The age-old question of what to feed your pets is heavily debated everywhere you look. This is partly because the pet food industry is huge, and marketing budgets are huge, too.
Sometimes we’re so overwhelmed with information that it becomes like a tug of war in our brains — What should I choose? Am I killing my dog with this food? — you get the gist. And we understand that seeing the word Nestlé (the parent company of Purina) may be an instant turn-off to you. However, we feel that Purina Pro Plan dry dog food and canned food are some of the best offerings on the market today.
We’ll show you what makes Purina Pro Plan a good choice for your dog, what ingredients are used, Purina Pro Plan dog food feeding charts, and the surprising variety of recipes offered by one of the biggest pet food manufacturers in the world.
Who Makes Purina Pro Plan Dog Food?
As mentioned above, Purina Pro Plan is a subsidiary of Nestlé. The official name is Nestlé Purina Petcare, but it’s commonly known as simply Purina. In addition to Pro Plan, there are several other pet food brands offered by Purina, including Purina Dog Chow, Purina Veterinary Diets, and Purina One.
In 2001, Nestlé acquired Ralston Purina for over $10 billion, and they’ve taken the brand light years ahead of where it used to be — it’s currently the second-largest pet food brand in the world.
One reason for this skyrocketing success is the global reach that Nestlé has. Another major reason is how serious they are about quality. For example, the company sources Purina Pro Plan dog food ingredients (and all Purina pet food) almost exclusively from the US, and 99% of all their products are made in the US.
Now that we know who and where it’s made, let’s dive into what they make.
Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Reviews
You’d be hard-pressed to find a vet that doesn’t recommend Purina Pro Plan. Yes, you’re right in thinking that it partly has to do with sponsorships and money, but the underlying factors are more important.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has guidelines on selecting pet foods, and Purina ticks all the boxes.
- They employ 500+ nutritionists, veterinarians, and scientists who work together to formulate the recipes.
- Their quality control process for ingredients is top-notch.
- They conduct feeding trials to ensure all the recipes are safe (and tasty). Also, they have a research institute that aims to advance pet health and nutrition.
Regarding the quality of ingredients, here's a breakdown. Purina sources 100% of its beef, 99% of poultry, 96% of grain, and 100% of soy in the US.
As we’ll see later, when we look at each of the following five recipes in more detail, the Purina Pro Plan dog food ingredients list has a source of protein as the #1 ingredient in every recipe except the specialized vet diet.
Purina Pro Plan All Ages Sport Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula
- High-protein and high-fat formula for all life stages.
- Includes a variety of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and probiotics.
- Does not contain wheat, soy, added colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
- Formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Includes Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, which help keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy.
- Every ingredient has a purpose, no fillers.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula
- Complete nutrition in a big bag for big dogs.
- Purina Pro Plan large breed dog food contains Glucosamine and EPA for healthy joints and mobility.
- Formulated for large breeds in a 26/16 protein/fat ratio.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula
- Only available through veterinarian prescription.
- Highly digestible kibble that aids digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Ideal for any life stage and breed size.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice
- Shredded morsels mixed with dry kibble.
- The #1 ingredient is real chicken.
- Includes Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, pre- and probiotics.
Purina Pro Plan All Ages Sport Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
The 30% protein and 20% fat formula will keep your dog fueled, content, and ready to take on anything. Fit for all life stages, including puppies and pregnant/nursing females. Made with quality ingredients in the US and thoroughly tested in feeding trials.
Formerly known as Purina Pro Plan Sport dog food, the new formula improves on the old one in several key ways — first, it doesn’t have Brewer’s Rice in the recipe, and second, it includes a powerful probiotic.
Pro Plan 30/20 Chicken and Rice packs amino acids, joint-supporting nutrients, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and every vitamin and mineral needed for an active lifestyle. Chicken is the #1 ingredient, and this dog food comes in 6lb, 18lb, 37.5lb, and 50lb bags
KEY FEATURES:
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Poultry By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine)
- Includes: Linoleic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Calcium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Ascorbic Acid, Glucosamine, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Bacillus Coagulans
- 484 kcal/cup
- Feeding Chart (navigate to the Feeding tab for detailed info)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight:6, 18, 37.5, 50lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Comes in bags ranging in size from 6lb to 50lb
- 3 out of the first 5 ingredients come from animal sources
- Formulated for high-energy dogs and active dog breeds
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- High in calories, so if your dog isn’t as active, the volume of food will be significantly less
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
If your dog has a sensitive stomach and irritable, itchy skin, you need a recipe that caters to that. Purina Pro Plan Salmon dog food has pre- and probiotics for healthy digestion and plenty of omega fatty acids (3 & 6) to keep your dog’s coat and skin in perfect condition.
This recipe used to be called Purina Pro Plan Focus but has since been rebranded. It has an updated formula to nourish your dog’s skin and coat as well as make digestion easier. The addition of a prebiotic (Chicory root) and probiotic (Bacillus Coagulans) support digestion and a healthy immune system.
If you’re transitioning your dog to the new formula, make sure to do it over the course of 7-10 days (adding a quarter bowl of new kibble every few days) so that your dog’s tummy can get used to it.
KEY FEATURES:
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Rice, OatMeal, Canola Meal
- Includes: Linoleic Acid, Calcium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Ascorbic Acid, Glucosamine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Bacillus Coagulans
- 467 kcal/cup
- Feeding Chart (navigate to the Feeding tab for detailed info)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 5, 16, 30, 41lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Salmon is the #1 ingredient
- Comes in bags ranging in size from 5lb to 41lb.
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Only 1 out of the first 5 ingredients is animal-based
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Created specifically for large breed dogs over 50 lbs. Includes important nutrients for joint health (Glucosamine and EPA), pre- and probiotics, and is a complete and balanced diet for big dogs.
Large dogs tend to have problems with their joints and general mobility as they age. Purina packaged this nutrient-rich formula in 18lb, 34lb, 47lb bags to save you money and help your large furry friend function and grow.
Includes every essential vitamin and mineral and pre- and probiotics, Glucosamine, EPA, and DHA. Praised by dog owners for being palatable, and many dogs have been eating this recipe without negative effects for years.
KEY FEATURES:
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine)
- Includes: Linoleic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Calcium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Ascorbic Acid, Glucosamine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Bacillus Coagulans
- 407 kcal/cup
- Feeding Chart (navigate to the Feeding tab for detailed info)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: Large and giant breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight:18, 34, 47lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Specialized recipe for adult large breed dogs
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Unclear why this is priced higher (by weight) than other Purina Pro Plan recipes
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
If your dog is having digestive issues, your vet may recommend this formula. It includes ingredients that not only aid digestion but also help absorb nutrients.
First off, as per FDA guidelines for therapeutic dog food, your vet will have to prescribe this dry dog food before you can buy it. As far as GI (Gastrointestinal) issues go, dogs of any age or breed can have them. The reason this recipe is so well-received among vets and pet owners is that it fits all life stages and breed sizes — it’s the all-in-one GI vet diet.
It contains less fat than most dry dog foods (excess fat can cause GI issues) and includes prebiotics that “set the stage” for good bacterial growth and digestion.
KEY FEATURES:
- First 5 ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Meal, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin E)
- Includes: Ash, Calcium, Phosphorus, Linoleic Acid, Manganese, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin E
- 399 kcal/cup
- Feeding Chart (navigate to the Feeding Instructions tab for detailed info)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 6, 18, 32lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Unique formula with ingredients like coconut oil
- Not every pet food manufacturer has Veterinary Diets, so Purina Pro Plan is in a class of its own
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Very pricey ($99.95 for a 32lb bag)
Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This shredded blend of chicken and rice has tasty, crumbly bits mixed with dry kibble for a pleasant change in texture. This recipe is high in protein and includes omega fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, and every essential vitamin and mineral required for canines.
Formerly known as Purina Pro Plan Savor dry dog food, the new-and-improved version contains Omega-6 fatty acids and one of the best probiotics on the market — Bacillus Coagulans.
With its 26/16 protein-to-fat ratio, this formula will help them build and sustain muscle and keep them energized and happy no matter what size your adult dog is. It combines the best of both worlds — it supports healthy digestion and will have your dog’s coat shiny and healthy in no time.
KEY FEATURES:
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal
- Includes: Linoleic Acid, Calcium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Ascorbic Acid, Glucosamine, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Bacillus Coagulans
- 387 kcal/cup
- Feeding Chart (navigate to the Feeding tab for detailed info)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 6, 18, 35, and 47-lb bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Does not contain artificial colors or flavors
- Chicken is the #1 ingredient
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Bit of a nitpick, but why don’t more formulas include shredded bits?
What Formulas Does Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Have?
Pro Plan has many dry and wet dog foods for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs of all breeds and special needs. For example, Purina Pro Plan weight management dog food is available in both wet and dry form. Other specialized diets include low-fat options, food for dogs with allergies, cognitive health support, and a lineup of veterinary diets.
Let’s look at the Pro Plan dry dog food lineup. Please note that Pro Plan is currently transitioning some of their older product lines like Focus, Savor, and Sport to new recipes with new names.
- Puppy
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Lamb & Rice Formula
- Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed
- Beef & Rice Probiotic Dry Puppy Food
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Salmon & Rice Formula
- Lamb & Oat Meal Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Salmon & Rice Probiotic Dry Puppy Food
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Toy Breed
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy
- Essentials Dog (currently marketed as Complete Essentials)
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials
- Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice
- Shredded Blend Beef & Rice
- Shredded Blend Turkey & Rice
- Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice
- Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials
- Specialized Dog
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Turkey & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food
- Lamb & Oat Meal Formula
- Salmon & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Cognitive Health
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Giant Breed
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Salmon & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small Breed
- Salmon & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed
- Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula
- Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Sport
- Purina Pro Plan All Ages Sport Performance
- 30/20 Salmon & Rice Formula
- 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula
- 30/20 Beef & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan All Ages Sport Active
- 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula
- 27/17 Chicken & Rice Formula
- 6/16 Formula Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan All Ages Sport Performance
- Senior Dog
- Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind Small Breed
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind Large Breed
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Complete Essentials
- Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice
- Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind
Purina Pro Plan Wet Dog Food
What’s interesting is that Purina never got on the grain-free hype train as much as other brands. That’s not to say that grain-free is bad (Purina Pro Plan grain free dog food is available only in canned food). However, there is some concern about a connection between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has stated that if you choose a grain-free dog food, you should closely monitor your pet and consult a veterinarian before starting a grain-free diet.
Purina Pro Plan canned dog food is available in 5.5 and 13 oz cans, 3.5 oz trays, and 10 oz tubs, and it’s made with the following sources of protein: Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Salmon, Duck, Pork, Ocean Whitefish, Quail, and Venison.
5.5 oz cans
- Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Adult
- Shredded Turkey, Peas & Brown Rice Entrée In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Shredded Beef & Lamb Entrée In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Seared Chicken, Julienne Carrots & Barley Entrée In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Seared Beef, Green Beans & Brown Rice Entrée In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Beef & Brown Rice Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy
- Chicken & Brown Rice Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
13 oz cans
- Pro Plan Senior Adult 7+
- Beef & Rice Entrée Morsels in Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Complete Essentials Turkey & Rice Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Complete Essentials Chicken & Rice Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed
- Chicken & Rice Entrée Chunks In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Beef & Rice Entrée Chunks In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Salmon & Rice Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management
- Turkey & Rice Entrée Morsels in Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Adult
- Chicken & Vegetables Entrée Slices In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Adult Chicken & Rice Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Beef & Vegetables Entrée Slices In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Beef & Rice Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Turkey & Vegetables Entrée Slices in Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Turkey & Vegetables Entrée Slices in Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Lamb & Vegetables Entrée Slices In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Grain Free
- Turkey & Sweet Potato Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Classic Beef & Salmon Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Adult Chicken & Carrots Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Adult Classic Turkey, Duck & Quail Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Chicken & Duck Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Adult Beef & Peas Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Adult Classic Turkey & Chicken Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Chicken & Lamb Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Beef & Venison Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Beef & Chicken Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Development Grain Free Puppy
- Chicken Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Turkey Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy
- Chicken & Rice Entrée Classic Wet Dog Food
3.5 oz trays
- Pro Plan Small Breed
- Beef Entrée Chunks in Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Chicken Entrée Chunks in Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Turkey Entrée Chunks in Gravy Wet Dog Food
10 oz tubs
- Pro Plan Complete Essentials
- Braised Beef & Wild Rice Entrée Chunks In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Braised Chicken & Spinach Entrée Chunks In Gravy Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+
- Turkey & Brown Rice Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Beef & Brown Rice Entrée Wet Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Savory Meals
- Braised Pork Entrée With Real Carrots Wet Dog Food
- Braised Turkey Entrée With Barley Wet Dog Food
- Grilled Beef & Salmon Entrée With Real Sweet Potatoes Wet Dog Food
- Grilled Ocean Whitefish Entrée With Brown Rice Wet Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formulas
There’s a lot to choose from in puppy food (see above for a full list of dry and Purina Pro Plan wet dog food). Every single dry puppy food contains DHA, an important Omega-3 fatty acid required for brain development. Recipes are formulated specifically for puppies and are available for large and small breeds, puppies with sensitive skin, and stomachs.
Purina Pro Plan Senior Formulas
As dogs age, things start to change. They have worse mobility, their skin and coat begin to lose their youthful look, and cognitive health is also affected. Purina Pro Plan senior dog food in dry form is only available in Chicken & Rice formulas, while the wet food options include Turkey & Brown Rice and Beef & Brown Rice.
Purina nutrition experts added Glucosamine and EPA for joint and mobility support as well as probiotics to help senior dogs digest food with ease.
Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Recalls
As far as we could find, there has only been one Purina Pro Plan dog food recall. In March 2016, Purina recalled five varieties of Pro Plan Savory Meals, 10 oz. tubs due to inadequate vitamin and mineral levels
Conclusion
Our advice is to read Purina Pro Plan dog food reviews very carefully. Don’t judge a pet food by a few bad reviews or by the parent company. Instead, judge Purina by what it says and does. Purina preaches quality, and they show that quality in their processes — they have dog food down to a science.
Vets worldwide recommend their recipes, and from our research, we can safely say they’re one of the most reliable pet food brands on the market.
If you decide to give Pro Plan a chance, don’t forget to transition your dog a quarter bowl at a time over the course of 1-2 weeks.
Oh, and make sure to keep an eye on this page for Purina Pro Plan coupons.
FAQs
Yes, Purina Pro Plan is a great affordable dog food that contains complete and balanced nutrition for your dog no matter what size, breed, or age they are. Pro Plan is backed by thorough testing and is recommended by thousands of vets around the world.
They are very similar; however, Purina One is cheaper. Both brands prefer to have a source of animal protein as the #1 ingredient. However, Purina Pro Plan now includes pre- and probiotics in their formulas (which Purina One does not have).
The back of the dog food bag contains a feeding chart. You can also find feeding instructions on the Purina website, and anywhere Purina Pro Plan is sold.
Purina Pro Plan is available at Amazon, Chewy, Pet Supplies Plus, Petco, Petsmart, Purina Store, and Tractor Supply.
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