Well, I don't like the ingredients in Science Diet either, but it is currently doing a fabulous job for my girl with IBD. I have tried literally every food out there for her - including home cooking, rotational diets, and Chinese Herbs. Finally, I gave in and put her on Science Diet z/d food and she is feeling great! She currently has zero symptoms (something we haven't seen in years), is gaining weight, adding coat, and is full of energy. I understand your concern about the ingredients in the food, but I've decided that I'm going to look at the dog - not the dog food bag.
My only regret in feeding this food is that I waited so long to try it for her. I caused her unnecessary distress by prolonging her illness with my hard headedness.
Susan, I wouldn't give yourself too much grief about being stubborn because I tried Science Diet with my girl who has perianal fistulas. The result was so awful that I had to give her 3 months of an immune suppressant (at $450 a month). I happened upon Earthborn Coastal Catch (just an accident because I was given a few trial bags), and she has been OK for nearly a year.
But I really agree that you need to look at the dog to see what works. Diseases like colitis and perianal fistulas can have an autoimmune component and be devilishly difficult to treat. Each dog really is different. Experimentation is the only way we can figure out what works.
