I tried to get to the bottom of it, but I didn't find much. I did find an article that said food prices in general may be rising due to El Niño, so that may be a factor. Also, an article about general consumer dissatisfaction with higher pet-food prices: http://www.petbusiness.com/January-2016/The-Cost-of-High-Prices/
And, stats from last year that show that pet food prices fell to a fairly low point in August 2015 (which may explain why they're going back up now): http://www.petbusinessprofessor.com/petmarket/buying-pet-products-price-matters-petflation-update-and-more/
I was feeding my Basenji brand blue and she started getting crystals in her kidneys. With the recommendation from my pet store owner (Pet Ranch), switched to Nature's Variety Instinct RAW. Withing 2 months…all crystals are gone. Now Basenji, Rotty, and Puppy Mastiff/Pitt all get Nature's Variety. Their coats are very shiney and teeth are so white.
I agree with Pat. If the 'best' dogfood gives your dog gas, or loose stools, it isn't the best for that dog.
Like Petra said, you feed a good to great quality food, hi or medium protein, whatever your dog likes that agrees with them.
The truth is all dry dog food has been processed and heated to death as to make it a poor food item no matter how good the ingredients are. Just look at it. That dry, crunchy pellet was actually meat, veggies, etc at one time.
lvoss: "I highly recommend a long walk with the dogs while the food cools because mine are constantly asking, "Is it done yet? Are you sure it isn't done yet? I think it might be done."
I don't have to be "cooking" anything for Gossy - she jumps around asking those same questions when I'm making anything - even when it's "my" food. :)