Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rachael & Waffle on July 10, 2012 at 9:16am

Truthfully, a regular unprocessed potato (without the skin, because the skin can be toxic) would not cause cancer, just obesity and insulin spikes from the extra starchy calories.  A quick google search shows that acrylamide, a carcinogen, is formed when sugars and starches are exposed to high temperatures (like frying) and acrylamide is a carcinogen.  Apparently, the type of sugar or starch affects how much of this carcinogen is produced.  This phenomenon isn't limited to potatoes, though.  I can't say whether corn, rice, potatoes, wheat, or barley makes more of these carcinogens, but I would suspect they're present in every food.  I would not be put-off from potato-containing foods because of this, but it is something to keep in mind.  Personally, I feel like the negative aspects of grains are more of a concern than a potential, slightly increased cancer risk from a specific chemical.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by liane, emi, and helix! on July 10, 2012 at 2:03pm

I'm currently feeding wellness super5mix large breed which list:
Deboned Chicken, Whitefish, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Peas, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice

The new core ingredients are:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas

So ultimately it's either I'm feeding grains or potatoes ): my friend right now, would rather feed super5mix over the new core, so I'm not sure what's right for us !

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Beth on July 10, 2012 at 10:16am

I guess I am just curious of the logic behind the whole thing. People who will say "Well, grains are bad because "wild" dogs did not eat grains" will then feed potato.

But since when did wild dogs eat potatoes? It seems that there is a lack of consistency there.

While I have not heard of potatoes causing cancer, dogs have not been fed potatoes for very long so just understand you are moving into new territory. Dogs and cats have very different dietary requirements. Cats are obligate carnivores and dogs are carnivorous omnivores. Almost all zoos feed big cats raw meat. Many of those same zoos feed their wolves some sort of dog food.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by liane, emi, and helix! on July 10, 2012 at 1:56pm

I totally agree! My cats were on a raw food diet for a whole and were more than fine on it, but I don't know if I would do that with the dogs which is why I'm trying to find good kibble for them that they actually want to eat because they both are not really interested in their current kibble.
It makes me nervous to try core because of the potatoes but core hasnt let me down with the cats but I know it may not be the same for the dogs ):

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lindsey Corkern on July 10, 2012 at 2:12pm

I just switched from Blue Buffalo to Wellness.  I looked on the www.dogfoodadvisor.com site to check ingredients and then I checked the Wellness site for a quality assurance program, which they had lots of detail on.  Next, I checked the FDA site and read the dog food recalls before making my decision.  I also searched many sites for pet owner reviews on the food.  This system gave me tons of information and I feel very knowledgeable about the Wellness food that I am feeding now.  I suggest you take this route with a focus on potatoes to see what information is out there.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Marie O'Bryan on July 10, 2012 at 4:10pm

i have been feeding my cats and two corgi wellness and i have been very happy with it. from what i understand about core is that its for hard working dogs such as police dogs and if your pets are doing fine on the super 5 mix u can try to find another flavor that they like. but now im wondering, what super 5mix are they on?

im always happy when wellness comes out with new products as i love that company. they make great treats and food. 

• ▶ Reply