I have had dogs in my life since I was born. Mother raised purebred Labradors. Good enough that even the runts of the litters went for no less than $250—during the height of World War II. We also had farm dogs. They lived on scraps.
I have had dogs since I moved out at age 18. All kinds of dogs- purebred & rescues & ‘ooops’ puppies when the bitch got caught by an unknown daddy dog.
I have my dogs with me now all the time. I drive somewhere-dogs are with me. I go work an endurance horse ride- my dogs are with me.
I have had dogs that lived to be 15++ & traveled with me all over the country.
I have fed Purina- Old Roy from Wal-Mart & other low-cost brands from the ranch supply.
Vets see my dogs with regular intervals because of horse rides. One is alot more heavy than I would like, but he doesn’t get the same exercise here as my prior residence because of lack of surface water where I ride.
Have never had a problem with diets of my dogs on the cheaper food.
They do definately get scraps. They know the last 3 bites on the plates are for them. More fun when I have company====more plates to clean.
On the rare occasions when I have tried to feed the fancy dog food brands, it has backfired on me with gaseous vengence. Enough to peel paint from the walls!!!!!
My cat lasted 18 years on dry Purina, and one visit to the vet in her kittenhood to get her fixed.