!

I am so confused about all this dog food stuff. And if you make your own it gets so complicated you have to be a rocket scientist....why? The dog food companies don't comply...and FDA is a lost cause!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you!
by: Jean

You have said everything that I feel is true. I had fed Innova since it first came out, to both my dogs and my cats but when I found out the company had been sold to P&G I immediately began searching for a new food.

I cannot in good conscience support a company like P&G and I do not trust their ethics to keep the quality of the food the same.
Rating
star 		You can't have it both ways
by: DogmanGene

If you can downgrade a brand based on something other than food quality, it means you can upgrade a brand based on something other than food quality, which makes all of your ratings suspect.

I think it a huge mistake to downgrade Innova and the rest just because you think P&G is a bad company that will ruin the food's quality.

I agree that this seems the likely path given P&G's history, and I try to avoid purchasing products from companies I don't like, but if you're going to rate dog food on how good it is for dog health, then I think you should avoid politicizing your ratings and just stick with rating the food. I can no longer trust your ratings.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		EVO Buyout
by: Anonymous

It is sad. My dogs loved EVO Duck. But I am sure that soon P&G will soon be buying its supplies from China to put in EVO.

Any of the above who think otherwise are either naive or a corporate stooge blogging from P&G headquarters.

Again, it is a shame.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Question
by: Holly

I am very concerned after reading about this buyout and will be changing dog food.

I finally had found a premium dog food in California Natural Pure & Simple Chicken & Brown Rice Formula that my dog Shilo a 4 1/2 year old American Staffordshire Terrier had no problems with, such as vomiting and diarrhea or any health problems at all.

I wish I had read this yesterday as I just purchased more food.

My question is as follows:

On the newly purchased food purchased on 7/10/10 the back of the label still has the Natura Pet Products address and phone number listed. Can I assume the products I purchased were made from Natura Pet Products and not P&G? I called the phone number on the label and the recording says thank you for calling Natura Pet Products as of 7/11/10.

Thank you in advance for responding to my question.

----------------------
Editor's Note:

Hi Holly,

Our article on Dog Food Storage and Shelf Life gives information on how to find out when a bag of dog food was actually manufactured.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It's about trust
by: Anonymous

I was long ago familiar with what P&G did to Iams. It is a matter of record and you gave many citations. P&G fought very hard to hide the truth, don't you wonder why?

I would like to think they have an economic interest in appealing to the premium dog food market and earning some credibility. Have they made any announcement on how they plan to proceed with the Natura brands? Have they offered any transparency to pet owners? I don't know the answers to these questions and would like to.

Like Trevor's owner, I had to go through a lot of difficult trial and error to find a food my Howie could eat without having chronic diarrhea, poor coat, etc. California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato was a blessing. If they change the formula or I have to experiment again, I dread the consequences. Howie is 9 now and the process would surely be harder on him now.

I suggest they offer advance information on formula changes and a method of verification that the ingredients are what they say they are. But I find it pretty hard to trust them based on their history. They will have to do more than PR spin to earn my trust.

In the meantime, I am going to have a conversation with my vet (who is a lot more nutrition savvy than many vets) and my very knowledgeable independent feed store staff about alternatives for Howie.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Publicly Traded Corporations are Pathological Entities by Design
by: Jennifer

At the recommendation of my holistic vet, I have fed Innova to my cats for over 10 years. My once asthmatic cat, with skin problems galore is now in glowing health. I believe this is due to the quality food he ate.

With this corporate takeover, however, I will no longer buy this product.

I don't believe the author has an agenda. The sad fact is, a publicly traded corporation has a fiduciary responsibility to produce a return for its shareholders. Motivated by pure profit alone, this buyout will very likely cause the once high-quality ingredients to suffer.

Want proof? Look what Proctor and Gamble did to Iams and Eukanuba.

My dog used to eat EVO. Not anymore. I'd rather spend more money on quality food and save on vet bills.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Natura + P&G
by: Sean

Aah, call me whenever they change their ingredients, workers or their manufacturing process.

BTW you are rating dog food quality. Just because the parent company sucks, does not mean whats in the bag sucks too.

P.S. Dont ever cite PETA as any type of viable reference. That will lose you tons of credibility points.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My poor doggie, Trevor
by: Anonymous

I finally find a food that he loves, and loves him back!

California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato dry food is one that I found after a LONG, expensive, and often disastrous food trial. Now I have to decide if I want to risk P&G living up (down?) to expectations and cheapening a great product. (Like they have in the past).

I'm not a big fan of the Big Corporate World and what often happens to a once great product. (Think Burt's Bees personal care products).

I guess only time and Trevor's tummy will tell.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not gullible and naive
by: Karina

When it comes to my dog's nutrition, I will not take the chance on feeding my dog Natura food, considering P&G track record.

Secretly replacing ingredients with cheap quality, lying about it to vets and owners of sick dogs? And now telling us again they're not changing any ingredients again this time?

Since there are other quality dog food choices I prefer to be safe than sorry. I'm not gullible or naive enough to let my baby become their guinea pig while we wait to see if they clean up their act or not.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Whats your agenda here?
by: Todd Hall

I buy Innova dog food for its content, not based on who produced it! I find your decision to down grade a product based on speculation, like boycotting a company before they have done something wrong? There seems to be an alternative agenda here and i would like to know why?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Why bother to rate any food.
by: Anonymous

If 3 of the top 10 are taken off the list purely because of the sites personal politics, what can anyone expect as being truthful.

Maybe if I pay you enough, you will rate my product higher, maybe if I tell you I love babies, will I get a higher rating?

You say you will not contact the company, because you don't want to become more informed, that seems pretty weak.

How has anything with the food changed? Have you looked at the how weak and fabricated the PETA complaints are against Iams, and that the AKC stands behind Iams against the PETA charges. Or can you be bothered?

Dropping the top dog food down on the list, just means you are making your ratings up, just pulling the out, as if from thin air.

BTW do you know all the foods that Diamond makes, will you boycott all those too?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		California Natural Dog Food
by: Anonymous

I have fed my dog California Natural food for over five years.

I am now weaning him off of California Natural and onto another local premium dog food brand due to the P&G purchase of the company. I don't need any reason except for the way P&G has acted in the past. Past behaviour is a key indicator of future behaviour

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