Orijen

The NRC recommends 1.5 mg/kg of Iodine content...In my research I read that 4.0 mg/kg  is the safe upper limit......If you have other information stating different please post the links !!!!!

ORIGINAL: Wilbur

Hi Wilbur~
According the NCA:

"The mineral concentrations used in dog diets are generally based on estimates extrapolated from the requirements of other species; from data obtained from studies that involve dogs and that, although not designed to establish nutrient requirements, (emphasis added) nevertheless yielded nutritional information; or from experience with diets that have resulted in acceptable performances in dogs." Nutrient Requirements of Dogs, Revised 1985 (1985) Board on Agriculture ([linkhttp://www7.nationalacademies.org/banr/]BOA[/link]), p.14

"In order to be consistent throughout the present report, however, minimum mineral requirements are expressed without compensating for factors that influence mineral availability. The estimated requirements for most minerals are based on the lowest concentrations in purified diets that have resulted in acceptable performance.(emphasis added) The requirements for most minerals in previous revisions of this report have been based on concentrations in natural ingredient diets, which are generally higher than concentrations used in purified diets." Nutrient Requirements of Dogs, Revised 1985 (1985) Board on Agriculture ([linkhttp://www7.nationalacademies.org/banr/]BOA[/link]). p.15

I have not had the opportunity to review the 2006 edition, as it is not available online publicly and the cost of the book is almost $200!

To summarize: The first paragraph specifically indicates that the levels they have arrived at are not by direct observation by inferred observation. The second paragraph should be pretty clear on its own. To date I do not find any scholarship supporting your claim of 4mg/kg to be the safe upper limit. As you have requested, yourself, please post your links.

In addition:
"...all animals can tolerate iodine levels far in excess (emphasis added) of their requirements for this mineral." Mineral Tolerance of Domestic Animals (1980) Board on Agriculture ([linkhttp://www7.nationalacademies.org/banr/]BOA[/link]), p.235

The LD/50 test (for those of you cut class that day during chemistry or biology []-  LD/50 or "lethal dose 50" is the amount of a substance it takes to kill half the test group), is well over 100 mg/kg. Mineral Tolerance of Domestic Animals (1980)
Board on Agriculture ([linkhttp://www7.nationalacademies.org/banr/]BOA[/link]), p.232

Therefore, 5 mg/kg, even up to 7.5 on occasion, is  a nominal fluctuation and should have no adverse effect on our beloved fur-kids~

Good luck & good dogs!

It was stated that the previous 7.5 was a maximum, not typical.  And the NRC does not give maximum values anymore, only ideals, most of which are not realistically attainable with commercial food.  A value within four or five times the ideal is more than within an acceptable range.  The vitamin A is a little high compared to other brands, the D higher, but less than EVO, and both still also well within acceptable ranges.  The toxicity of vitamin A starts well over 200,000 IU/Kg per day and it takes months at this level to manifest.  

My girls have been on Orijen for about a week now and it's amazing! The change in their poop was almost immediate. Their coats are already softer and shinier and no more itching!!!!!!!! I don't work for the company, but I'm so glad that the holistic pet store recommended it for us! And it's cheaper than Eukenuba!!! We will stay with this winner!!!

wow where do you get it that its cheaper than Eukanuba?  I've seen it at $62/29.5 lbs - I don't know of any Euk formulas that run $62!

I've seen it as low as 51.99, and there is a sale on one site for the Senior mix at $44.99!

wow where do you get it that its cheaper than Eukanuba? I've seen it at $62/29.5 lbs - I don't know of any Euk formulas that run $62!

 
Yeah no kidding, you can get a 30 pound of Eukanuba here in california for about $28.  The cheapest I've found orijen is $15 for a 5.5 pound bag.  It's more then twice as expensive then the Euk (not that that's a reason to feed Euk though).

However:

I wound up feeding my dogs 1/2 the amount of their former food, which brings the price per unit down to a comparable level. That, plus the decrease in vet bills alone even things out.

ORIGINAL: taosdogs

However:

I wound up feeding my dogs 1/2 the amount of their former food, which brings the price per unit down to a comparable level. That, plus the decrease in vet bills alone even things out.

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I'm considering the fish formula and I would need to feed slightly more than TWO - but at $51 I'd give it a try  - but at $62 with 3.5 lbs less and having to feed more it becomes too darn $$ to feed my big eater
I really would love to try it and once the fish is available I will be looking for it @ about $50

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I paid $12 for the 5.5 lb bag of Orijen and $18 for the 6.5 lb bag of Eukenuba. You do feed less of the Orijen and my dogs are small. It makes sense to me and even if it was more expensive, I would still buy it.

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Come on. While I thing Orijen is great food, if you're going to claim it reduces vet bills you're going to get called out on it. It has nothing to do with an argumentative board, of which this is one of the better ones. There are arguments and a wide difference of opinions, but for the most part, it is respectful. It has to do with the fact that there are well educated people on this board (formally and informally) who know better. A grandiose claim like that isn't going to fly without explanation.

Wow. Amazing how some get so worked up about a ultra premium dog food

Anyway, I have a very important question about this food....how does it smell? We are feeding Bark at the Moon by Solid Gold and while our Corgi is doing well on it, it stinks...bad. So we want to switch to a grain free that does smell so bad.

You will no doubt notice that I've done some editing.  I will say that you are lucky I didn't have the energy to log on last nite after working a 15 hour day.  I would have deleted the entire thread and locked it down.
 
On a personal note, for crying out loud.  When I fed what I now consider crap foods, recommended by my danged vet, my poor cockers had oddles of ear infections, tons of skin issues, etc, etc, etc.  Better foods DO lead to better overall health and yep, lower vet bills if you aren't constantly having to go to the vet with ear/skin/etc issues.

Any opinions on the smell?