Got a reply back from JW about my testing query. Still no word from Skinners, although I was having a problem with the e-mail.

This is what JW have to say about animal testing and their food. I'm not sure I'm wholly convinced by bits of it:

"In view of recent stories in the press about cruel animal testing by pet food companies, James Wellbeloved would like to make the following statement:

1. We undertake no testing on animals other than that which is concerned with the palatability of our foods. Much of our palatability testing takes place on pets owned by members of staff at home. Because the tests involve the animals concerned in trying a number of different and tasty foods, they normally enjoy the tests very much!
2. No test interferes in any unnatural way with the physiology of the animal nor produces any distress in that animal.
3. During the palatability tests, we take scientific measurements concerned with the quantities eaten and the speed and eagerness of eating. We also make subsequent analyses of naturally excreted stool and urine to ensure that our foods are as healthy as possible. These are the only scientific measurements that we undertake.
4. We are a company of animal lovers and most of our staff have pets
themselves. We view the welfare and happiness of pets as being of the greatest importance. The thought of harming any pet for commercial reasons is therefore abhorrent to us and would be totally contrary to the ethic of the company. "

9th

9th ...which bits are you not entirely convinced by?

Melody

Melody

I think it was the "much of our palatability testing", that got me wondering. Where and how is the rest done?

I don't think their answer will put me off buying their food though. But I am considering moving TH and the Hoover onto Chudley's as that's one that the Uncaged website recommends as being OK.

9th

I couldn't get the uncaged site to load up - I don't suppose you know if Nutro are 'ok'

Thanks,

Fiona
x x x

Yes , I see what you are saying ...I think I just read it differently to you ...I read it as though some of their palatibility testing is done on *other* animals and some is done on their own pets ....if you see what I mean

Mel

I must say that when I visited James Wellbeloved a few years ago I remember one of staff's dogs asleep on a blanket on the floor. The thought in my mind at the time was that here is a firm which actually has dogs around!

Regards, John

"We also make subsequent analyses of naturally excreted stool and urine" Mmmmm, don't fancy that job much.

Hi - have you heard anything from Skinners yet? I have (after much umming and ahhhing and chasing around locally to decide on a feed that is always available) just changed my dogs onto chudleys (I tried to get Autarky but the only feed suppliers that supply anywhere near me haven't got any stock until next week - same with Dr Johns, so I was worried it would be a constant problem) Anyway I have found chudleys has gone down a treat - my little springer(Decoy) - who had lost a lot of body on Burns is now looking lovely, and all of them will eat it too - and the added bonus of not being stunk out of the house (less wind!!) so I was well pleased when I looked at the uncaged site to see that Chudleys was on their 'goodguys' list - :D That's my lot sorted!!!! Julie:)

No. I'll resend it. But I bought 20 kilos of Chudleys Working Mix tonight (£8.95). I should think Carrie Hoover will love it - after all she is a labrador :D