Obviously this could all be coincidental, but the change has prompted us to revisit what we're feeding the dogs and review whether we're providing the best that's available for what we can afford to spend. Considering the low NV rating here, the grain/meat ratio, the absence of a diverse range of nutrients and the alternatives now available (and the way these are processed), the Burns is now starting to look very expensive for what it is (which is almost three quarters brown rice). Made to John Burns’ original recipe, the Original Dog range contains everything an adult dog needs for lifelong health and vitality. It is low in fat and when used as a general maintenance diet, it can help to maintain healthy skin, coat and digestion. As with all the Burns diet,s it has a simple recipe and avoids artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives.

Nutritional Additives (per kg): Vitamins: Vitamin A 25000IU, Vitamin D3 2000IU, Vitamin E 100IU, Taurine 1000mg; Trace Elements: Iodine (calcium iodate anhydrous) 1mg, Manganese (manganous chelate of amino acids hydrate) 20mg, Zinc (zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate) 50mg. Crude Protein 18.5%, Crude Oil & Fats 7.5%, Crude Fibre 2.2%, Crude Ash 6.0%, Moisture 8.0%, Copper 18mg/kg, Sodium 0.13%, Calcium 1.15%, Phosphorus 0.70%, Magnesium 0.10%, Potassium 0.32%, Chloride 0.20%, Sulphur 0.27%, Essential Fatty Acid 2.09%

Nutritional Additives (per kg)

Containing only the finest quality ingredients Burns Original is highly digestible therefore feeding amounts are lower meaning that daily feeding costs are significantly lower than those of other premium brands. The Holistic Approach Healthy Digestion, Skin and Coat: Burns Original can help manage many dietary related health issues including bad breath, wind, itchy skin and excessive moulting.

As a result we've decided to switch products. Once our current bags run out (we can't afford to waste them - this stuff is not cheap) we have decided to give the Markus Muhle a try and in the meantime we are mixing in a little Wolfworthy to up the meat content (which I have to say in just a few days has firmed up the poos - thankfully!)Analytical Constituents: Crude Protein 18.5%, Crude Fat 7.5%, Crude Fibre 2.2%, Crude Ash 6%, Copper 21mg/kg, Sodium 0.26%, Calcium 1.1%, Phosphorus 0.9%, Magnesium 0.14%, Potassium 0.6%, Omega-6 fatty acids 1.6%, Omega-3 fatty acids 0.16% Hypo-Allergenic: Burns Original is hypo-allergenic, so it is suitable for even the most sensitive dog. It is formulated without ingredients such as wheat, soya, dairy, artificial colourings and artificial preservatives which are known to cause symptoms of food intolerance including itchy skin, excessive moulting, full anal glands and waxy ears. Burns Original diets naturally maintain healthy skin, coat and digestion and can help manage dietary related health problems by caring for the body as a whole. Made in the UK Carb-rich ingredients: includes all ingredients derived from grains, pseudo-grains, potatoes and other starchy root vegetables, sweet potato and legumes (except whole peas which are categorised under fruit and veg) except for isolated protein and extracted oils. Also includes fibre supplements. Burns is a British company that produces simple, high quality diets developed by Veterinary Surgeon John Burns. All Burns diets are hypo-allergenic, naturally preserved and free from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives. Burns Pet Nutrition takes an ethical approach to pet food manufacture and has never conducted experiments on animals.

Vitamins: Vitamin A 25000IU, Vitamin D3 2000IU, Vitamin E 100IU, Taurine 1000mg; Trace Elements: Iodine (calcium iodate anhydrous) 1mg, Manganese (manganous chelate of amino acids hydrate) 20mg, Zinc (zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate) 50mg.Formulated without wheat gluten, it contains a balance of all the nutrients needed and removes those ingredients that cause a build up of waste in your dog’s system. Burns Original can help manage many dietary related health issues including bad breath, wind, itchy skin and excessive moulting. Lower Feeding Costs While the 'mixing bowl' composition is useful for knowing what went into the food, it doesn't always reflect what your dog is actually eating. This is because the processes that turn the ingredients into the finished pet food can significantly alter the relative weights of the ingredients. For this reason we've calculated the approximate 'as fed' percentages for the main ingredient categories in the finished product.