Purina is one of those pet food brands you hear about in every vet’s office or dog show. The proponents of all-meat no-grain dog food call it overpriced and outdated, while breeders praise the consistent quality and obvious health benefits. Today we’ll try to get to the bottom of the controversy and decide whether Purina One dog food rating is deserved or blown out of proportion.
Who Makes Purina One Dog Food?
As a farm animal feed company, Ralston Purina opened its doors in the late 1800s, but it didn’t start producing pet food until the 1920s. And in the 1980s, the company saw a major overhaul after selling the animal feed division, Ralston Mills, and creating several product lines that remain best-sellers after three decades. Purina Pro Plan, Veterinary Diets, and Purina One are among the most successful lineups on sale to this day.
While Purina remained an independent business for over a century, in 2001, it joined the Nestle family. And Nestle Purina is now one of the largest global pet food manufacturers with dozens of manufacturing and research facilities. Still, dog food sold in the US is manufactured by US-based facilities, even if some ingredients are imported. Considering a robust quality management system, there’s no need to worry about those.
Purina One Dog Food Reviews
Dog food by Purina has a mixed reputation, as the company produces multiple options for every budget. Dog Chow is the cheapest and most criticized for its bold use of corn and wheat, while Purina One is an upper-medium range lineup of dog food that puts quality animal-based protein first in every formula.
Unlike trendy newfangled all-meat dog food manufacturers that equal pet food to the human diet, Purina stays true to decades of research. That’s why most recipes come with healthy grains providing starches and fibre invaluable for high energy levels and healthy digestion. Besides, Purina is diligent in formulating mineral and vitamin supplements to hold the precise amounts necessary for strong bones, flexible joints, and lean muscle.
There are dozens of Purina One recipes available online and in most grocery stores across the country (say no to regular trips to the pet shop). But we’ve chosen seven options that cover a wide range of canine nutrition needs and tested them to help you find the right one for your pooch.
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Chicken & Rice Formula Natural Adult Dog Food
- Plenty of chicken protein and natural glucosamine
- Minerals, vitamins, and health supplements aplenty
- Kibble size perfect for multi-canine households
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Sensitive Systems Formula Adult Premium Dog Food
- Salmon-based recipe good for pups sensitive to poultry
- No wheat or corn in sight to prevent digestive issues
- Skin and coat health supported by Vitamin E and Omega 6
Purina ONE® True Instinct Grain-Free Formula with Real Beef Dry Dog Food
- Extra-rich in protein for lean muscles and energy
- Grain-free recipe for allergy-prone pups
- Free of artificial flavors and colors
Purina ONE® True Instinct with a Blend of Real Turkey & Venison Dog Food
- Turkey-first recipe with 30% protein for active pups
- Whole grains for a balanced diet
- Crunchy and tender pieces in every bag
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Lamb & Rice Formula Natural Adult Dog Food
- Lamb-based formula with healthy grains
- Natural sources of glucosamine for strong joints
- Meaty morsels to make kibble more palatable for picky eaters
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Large Breed Adult Formula Premium Dog Food
- High-protein formula with chicken as No1 ingredient
- Low fat content for weight management
- Larger kibble pieces best-suited for giant and large breeds
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Small Bites Beef & Rice Formula Adult Premium Dog Food
- Nutrient-packed beef and chicken recipe
- Meaty pieces along with the crunchy bits
- A balanced mix of health supplements
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Chicken & Rice Formula Natural Adult Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This chicken-first formula is a true one-size-fits-all solution with plenty of protein for small pups and glucosamine for large breeds. An ideal choice for multi-canine homes!
Is it any wonder the chicken and rice combo is the best-seller of the Purina One Smartblend dog food line? The chicken-first formula is heavy on quality animal protein sources and light on fat, with plenty of vitamins and minerals to keep your pooch gorgeous and energetic. And the naturally-occurring glucosamine from chicken and chicken by-product meal is a lifesaver for large breeds’ joints.
The kibble size is suitable for Poodles and German Shepherds alike, but it turned out to be inconsistent from one batch to the next. We discovered the same issue with the kibble formula. Our dogs gobbled one bag down while ignoring the other. It could be down to a bad batch or wrong storage conditions, but it could also result from unpredictable changes dog food manufacturers are so fond of. Still, this is a great starting point if you’ve never bought Purina kibble.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories: 383 kcal/cup
- Crude protein: 26% min
- Crude fat: 16% min
- Crude fiber: 3% max
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken (source of glucosamine), rice flour, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal (source of glucosamine)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 8, 16.5, 31.1, 40-lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Plenty of animal protein sources, starting with chicken
- Balanced mix of vitamins and minerals
- Heavy on natural glucosamine sources for healthy joints
- Average kibble size suitable for multi-canine households
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Unpredictable formula changes
- Inconsistent kibble size bag-to-bag
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Sensitive Systems Formula Adult Premium Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Forget about gassiness and upset tummies with this salmon-rich formula with not a filler in sight. It’s enhanced with skin and coat supplements too!
Unlike most products on our list, Purina One Sensitive Systems dog food formula is built around salmon, an ideal protein source for pups allergic to poultry. It’s equally high in lean protein with just enough fat to keep skin irritation-free and coat–shiny. Omega fatty acids and Vitamin E don’t hurt either. Purina even heard the complaints about ambiguous ingredients and replaced ‘animal fat’ with ‘beef fat’.
If there’s one thing we hate about fish-based kibble, it’s the overpowering aroma that will permeate your whole home if you don’t keep it in an airtight container. And while Purina One salmon dog food commercials claim this product is good for all dogs, large and giant breeds were not happy with tiny kibble pieces more suited to a cat than a Great Dane.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories: 438 kcal/cup
- Crude protein: 26% min
- Crude fat: 16% min
- Crude fiber: 3% max
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon (source of glucosamine), rice flour, pearled barley, oat meal, corn gluten meal
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 16.5, 31.1-lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- No wheat or corn means no digestive issues in grain-sensitive dogs
- Vitamin E and Omega-6 are perfect for healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Salmon-first recipe ideal for pups allergic to chicken
- Calorie-dense, so the bag lasts longer than other formulas
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- The smell is quite overwhelming, not for sensitive noses
- Kibble pieces are smallish, unsuitable for large and giant breeds
Purina ONE® True Instinct Grain-Free Formula with Real Beef Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Nutrient-dense formula with lots of protein and fat is ideal for energetic pups with sensitive tummies and poultry/grain allergies. Natural and enhanced with all the supplements!
The company treats canines as omnivores, so finding a Purina One grain-free dog food is a challenge. But this particular formula caught our attention thanks to beef-first recipe super-rich in protein. Though some of it comes from plant sources like soybean meal, it’s still great for supporting strong muscles and high energy levels. Besides, the natural formula is free of artificial colors, flavors, and fillers, but it’s enhanced with minerals and vitamins. Think calcium for strong teeth and antioxidants for an immune system of steel.
For all our love of this recipe, we have a bone to pick with Purina. First, they make unpredictable changes to the formula, and pups can have a hard time adjusting. Second, the largest bag is only 25 pounds, and even with increased caloric value, it’s not enough to last even a month for a Golden Retriever or a Labrador.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories: 386 kcal/cup
- Crude protein: 30% min
- Crude fat: 17% min
- Crude fiber: 4% max
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, chicken meal, soybean meal, canola meal, cassava root flour
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 3, 12.5, 25-lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Super rich in protein and health supplements
- Grain-free, so perfect for canines with sensitive tummies
- Stuffed with antioxidants, Omega fatty acids, and more
- No artificial flavors, colors, or filler ingredients
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Smallish bags call for regular restocking for large breeds
- Formula changes are unpredictable as ever
Purina ONE® True Instinct with a Blend of Real Turkey & Venison Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Perfect for picky eaters and dogs without grain sensitivities, this protein-rich formula combines traditional kibble with meaty bits that dogs crave.
Like all Purina One True Instinct dog food recipes, this product relies on a high-quality animal protein source and a combination of healthy whole grains to supply starches and slow-release carbs. Venison is also on the ingredient list, though it could have been closer to the top to feature in the name. Soy flour and meal are the most controversial ingredients, so we recommend you consult the vet before opting for this food, especially before breeding.
The combination of classic kibble and meaty morsels is a blessing and a curse in one. Purina One Smartblend True Instinct Turkey & Venison dog food now comes with plenty of crumbs in some bags, and that’s plain wasteful. Besides, picky eaters can skip the meaty bits altogether, which means they don’t get the balanced nutrition they need. We had to keep a close eye on the bowls to make sure our pups ate everything.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories: 365 kcal/cup
- Crude protein: 30% min
- Crude fat: 17% min
- Crude fiber: 3% max
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, chicken meal, soy flour, beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, whole grain wheat
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 15, 27.5, 36-lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Turkey-first formula super-rich in animal protein
- Meaty morsels mixed with regular kibble
- A full complement of vitamins and minerals
- Grain-inclusive recipe with whole grains
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Some bags are full of crumbs
- Picky eaters don’t like the double texture
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Lamb & Rice Formula Natural Adult Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Nourish your pup from the inside and the outside with this balanced blend of high-protein lamb and healthy grains enhanced with Omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
A favorite of many a fussy eater, Purina One dog food with lamb and rice is an all-around balanced combination of protein, carbs, and fat. We’re especially grateful for lamb being the first ingredient on the list, as it drives up the glucosamine content that protects energetic pups’ joints. Throw in a rich mix of vitamins, minerals, Omega fatty acids, and you get an unbeatable health booster.
We didn’t expect the Purina One dog food lamb and rice formula to come with poultry in the form of a chicken by-product meal. It’s perfectly fine for most dogs, but if your pooch is allergic, steer clear. The same can be said about grains, like corn and wheat. Gluten is safe until it isn’t, so be mindful of the nutrition label and consult the vet before buying. And when you do, start with the smallest bag available for taste-testing.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories: 380 kcal/cup
- Crude protein: 26% min
- Crude fat: 16% min
- Crude fiber: 3% max
- First 5 ingredients: Lamb (source of glucosamine), rice flour, whole grain corn, whole grain wheat, chicken by-product meal (source of glucosamine)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 16.5, 31.1, 40-lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Lamb is the No1 ingredient resulting in high protein content
- Crunchy and tender kibble pieces in one bag
- Naturally occurring glucosamine is great for joints
- Highly-digestible ingredients + minerals and vitamins
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Some dogs experience increased gassiness
- Poultry and grains make it unsuitable for allergy-prone dogs
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Large Breed Adult Formula Premium Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Keep your big boy or gal happy and healthy with this well-balanced chicken-first formula with plenty of healthy supplements, like glucosamine and Omega-6.
We knew this formula was perfect for German Shepherds and Great Danes from the first glance at the nutrition label. Purina knows how easy it is for large breeds to gain extra pounds, so they reduced fat and increased fiber content to keep the kibble filling while reducing the risk of obesity. Otherwise, the chicken-first formula is equally nutritious and digestible as all other varieties on this list.
While Purina One large breed dog food is available in large bags, even the 40-pounder may not be enough for feeding multiple canines. Besides, large bags are more prone to crushing the tender meaty morsels that turn into smelly crumbs most dogs ignore. Hopefully, Purina will come up with a way to make those pieces less crumbly without losing the flavor.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories: 355 kcal/cup
- Crude protein: 26% min
- Crude fat: 12% min
- Crude fiber: 4.5% max
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice flour, chicken by-product meal (source of glucosamine), corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: Large and giant breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 16.5, 31.1, 40-lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Chicken-first recipe with glucosamine for strong joints
- Lower fat content to prevent weight gain
- Bigger crunchy and tender bits for large breeds
- Irritation-free skin and shiny coat thanks to Omega-6
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Meaty bits are fast to crumble
- The largest bag is 40 pounds
Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Small Bites Beef & Rice Formula Adult Premium Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Treat your tiny furball to the most nutritious and digestible formula rich in protein and light on fillers. Crunchy and tender at the same time, enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and more!
This formula has everything your energizer furball needs. High protein content comes from high-quality sources, like beef and chicken by-product meal, that double as natural sources of glucosamine for flexible joints. Healthy grains provide starches, while veggies are there for fiber. Throw in a whole slew of minerals and vitamins, and you get a perfectly balanced daily diet to keep your pup strong and energetic for years to come.
Unlike other varieties of Purina One dog food, Small Bites come in tiny pieces perfect for toy and small breeds while retaining the crunchy and tender textures of traditional kibble and meaty morsels. Still, we would love for Purina to come up with smaller bag sizes for this recipe. The smallest bag is 16.5 pounds, and that’s way too much for taste-testing for a Toy Poodle or a Dachshund.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories: 388 kcal/cup
- Crude protein: 26% min
- Crude fat: 16% min
- Crude fiber: 3% max
- First 5 ingredients: Beef (source of glucosamine), rice flour, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal (source of glucosamine)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: Toy, extra-small, and small breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 16.5, 31.1-lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Nutrient-dense formula with beef and chicken protein
- Perfect kibble size for small breeds
- Tender pieces mixed in with the crunchy kibble
- Glucosamine, Omega-6, vitamins, minerals, and more
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Limited bag size variety with no small options
- Occasional digestive issues
What Formulas Does Purina One Dog Food Have?
We’ve focused on adult dog kibble for this review, as it’s the most popular product by Purina One. Still, the brand offers puppy and senior dog food and canned formulas for fussy eaters.
Purina One Wet Dog Food
As the lineup is constantly changing and evolving, it’s hard to get the hang of the Purina One canned dog food variety. It took us a while to understand the best way to choose the right formula. Most fall under SmartBlends or True Instinct trademarks, but the real difference lies in the type of food (ground vs. cut).
If your pooch prefers his food finely ground, consider these Classic Ground options:
- Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Classic Ground Grain-Free Dog Food Formula With Real Beef & Bison
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Classic Ground Grain-Free Dog Food Formula With Real Chicken & Duck
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Classic Ground Grain-Free Dog Food Formula With Real Beef & Wild-Caught Salmon
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Classic Ground Grain-Free Dog Food Formula With Real Turkey & Venison
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Classic Ground Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée
If your pup likes picking small meaty pieces and lapping gravy, these Tender Cuts recipes are worth a try:
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Beef & Salmon Wet Tender Cuts in Gravy Dog Food
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy with Real Turkey & Venison Wet Dog Food
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy with Real Chicken & Duck Wet Dog Food
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Tender Cuts In Gravy Healthy Weight Lamb & Brown Rice Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Grain-Free Dog Food Formula With Real Beef & Bison
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Puppy Lamb & Long Grain Rice Entrée
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Tender Cuts In Gravy Dog Food Formula With Real Beef & Bison
Purina One Puppy Formulas
Like most dog food manufacturers, Purina One carries a limited number of puppy-specific formulas. Namely, you get to choose among two Purina One dry dog food options and one canned formula:
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Healthy Puppy Formula Premium Dog Food
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Large Breed Puppy Formula Premium Dog Food
- Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Classic Ground Healthy Puppy Lamb & Long Grain Rice Entrée
All three come with poultry or meat as the first ingredient and include plenty of health supplements necessary for puppies. The ingredients lists include things like Omega-6, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as chondroitin.
Whichever puppy formula you choose, remember that breeds of different sizes mature at various ages. While small breeds turn into adult dogs after 12 months, large and giant breeds are considered puppies until they are 15 to 18 months old.
Purina One Senior Dog Food
We’d prefer the brand to have a wider Purina One mature dog food variety. At the time of writing, the company offers a sole kibble and canned food formula, a far cry from the variety adult canines get to enjoy.
- Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity 7+ Formula Dry Dog Food
- Purina ONE Smartblend Classic Ground Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée
The senior canine formulas come with the same benefits as other Purina One products, like meat or poultry as the first ingredient. However, they include supplements to increase energy and activity levels by up to 20%, making your pooch as playful as ever.
Before you switch your pup to a senior diet, check out the feeding chart and adjust the usual portion sizes accordingly. Older dogs aren’t as active as puppies, so any extra calories you provide will go towards extra weight, and that can lead to a plethora of health issues, including heart conditions and diabetes.
Purina One Dog Food Recalls
According to the FDA Archive, since the brand’s introduction in the late 1980s, there hasn’t been a single Purina One dog food recall in the US. That’s especially impressive considering the sheer production volume. It seems like the company has perfected the quality management system to avoid any issues with subpar ingredients and contamination. Let’s hope Purina continues in the same vein for years to come.
Conclusion
Hopefully, our Purina One SmartBlend dog food review managed to set things straight for you. After researching the formulas and ingredients, browsing hundreds of reviews, and testing the kibble with our motley crew of pups of all ages and breeds, we believe Purina One dog food rating is well-deserved. You cannot fault the brand that sunk millions of dollars into decades of research to create dog food that hasn’t been recalled once in over thirty years.
FAQs
It sure is, whether you want to feed a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior canine. The combination of animal protein and healthy grains (or veggies in grain-free recipes) has been developed through years of research. No wonder so many vets recommend Purina One as the primary diet.
Every recipe is built around an animal protein source, like beef, salmon, or chicken. Most formulas include grains as a tried-and-true source of fiber and starches, though you can also find grain-free recipes. Additionally, most formulas include a mix of vitamins, minerals, and other health supplements. Check out the nutrition facts on the bag to study the detailed list of ingredients.
Most kibble formulas hold from 350 to 450 calories per cup. However, the exact number depends on the ingredients used and the protein, carbs, and fat content. Purina One weight management dog food is lighter on calories at 320 kcal/cup. For canned recipes, the average number of calories in Purina One dog food is 350 to 450 kcal per 13-oz can.
The beauty of Purina compared to premium, meat-first brands lies in its ready availability at any grocery store across the US and beyond. You don’t have to plan a trip to a pet store; you can get kibble and wet food on your grocery shopping trip. Of course, Purina One is also available online, via the official website, Chewy, Petco, Amazon, and other retailers.
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