I can't dispute the use of dog foods other than that are formulated for just that...dogs. I have fed *some* dog food but not as a staple. For me personally I am happy to buy a food specifically formulated for rodents. Not to long ago I was using a cheaper block, it was for rodents but the ingredients and quality was not there. After changing to what I will say is a higher quality food, albeit a little more expensive I saw a drastic change in my rodents overall. Larger healthier litters and nicer looking adults -not that I ever thought they looked bad or where unhealthy before. The biggest result was with the litters as I said they seem to be larger and growth rate is excellent. I take full advantage of the fact that the company has put time, effort, and money into a rodent feed product so I don't have to guess or hope that something else is "close" enough to what they should get in order to thrive. It is my goal not just to keep my rodents alive and fat while I have them but healthy and thriving as much as they can be in such an environment. If this can be accomplished then I know my snakes are getting the highest quality rodents.