I would hesitate to slam ALL 8 -1 products Gordon.  I have five fuzzies
who all have wonderful coats, bright eyes, good size, incredible energy
and thrive on a consistent diet of 8-1 Ultimate as the only kibble
source..  not the "ultra" mind you... ULTIMATE.  If you read labels,
which all conscientious fuzzy owners do, you'll note that the 8-1
ultimate actually has superior "first four" ingredients over..say...
the much touted Totally Ferret, which I now refuse to feed to my crew.
I've tried 'em on a mixed diet of both... Totally Ferret alone... and
8-1 Ultimate by itself, and there is a marked HUGE positive difference
in their general overall wellbeing when on the 8-1Ultimate as the kibble
food source.
 
Interestingly enough, one of my ltitle girls, Kami, has an incredibly
sensitive stomach, and has a lot of trouble with Totally Ferret... she's
the one I use as my "prime indicator".... poops and health is great on
8-1 Ultimate.
 
Just FYI.
 
Val and the Ferret Collective
(McKnight Clan)
Barnum, Bailey, Kami,
YokoOHNO and Cliodhna
[Posted in FML issue 4246]