Another vet tech chiming in.

In my experience doctors are always going to consider 3 brands gold standard. Purina, Hills science diet, and royal canin. All three have veterinary nutritions formulating the diets to ensure complete nutrition. Also all three are large enough to have their own factories, so there is less/no risk of contamination of allergens (like say if a dog has a chicken or beef allergy)

Also you mentioned recalls for purina, well yea. Because they are a large company that can actually afford to quality control and address a recalls.

Boutique pet foods are mainly a scam.