It is never easy to zero in on the best dog food brand because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But, if the definition of "best" includes having years of commitment to scientifically-based canine diets, a focus on the importance of high-quality meat as the first ingredient in dog food, and is staffed by professionals from the veterinary and nutrition sciences, then Purina Pro Plan should fit your needs perfectly.
In this Purina Pro Plan dog food review, we'll look at the brand's best sellers to help our pet parent readers understand why this brand could be the right food choice for your pup.
The 10 Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Formulas We've Reviewed
1 Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach – Salmon & Rice
- Allergens: N/A
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal
- Primary Proteins: Salmon
- Calories: 467 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon & Rice
- Type: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
Designed specifically for hounds with hypersensitivity and allergies, the Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach formulation provides a healthy balance of high-quality, hypoallergenic proteins and carbs. It is one of the very few products of Purina that doesn’t include common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. Even the animal protein used is one that dogs don’t typically have issues with.
At the very least, pet parents can find comfort in the fact that this FOCUS formulation has one of the best essential fatty acid profiles at a 2:1 ratio, whereas other brands will usually have an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of between 10 and 16 to 1. High levels of omega fatty acids have been shown to induce inflammatory reactions. The Purina Pro Plan ingredients for this formula utilize wild-caught salmon, oatmeal, ground rice, and barley, to make sure your dog will easily digest these.
Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Salmon Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Chicory Root Inulin, Fish Oil, L-lysine Monohydrochloride, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-methionine, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Calcium Carbonate, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product..
- No wheat, corn, or soy
- Uses real salmon as the first ingredient
- Great for sensitive stomachs
- Includes filler ingredients
- Added beef fat
2 Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend – Chicken & Rice
- Allergens: Chicken, Wheat, Soybean, Corn
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-product Meal, Soybean Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 387 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Type: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula has a well-balanced formulation of proteins and fats to help support healthy digestion, and though a dog food advisor or veterinary would be able to tell you more, it’s obvious that this shredded blend of chicken, rice, and whole grains. Moreover, this product by one of the biggest names in the pet food industry offers a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and glucosamine; which has been sourced from high-quality fish meal. Fish meal is a bit of a hit-or-miss ingredient. There are a lot of arguments for and against it because it can be good for your dog, but it’s also considered a filler ingredient (the same as any meat meal or meat by-product meal).
However, the calorie content of this dog food product is substantially lower than other products of the line. This dog food product uses the awesome taste of chicken that canines have learned to love through the decades to bring pups back for more every meal. Do take note that this formulation is not necessarily ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies. There are several common allergens in its make-up.
Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Dried Egg Product, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Natural Flavor, Glycerin, Wheat Bran, Calcium Carbonate, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Soybean Oil, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil, Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, L-lysine Monohydrochloride, Garlic Oil.
- Hard kibble mixed with shredded pieces
- High-protein formula
- Live probiotics
- Common allergens
- Not suitable for sensitive stomachs
3 Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials – Beef & Rice Entrée
- Allergens: Beef, Chicken, Rice
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, Water, Liver, Meat By-Products, Chicken
- Primary Proteins: Beef, Chicken
- Calories: 431 kcal/can
- Flavor: Beef & Rice
- Type: Wet food
- Life Stage: Adult
Give your pet a yummy meal that could very well be its version of a culinary masterpiece! The Classic Complete Essentials Beef & Rice Entrée is rich in calories sourced from three different animal protein sources – beef, chicken, and liver – making this delicious entrée the perfect meal for aging dogs or dogs that are of ill health and may be experiencing poor appetite because of the changes in their taste buds from their medications or medical conditions.
The product may seem low-protein, but its seemingly low protein percentage refers to its dry weight matter composition. Its actual protein content can easily reach a minimum of 40%, making it substantially higher than any dry dog food around. It’s the perfect meal for aging dogs, as the moist and soft texture of the Pro Plan Classic formula makes it super easy to chew and swallow. The proteins are also very easy to digest and the only carb it contains is rice.
Beef, Water, Liver, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Rice, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite], Guar Gum, Salt, Carrageenan, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride. E443220.
- 23 essential vitamins and minerals
- Complete, balanced nutrition
- Great for aging dogs
- Includes meat by-products
- Common allergens
4 Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula
- Allergens: Chicken, Corn, Rice, Beef, Egg
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Poultry By-Product Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 484 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Type: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
Purina Pro Plan’s Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula is one of the brand’s best-selling products; especially among parents of highly active dogs who love those long walks. Working dogs, hunting dogs, and gun dogs, as well as playfully rambunctious hounds, will benefit a lot from the high-calorie, high-protein, and moderate fat content of the Performance formula.
Once marketed as Purina Pro Plan SPORT, the recipe has been updated and has plenty of positive dog food reviews. The essential fatty acids in the formula of the product ensure that it has a number of exceptional benefits that boost your dog’s immune system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. The added glucosamine can help maintain the integrity of your dog’s joints, which is one of the essential requirements of highly agile and physically active hounds. Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and selenium (as well as other minerals and vitamins) help provide an energy-dense meal that active dogs need.
Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Poultry By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Dried Egg Product, Fish Meal, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Choline Chloride, MINERALS [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Magnesium Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Garlic Oil. Z446121
- Great for active dogs
- Formulated for working dogs and athletes
- High protein content
- Contains common allergens
- High fat content
5 Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Formula
- Allergens: Chicken, Corn, Egg
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 419 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Type: Dry food
- Life Stage: Puppy
The Purina Pro Plan Puppy formulation that uses delicious chicken and rice in its recipe is a great way to nurture the growing needs of pups, especially those belonging to large breeds. This Pro Plan puppy food comes with a slightly higher protein content and a lower fat content than the adult formulations that Purina Pro Plan offers, while also beefing it up with much-needed DHA. DHA can assist with the optimum brain and eye development of puppies.
The Puppy Large Breed Formula provides the right amounts of energy for rambunctious pups while helping them build muscles and other organs. The prebiotics included in the formula should help provide easier digestion, especially since the formula comes with corn gluten. It should be noted, however, that some dogs are allergic to corn, so just be careful and watch for any allergic reactions. The Pro Plan Puppy formula is just right helping along the development of large breed pups.
For a full list of our favorite options, see our round-up of the Best Large Breed Puppy Foods.
Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Wheat, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Pea Fiber, Dried Egg Product, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Natural Flavor, Fish Oil, Soybean Oil, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, L-lysine Monohydrochloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Garlic Oil. M445719
- Crafted for large breeds
- Helps build strong bones
- Supports joints
- Includes meat by-product meal
- Expensive
6 Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula
- Allergens: Chicken, Rice, Corn, Wheat, Egg
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-product Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 407 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Type: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
We would be remiss if we missed the adult large breed formula out of dog food reviews. Healthy and happy dogs deserve the very best, and a large breed dog often needs specific food to thrive in their daily life.
On regular food, your large breed canine may not be as healthy as they could be. However, large breed formulas, like this Chicken & Rice Formula from Purina Pro Plan, contain the same nutrition a large breed dog needs to stay healthy and strong.
Adult dogs of the large breed variety are often prone to joint issues. Many dog owners report joint soreness in their large breeds, and the average commercial dry dog foods contain nothing to combat those issues. This Large Breed dog food from Purina Pro Plan contains glucosamine and EPA, both known for supporting a canine’s joint health and mobility.
Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Wheat, Barley, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Corn Germ Meal, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil, Wheat Bran, Calcium Carbonate, Soybean Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Glucosamine Hydrochloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Garlic Oil. L445119
- Designed for large breeds
- Supports mobility
- Fewer calories than other adult dog food
- Common allergens
- Filler ingredients
7 Purina Pro Plan Toy Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
- Allergens: Chicken, Rice, Corn, Egg, Wheat
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-product Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 488 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Type: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
Owning a toy dog breed often means constant concern over their weight. If a toy breed is overweight, it can severely affect their health. Their bodies are so small that any excess weight can put a huge strain on their heart and other organs. That’s why it’s best to find the right dog food to suit your pup’s breed and life stages.
Offer your toy breed dog the choice of big taste and just enough calories to feed their high-energy selves. With this Toy Breed formula from Purina Pro Plan, your little friend will enjoy mouthwatering bites of real chicken flavor in a kibble fortified with guaranteed live probiotics. Care for your dog’s digestive health and taste buds with this high-quality Purina dog chow!
Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Corn Germ Meal, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Wheat Bran, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], L-lysine Monohydrochloride, Choline Chloride, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Taurine, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Garlic Oil. D448319.
- Made with real chicken
- Formulated for active toy breeds
- Natural prebiotic fiber
- Includes meat by-product meal
- High calorie content
8 Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Entrée Canned Dog Food
- Allergens: Rice
- First 5 ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Salmon, Rice, Fish, Potato Protein
- Primary Proteins: Salmon
- Calories: 467 kcal/can
- Flavor: Salmon & Rice
- Type: Wet food
- Life Stage: Adult
Our second wet dog food product for this guide is Purina Pro Plan’s Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon and Rice recipe. Instead of the regular large, chewy, chunky dog food that so many commercial brands supply, this entrée is a smoother formula that your pup can lap up no matter their age.
Packed with the nutrition from fresh salmon, this is the perfect chow for dogs that suffer from meat allergies or sensitivities. Unfortunately, you don’t often see a dog food that cuts out common meat allergens – chicken and beef are everywhere in dog food!
Salmon has plenty of DHA, which can promote the cognitive development of your dog as they age. More than that, the omega-fatty acids in this food will help keep your pup looking healthy and young – a shiny coat and soft skin await them! Salmon isn’t the only exciting thing about this product, though.
Unlike so many other Purina Pro Plan products that we’ve reviewed here, this Salmon & Rice wet food contains no added animal fat or by-product meals in its ingredients. So provided your dog isn’t sensitive to rice, they’ll have no problem chowing down on this entrée.
Water Sufficient For Processing, Salmon, Rice, Fish, Potato Protein, Corn Oil, Carrots, Inulin, Potassium Chloride, Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin, And Sodium Selenite.
- Just one common allergen
- No filler ingredients
- No meat meals or by-products
- Mushy texture
- Expensive
9 Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken & Rice Formula
- Allergens: Chicken, Rice, Corn, Wheat, Egg
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Poultry By-Product Meal, Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 423 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Type: Dry food
- Life Stage: Senior
Dogs should have the chance to be the very best they can be. This senior dog food from Purina Pro Plan is designed to help keep an aging dog’s mind sharp and bright as they enter their quieter years. Bright Mind is a Chicken & Rice formula that uses enhanced botanical oils to promote alertness and mental sharpness in older dogs.
Once a dog reaches their 7th year, their brain changes how it metabolizes glucose, affecting their memory, decision-making skills, awareness, and ability to learn. As a result, they slow down, becoming less and less interested in taxing themselves or learning new tricks.
But just because they’ve gotten older doesn’t mean they’ve stopped. Despite being a senior at seven years old, most dogs live anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average, depending on their breed, history, and overall health.
The botanical oils in this recipe will help your pup’s brain stay sharp, while the glucosamine and EPA support their joints and mobility. Top that off with the live probiotics that have been added to this chicken and rice dish, and you know that your pup will go into their later life stages with more energy than ever before.
Chicken, Poultry By-Product Meal, Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Germ Meal, Vegetable Oil (Source Of Medium-Chain Triglycerides), Pearled Barley, Fish Meal, Dried Egg Product, Fish Oil, Natural Flavor, L-Arginine, Soybean Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Garlic Oil. P446320.
- Formulated for senior dogs
- Aids memory and learning
- Supports joint health
- Contains common allergens
- Includes garlic oil
10 Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Entrée Canned Dog Food
- Allergens: Chicken, Rice
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Liver, Meat By-Products, Water, Salmon
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Salmon
- Calories: 475 kcal/can
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Type: Wet food
- Life Stage: Puppy
Onto our last product for this Purina Pro Plan dog food review! Number ten on our list is a classic recipe from Purina designed for dogs under one year of age.
That’s right, puppies only for this chicken and rice canned food! In addition, Purina have fashioned this formula into a type of pate that little mouths will be able to eat with ease.
One of the issues with wet food for puppies is that they sometimes eat too fast when trying to bite into the larger chunks. By providing a moister pate product, Purina has ensured that puppies will only eat as much as they can handle at every meal.
The product itself provides essential nutrients, too. It’s not just another fancy puppy formula for pet owners to try. The recipe includes 23 essential vitamins and minerals, providing 100% of the balanced nutrition that puppies under a year old need daily. All this is mixed with fresh, real chicken, salmon, and even a helping of the liver for your pup to munch on.
Chicken, Liver, Meat By-Products, Water, Salmon, Rice, MINERALS [Potassium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite], Guar Gum, Salt, Carrageenan, Choline Chloride, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)]. E443020.
- Complete nutrition for puppies
- 23 vitamins and minerals
- Chicken as first ingredient
- Added salt
- Meat by-products in ingredients
Is Purina Pro Plan a Good Dog Food?
Purina Pro Plan is good basic dog food for pets that don’t have a particularly sensitive stomach or any allergies. The brand is well-known for its friendly price point, but mostly for its unique formulation of dog food that pet parents around the world can attest to. They have a team of more than 400 pet nutritionists, behaviorists, and veterinarians working round-the-clock to formulate and design high-quality pet foods that come with remarkably delicious taste.
Where is Purina Pro Plan Made?
According to Purina’s own website, 99% of the pet food products that they sell in the United States of America are also made there. They own all of their own factories and facilities in the U.S. and manufacture their products on those sites.
All of their U.S. facilities have on-site quality assurance laboratories and staff, too, which help them monitor the safety and nutritional value of the dog food they produce.
Where Do They Source Their Ingredients From?
As well as making almost all of their products in the United States, Purina states that they source most of their ingredients from the U.S., too. They even have a pet food ingredients source map on their website, where you can track and trace a number of the ingredients that they mention in their recipes.
For example, their beef is tagged in four locations in America, including New York and Texas.
What Formulas Does Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Have?
Purina has an extensive range of dog food formulas that make up the products that they offer. These include, but are not limited to:
- Bright Mind
- Calm & Balanced
- Complete Essentials
- Giant Breed
- High Protein
- Large Breed
- Performance 30/17
- Sensitive Skin & Stomach
They offer several more formulas and variations of flavors for those types. In addition, there are grain-free recipes available.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at Ingredients
We can’t go through every ingredient, but there are a few that pop up in most of the formulas that we’ve reviewed here that we believe would benefit from an explanation.
Beef Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols
Sometimes also written as “animal fat preserved with Tocopherols”, this ingredient is a confusing one. As a pet parent, you probably aren’t searching up every ingredient in your dog’s food, and you may even ignore the more scientific-sounding ones like this. Tocopherols are a natural form of vitamin E, so this is basically preserved beef fat mixed with vitamin E to keep it fresh.
Beef fat is not an essential part of your dog’s diet, and some dogs are allergic to beef. There’s no real reason to add fat to a recipe when the same nutrients – not that there are many – can be found elsewhere.
Corn Gluten Meal
Corn is another allergen that you need to be aware of when it comes to dogs. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing and it’s pretty useless as an ingredient. You could consider this a filler ingredient, but it does have some amino acids that it adds to the food.
Dried Egg Product
A huge number of dog food recipes used dried egg products, even though eggs are a common allergen for dogs. This ingredient refers to processed dried eggs that are easy to digest and can be a good source of antioxidants.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is an excellent addition to your dog’s food. If your chosen dog food doesn’t contain it, there are supplements for dogs that use the same thing Fish oil promotes a healthy heart, gives your dog a silky coat, and stops their skin from itching.
Garlic Oil
Garlic isn’t safe for dogs to eat, and it’s the same for garlic oil. Your dog won’t get sick from eating a tiny bit, but it’s toxic because garlic contains thiosulfate, which a canine’s body cannot handle.
Poultry By-Product Meal
Poultry or chicken by-product meal is made from ground-up parts of a chicken that remain after the meat is taken away. It can include organs, bones, and cartilage. It’s often used in dog food as a source of glucosamine, but it’s not exactly healthy to feed your dog all these animal parts. If your pup needs glucosamine, try a joint supplement to support mobility issues.
Purina Pro Plan Recall History
There have, unfortunately, been several instances of product recalls throughout Purina’s history. In the last 11 years, there have been seven product recalls across the cat and dog food ranges of the brand. Dog food recalls account for two of these.
The summer of 2013 saw Purina voluntarily recall a batch of Purina ONE dog food for suspected salmonella contamination. The recall affected 3.5-pound bags of Purina ONE beyond Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food with a specific production code and best-by date.
Then, in March 2016, various varieties of Purina Pro Plan wet dog food (those sold in tubs) were recalled because of inadequate vitamin and/or mineral levels. The recall affected Pro Plan Savory Meals in 10-ounce tubs (Braised Chicken Entrée, Braised Pork Entrée, Braised Turkey Entrée, Grilled Salmon Entrée, and Braised Beef & Rice Entrée).
What We Like About Purina Pro Plan
- A well-balanced formulation that uses high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient.
- Optimal levels of high-quality proteins for growth and development in dogs.
- Includes prebiotics in its formulation for better digestion.
- Formulations that are carefully adjusted to suit the nutrient requirements of certain dog breeds.
- Provides better omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios whenever appropriate
- Includes glucosamine in many product formulations, which aids joint health and flexibility.
- History of producing high-quality products at very friendly prices.
- Science-backed dog food recipes.
What We Don’t Like About Purina Pro Plan
- Many products contain corn, wheat, or soy, which are considered filler ingredients and aren’t suitable for dogs with allergies.
- Some dry and wet dog foods from Purina Pro Plan include poultry by-product meals and other meat and fish meal ingredients.
- Wet dog food lists “added color”, but does not state its source.
- Some dog owners have reported that Purina Pro Plan pet food has upset their dog’s stomach, which points toward the brand not being suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
Where Can I Buy Purina Pro Plan Dog Food?
Because of the popularity of the brand, Purina Pro Plan dog food can be found practically anywhere. They’re considered a commercial brand and are available in practically any store that sells pet food. This includes your local supermarket, pet supply store, and maybe even your local convenience store.
You can also buy Purina Pro Plan online, from sites like Amazon.
In a Nutshell, Is Purina Pro Plan a Good Choice?
Purina’s commitment to the production of nutritious dog and cat food is enough reason to choose their brand.
If you look at Purina’s reviews, you’ll notice that it often ranks high among other brands, and the majority of pet parents have no issues feeding this pet food to their dogs. Purina Pro Plan is a brand of dog food that your dog can rely on for great taste and a decent set of ingredients. Overall, the Purina Pro Plan delivers the right kind of nutrition for modern pets at a price that is affordable.