This is our review of Purina Pro Plan dog foods.
The Pro Plan product range is Purina’s premium line of pet food. These formulas offer targeted nutrition from top quality ingredients.
Purina Pro Plan dog food is a popular choice for dog owners who want to provide specialized diets for their pup’s unique needs.
When I worked as a vet tech, several veterinarians I worked with frequently recommended this brand. But, some of these formulas may not be suitable for all dogs.
This Purina Pro Plan dog food review will discuss key features of Pro Plan products and help you determine which line is best for your four-legged friend.
Let’s get started!
Purina Pro Plan Line Introduction
Purina is a prominent United States pet food manufacturer that has served as an industry leader for over a century. They produce scientifically-based canine diets in collaboration with a team of veterinarians and nutritionists.
Pro Plan Dog food is Purina’s premium product line. These formulas use the highest quality ingredients that the company offers to provide advanced nutrition for your dog’s unique needs.
Unlike some other Purina products, all Pro Plan Formulas contain live probiotics. Although Purina is known for affordable dog food, the Pro Plan line does have a higher cost. But many owners find the exclusive recipes worth the extra expense.
All Purina Pro Plan dog foods meet AAFCO canine nutrient profiles.
What Kind Of Dog Food Does Purina Pro Plan Offer?
The Purina Pro Plan product range includes a wide variety of formulas for pups with specific needs. Their line up includes everything from cognitive support for aging dogs to simple recipes for sensitive stomachs.
The company recently updated its product branding to help make it easier for owners to select the best diet for their furry best friend.
Remember always to consult your veterinarian when selecting a new diet for your dog.
Purina Pro Plan Cognitive Health
Just like humans, your dog’s cognitive health can begin to decline as he ages. The Purina Pro Plan Cognitive health line features targeted nutrition that supports brain health.
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, or CDS, occurs when your dog’s blood-brain barrier becomes more permeable. Harmful molecules like free radicals can cross the border and damage brain tissue. [1]
Cognitive Health formulas combat this process with high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants like vitamin E and C protect brain tissue from oxidative damage. And therapeutic levels of omega fatty acids like DHA help reduce inflammation.
Our Recommended Product: Purina Pro Plan Cognitive Health Chicken & Rice Formula
The Pro Plan Cognitive Health Chicken & Rice formula features an easily-digestible recipe with a proprietary blend of concentrated arginine, DHA, EPA, antioxidants, and B vitamins.
Key Features:
- High protein content from chicken and probiotics for digestibility
- Antioxidants, arginine, and b-vitamins protect brain tissue
- DHA and EPA improve brain function and learning ability
Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials
Formerly known as Purina Pro Plan Savor Dog Food, Complete Essentials products provide advanced general nutrition suitable for most dogs. Unlike other Pro Plan lines, these recipes are not specialized for specific needs.
All Complete Essentials dog foods use real meat as the first ingredient to provide a moderately high protein content. This kibble also features a unique texture that mixes dry food with shredded pieces to appeal to picky eaters.
Digestive support from natural fiber sources and probiotics can benefit all dogs. These ingredients nourish the good bacteria in their gut to enhance nutrient absorption. [2]
Our Recommended Product: Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
This Purina Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Dry Dog Food uses a lean protein source and features a moderate fat content to provide comprehensive nutrition.
Key Features:
- Unique mixed texture of dry kibble and moist shreds
- High levels of omega fatty acids and vitamin A encourage a healthy coat
- Grain-inclusive formula uses whole grains as sources of digestible carbohydrates
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind Dog Food features the same benefits as the Cognitive Health line. But these recipes include additional support specifically for senior dogs.
Adult 7+ Bright Mind formulas have the same Pro Plan blend of ingredients that support brain health. The high levels of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids also help protect all tissues from aging’s oxidative stress.
Additional glucosamine provides joint support. Glucosamine helps ease discomfort from osteoarthritis in senior dogs by providing the building blocks of cartilage. [3]
Our Recommendation: Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken & Rice Formula
The Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken & Rice formula is suitable for seniors of all breeds and includes botanical oils that protect mental sharpness.
Key Features:
- High levels of EPA and glucosamine ease joint discomfort
- Probiotics improve nutrient absorption to maintain body condition in elderly dogs
- Botanical oils, DHA, and antioxidants protect brain tissue from damage
Purina Pro Plan Toy and Small Breed
Although Purina offers several Pro Plan formulas designed for all types of dogs, some small breeds have unique nutritional requirements. And some toy breeds can’t effectively chew average-size kibble.
Purina Pro Plan Small Breed recipes feature a higher protein and fat content. Additional sources of energy are critical for the fast metabolisms of smaller dogs. [4]
Concentrated energy is also vital for your pup’s diet to meet nutritional needs in a small serving size.
Toy breeds can often have a difficult time chewing dog food produced for average dogs. These size-specific formulas have smaller kibble that is manageable for tiny mouths.
Our Recommendation: Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Adult Small Breed Formula
Purina Pro Plan Small Breed dog food offers a higher energy concentration in a smaller serving size to provide complete nutrition for toy dogs.
Key Features:
- High 29% protein content from chicken
- 17% fat content for increased calories and energy
- Small kibble size and unique texture suitable for little mouths
Purina Pro Plan Large and Giant Breed
Giant breeds also have individual nutritional needs. Large pups can benefit from specialized Purina Pro Plan formulas with an appropriate protein to fat ratio and extra support for stressed joints.
Larger pups have slower metabolisms than their smaller relatives. They need adequate protein from their diet to support their larger muscle mass. But too much fat or calories can lead to unwanted weight gain.
Weight management is especially critical in larger dogs with joint issues. Big bodies put extra stress on overworked joints. [5] Purina Pro Plan Large Breed dog foods also include extra glucosamine to help ease joint discomfort.
Our Recommendation: Purina Pro Plan Adult Giant Breed Formula
The Giant Breed Formula of the Purina Pro Plan line features an ideal ratio of 26% protein to 12% fat to maintain lean muscle mass in large dogs.
Key Features:
- Controlled calories for weight management
- Glucosamine helps reduce joint discomfort
- Healthy fat content from omega fatty acids
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Some sensitive dogs may have adverse reactions to general Pro Plan formulas. Most recipes include common allergens such as chicken, wheat, and soy. [6]
But Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin dog food eliminates those ingredients and uses novel protein sources. Simple recipes help reduce the risk of digestive upset or skin conditions.
These recipes include high levels of omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health. They also feature live probiotics to support weaker digestive and immune systems.
Our Recommendation: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon Formula
Key Features:
- Salmon provides a novel source of protein and omega fatty acids
- High fiber and live probiotics promote digestive health
- Does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or peas
Purina Pro Plan Weight Management
Nearly 25% of all domestic dogs are obese. Obesity significantly increases the risk of several severe health conditions. [7] And feeding an appropriate diet plays a critical role in weight management.
Many Pro Plan formulas have high energy content that may not be suitable for overweight pups. Purina Pro Plan Weight Management dog food helps promote weight loss by providing comprehensive nutrition on a restricted diet.
These recipes have 25% less fat than other Purina recipes. And high amounts of natural fiber from wheat bran act as a prebiotic to optimize nutrient absorption and keep your pup feeling full.
Our Recommendation: Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Dry Dog Food
This Weight Management recipe from the Purina Pro Plan line uses chicken as a lean protein source to limit excess fat and maintain a healthy weight.
Key Features:
- Low fat and caloric content for dogs on restricted diets
- Prebiotic fibers promote digestive health without excess energy
- Concentrated antioxidants to support immune health in overweight dogs
Purina Pro Plan Puppy
Puppies need correctly balanced diets for healthy growth. The Purina Pro Plan Puppy formulas use advanced ingredients to provide precise amounts of protein and essential nutrients.
Calcium and phosphorous fortification helps encourage steady bone growth. Deficiencies in these minerals can cause chronic skeletal conditions in growing dogs, especially your large breed puppy. [8]
High levels of DHA from fish oil play a vital role in brain development and healthy vision. While Pro Plan probiotics and antioxidants help support young immune systems.
Our Recommendation: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula
This Purina Pro Plan Puppy food features a high protein and fat content to support healthy development in most growing dogs.
Key Features:
- Essential amino acids from chicken for muscle development
- Adequate calcium and phosphorus for bone growth
- DHA from fish oil promotes healthy brain development
Purina Pro Plan Sport
Purina Pro Plan Sport formulas provide a high-energy diet for active dogs. Sporting dogs generally need more daily calories to support their lifestyles. [9]
Active pups also need extra protein to maintain enough lean muscle mass. All Purina Pro Plan Sport dog foods feature real meat as the first ingredient.
Sport recipes can help increase endurance in canine athletes by optimizing metabolism with high-quality sources of carbohydrates for energy. And extra glucosamine enhances mobility by easing joint discomfort.
Our Recommendation: Pro Plan Sport Active 26/16 Formula Dog Food
This Pro Plan Sport Active formula has a 26% protein content and 16% fat content to provide ideal energy levels for active dogs.
Key Features:
- Lean protein from chicken provides amino acids to maintain muscle mass
- Glucosamine from fish meal protects stressed joints
- Enhanced vitamins and antioxidants protect tissue from oxidative stress
Purina Pro Plan Wet Dog Food
The Purina Pro Plan product range also includes several wet food recipes for picky eaters. Available Pro Plan canned food lines include Focus, Savor, Savory Meals, and Bright Mind.
Bright Mind formulas feature the same cognitive health blend as dry products of the same name. Pro Plan Focus formulas provide specialized nutrition for specific life stages, breeds, and health conditions.
Purina Pro Plan Savor wet food formulas are general-purpose recipes suitable for a variety of dogs. In comparison, the Savory Meals product line consists of premium recipes served in resealable tubs. But all of these wet dog food recipes offer the same benefits as the dry dog food.
Our Recommendation: Purina Pro Plan Savor Beef & Vegetables Canned Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Beef & Vegetables Canned Dog Food is our top pick for a nutritious Pro Plan product that appeals to fussy eaters.
Key Features:
- High protein content from beef, chicken, and liver
- Concentrated antioxidants from fruits and vegetables
- Savory taste ideal for the pickiest eaters
Purina Pro Plan Ingredient Analysis
Although known for its products’ affordability, Purina prioritizes using high-quality products in all of their dog food formulas. Purina Pro Plan products are premium formulas that use the highest quality ingredients in their recipes. But, they still have some controversial elements.
Most formulas use real meat as the first ingredient. Chicken is the most common source of animal protein in Purina Pro Plan formulas. This meat provides lean protein without excess fat, but it is also a common allergen.
Other sources of animal protein include salmon, beef, and lamb. Dogs can digest animal protein more efficiently than plant protein. But some Purina Pro Plan dog food also uses soybean meal to boost protein content.
Pro Plan recipes are not grain-free. Most of them contain wheat, corn, and soy. Controversial ingredients include corn gluten meal, which can cause allergic reactions.
But if your dog has allergies, he can still eat Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dog Food. That product line features more straightforward recipes that eliminate common allergens.
Some formulas contain poultry by-product meal, but Purina does not use by-products as a primary protein source. Instead, Purina Pro Plan recipes use a meat meal source of glucosamine.
Although fiber is not a primary energy source for dogs, Purina Pro Plan often includes high-fiber ingredients like wheat bran. Fiber acts as a prebiotic to nourish the good bacteria in your dog’s gut. This reinforces the benefits of Pro Plan’s proprietary blend of live probiotics.
The use of artificial preservatives and flavoring is also limited. These additives can sometimes have adverse side effects in sensitive dogs.
Despite some controversial items, Purina Pro Plan boasts an overall high quality of ingredients. Most dogs can safely eat these formulas. But you should consult your veterinarian about the suitability of specific recipes for dogs with different sensitivities.
Purina Pro Plan Reviews
Most dog owners share positive experiences in their reviews. Many pet parents mention that their veterinarian recommended this product range.
And some have experienced success feeding a variety of Purina Pro Plan dry dog food formulas to picky eaters.
One review of Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Chicken & Rice Formula states:
“I wanted to make sure [my dog] was getting the best nutrition I could afford. I decided on Purina Pro Plan and hoped I was doing right by her. She does seem to love it, so it seemed to be working. When I took her to the veterinarian for her first wellness check, the vet asked me what kind of kibble I was feeding her. I told her she was on Purina Pro Plan. My vet was actually HAPPY to hear that.”
You can read more Purina Pro Plan reviews on Chewy.
Other owners of pups with unique needs recommend the specialized formulas. Purina Pro Plan offers different recipes for all life stages and several health concerns. Many veterinarians recommend the Cognitive Health line for pups with CDS.
Several pet parents notice cognitive improvements with this formula. One review shares:
“I have seen an improvement in my dog’s alertness & activity level. She is sharper, more active, interested in toys, and playing like she was when she was much younger. I highly recommend this food for older dogs & you will see a difference!”
You can read more Purina Pro Plan reviews on Chewy.
Purina Pro Plan Recalls
The FDA issues recalls of pet foods that have contamination issues or contribute to health problems.
Purina is a reputable company with no current dog food recalls. But, they do have a recall history of some products.
Here is a list of some previous recalls on Purina Pro Plan pet products.
- 9th March 2016: 10 ounce Beneful wet dog food and Purina Pro Plan Savory Meals due to inadequate vitamins and minerals [10]
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls sorted by date. [11]
Our Verdict
This Purina Pro Plan dog food review demonstrates that the premium pet food brand offers excellent specialized formulas for dogs with unique needs.
These dry dog food recipes use advanced nutrition and quality ingredients to address specific conditions and overall health through your pup’s diet. Grain-inclusive recipes use real meat as the first ingredient and include probiotics for digestive support.
Although some controversial ingredients may cause adverse reactions, specific formulas are still suitable for sensitive pups. And most picky dogs enjoy the taste of this brand’s canned dog food.
If you need affordable dog food that features comprehensive nutritional support for all kinds of pups, talk to your veterinarian about Purina Pro Plan dog food today.
You can also check our Purina Pro Plan vs Purina One comparison post.
