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Purina Bella Dog Food Ingredients

According to our research, Purina Bella manufactures 16 dog food recipes using 74 unique ingredients. To evaluate the quality of ingredients used by Purina Bella, we've studied all 74 ingredients. In this article, we'll share our findings on Purina Bella ingredients.

Dog Food Recipes16
Unique Ingredients74
Artificial Colors0
Animal By-Products2
Anonymous Meats1
Controversial10
Harmful1

First 5 Ingredients

Dog food ingredients in the United States are listed in descending order of pre-cooked weight. The first 5 ingredients typically constitute a significant portion of the recipe.

For Purina Bella, these are the most common ingredients found within the first 5 dog food ingredients.

  1. beef
  2. meat by-products
  3. meat by-products
  4. liver
  5. chicken

As you can see, the most common first ingredient in Purina Bella is beef. The most common 2nd ingredient is meat by-products, followed by meat by-products, liver, and chicken.

Artificial Food Coloring Dyes

Purina Bella does not use any artificial food coloring dyes. According to our records, none of the 16 Purina Bella dog foods contain artificial food dyes.

Artificial food coloring dyes are unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients. In general, we not not recommend feeding any pet foods that contain artificial dyes.

In 2010, the CSPI raised serious concerns regarding the safety of many artificial dyes. Most of the studies referenced by the CSPI involved prolonged or excessive consumption. Since most dogs consume the same foods throughout their lives, concerns raised by the CSPI are alarming to say the least.

To read more about Artificial Food Dyes, click here.

Animal By-Products

Purina Bella does indeed use animal by-products. More specifically, 2 animal by-product ingredients were found during our analysis of Purina Bella dog food ingredients.

According to AAFCO, by-products are defined as the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. In other words, animal by-products are the leftover ingredients that humans typically do not consume (lung, heart, tongue, stomach, intestine, blood, etc).

Many consumers have equated animal by-products with slaughterhouse waste. Animal by-products are still very controversial. Most premium brands have abandoned them in favor of specific named organ ingredients (duck liver, chicken heart, etc).

If you must feed a product with animal by-products, ensure that the specific animal source is specified. In other words, avoid ingredients such as meat by-products or poultry by-products.

meat by-products
14 Recipes

By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.

This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.

The following recipes contain meat by-products:

chicken by-product meal
2 Recipes

Chicken by-product meal is produced by cooking chicken by-products using a process called rendering. By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, chicken by-products contain nearly all parts of chickens which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.

Like other meat by-products, chicken by-products are considered controversial, mainly because they are inexpensive ingredients which consumers have equated with slaughterhouse waste. However, manufactures and many experts claim that animal by-products are unjustly criticized. Proponents state that "named" by-products, such as chicken by-products, supply many important nutrients required by dogs.

The following recipes contain chicken by-product meal:

Anonymous Meat Ingredients

Anonymous meats are animal-based ingredients which do not provide the source animal's name. These ingredients are controversial because they can come from almost any animal.

In addition, anonymous animal-based ingredients are very inexpensive and often the lowest quality meats that are still allowed to be used in pet food.

In general, we do not recommend feeding any products which contain anonymous meats. When in doubt, always contact the brand's customer service desk for further clarification.

Unfortunately, we've identified 1 anonymous meat ingredient used by Purina Bella.

meat by-products
14 Recipes

By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.

This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.

The following recipes contain meat by-products:

Controversial Ingredients

In most cases, ingredients which are given the controversial classification can be substituted with higher-quality alternatives. You should evaluate each controversial ingredient independently to see if there is truly a valid cause for concern.

Keep in mind, certain sacrifices often must be made to produce dog foods at a reasonable price. In general, the more expensive the product, the fewer controversial ingredients you'll find.

In our analysis, we've identified 10 controversial ingredients inside Purina Bella products. These controversial ingredients are listed below. Click on each ingredient for more information.

canola meal
2 Recipes

Canola meal is a high protein by-product of canola oil production. This ingredient is marked controversial because it may be derived from genetically modified rapeseed, which is associated with multiple adverse health affects.

The following recipes contain canola meal:

whole grain wheat
2 Recipes

Whole grain wheat contains the entire grain of wheat (the germ, bran, and endosperm). Wheat is the second most-produced cereal grain in the world (corn is the first). Although wheat is a controversial ingredient, it is not necessarily undesirable because it provides dietary fiber and many other nutrients. However, wheat contains a notable amount of plant based protein, which is inferior to meat based protein and therefore an undesirable substitution.

Wheat is also one of the most common ingredients to cause food allergies or intolerance. However, grains such as wheat are typically low offenders in comparison to certain protein sources (such as beef).

The following recipes contain whole grain wheat:

soybean flour
4 Recipes

Soybean flour contains more than 50% protein. Therefore, soybean can significantly boost the protein content of the product. The inclusion of non-meat protein typically degrades the overall quality of protein in the recipe. This degradation is due to the inferior amino acid profile of plant based proteins.

The following recipes contain soybean flour:

corn gluten meal
2 Recipes

Corn gluten meal is a by-product from the production of various corn products (corn starch, corn syrup, etc). It's very high in protein (nearly 60% protein) and therefore can significant boost the protein content of the product. Because plant based proteins such as corn gluten meal are inferior to meat based proteins (lack many essential amino acids), they are not suitable substitutes.

The following recipes contain corn gluten meal:

brewers rice
2 Recipes

Brewer's rice is the small fragments of rice kernel that are separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. The fragments do not contain the same nutrition profile of the whole kernel and therefore brewer's rice is a lower quality grain. Brewer's rice is typically regarded as an inexpensive and low quality filler.

The following recipes contain brewers rice:

wheat gluten
4 Recipes

Wheat gluten is the main protein of wheat. Although wheat gluten is mostly protein, wheat gluten is considered controversial because it significantly boosts the protein content of the product. This is undesirable because plant based protein does not provide the same amino acid profile as meat based protein.

The following recipes contain wheat gluten:

whole grain corn
2 Recipes

Whole grain corn is the entire corn kernel (the germ, bran, and endosperm). Corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in dog food.

Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.

In regards to digestibility, the claims of "highly digestible" are only true if corn is processed into a meal or flour and subsequently cooked. In regards to the protein contribution, we must note that corn is a plant based protein which does not contain all of the necessary amino acids required by dogs to sustain life. Therefore substituting corn for meat is an unsuitable substitution and actually degrades the overall protein quality of the product.

Finally, we'll discuss the claims about vitamins and minerals in corn. Although corn does provide many vitamins and minerals, it not necessarily an exceptional ingredient in this regards. There are many other ingredients which are more complete and biologically appropriate. Therefore the usage of corn as the primary ingredient in dog food should certainly warrant further questioning.

The following recipes contain whole grain corn:

liver
10 Recipes
meat by-products
14 Recipes

By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.

This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.

The following recipes contain meat by-products:

chicken by-product meal
2 Recipes

Chicken by-product meal is produced by cooking chicken by-products using a process called rendering. By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, chicken by-products contain nearly all parts of chickens which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.

Like other meat by-products, chicken by-products are considered controversial, mainly because they are inexpensive ingredients which consumers have equated with slaughterhouse waste. However, manufactures and many experts claim that animal by-products are unjustly criticized. Proponents state that "named" by-products, such as chicken by-products, supply many important nutrients required by dogs.

The following recipes contain chicken by-product meal:

Potentially Harmful Ingredients

Harmful ingredients are those which have been linked to adverse health effects. In general, we do not recommend feeding any product which contains any harmful ingredients.

There are certain situations where these ingredients may be necessary. We always recommend contacting Purina Bella for further clarification regarding any harmful or controversial ingredient.

We have identified 1 harmful ingredient used in certain Purina Bella recipes. To learn more, click on the ingredient's name.

menadione sodium bisulfite complex
2 Recipes

Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."

The following recipes contain menadione sodium bisulfite complex:

Purina Bella Dog Food Ingredient Lists

Purina Bella

Natural Bites
With Real Chicken & Beef
Purina Bella
Natural Bites With Real Chicken & Beef
First Five Ingredients
chicken
whole grain corn
whole grain wheat
corn gluten meal
beef fat

Purina Bella

Natural Bites
With Real Turkey & Chicken
Purina Bella
Natural Bites With Real Turkey & Chicken
First Five Ingredients
turkey
whole grain corn
whole grain wheat
beef fat
corn gluten meal

Purina Bella

Morsels In Sauce
Filet Mignon Flavor With Carrots & Spinach
Purina Bella
Morsels In Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor With Carrots & Spinach
First Five Ingredients
water sufficient for processing
meat by-products
chicken
wheat gluten
dried carrot

Purina Bella

Morsels In Sauce
Prime Rib Flavor With Carrots & Potatoes
Purina Bella
Morsels In Sauce Prime Rib Flavor With Carrots & Potatoes
First Five Ingredients
water sufficient for processing
meat by-products
chicken
wheat gluten
dried carrot

Purina Bella

Morsels In Sauce
Roasted Turkey Flavor With Pumpkin & Spinach
Purina Bella
Morsels In Sauce Roasted Turkey Flavor With Pumpkin & Spinach
First Five Ingredients
water sufficient for processing
meat by-products
chicken
wheat gluten
soybean flour

Purina Bella

Morsels In Sauce
Rotisserie Chicken Flavor With Carrots & Tomatoes
Purina Bella
Morsels In Sauce Rotisserie Chicken Flavor With Carrots & Tomatoes
First Five Ingredients
water sufficient for processing
meat by-products
chicken
wheat gluten
dried carrot

Purina Bella

Wet Dog Food
Grilled Chicken Flavor (Paté)
Purina Bella
Wet Dog Food Grilled Chicken Flavor (Paté)
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
meat by-products
liver
carrageenan

Purina Bella

Grain-Free Paté
With Beef, Peas & Carrots In Savory Juices
Purina Bella
Grain-Free Paté With Beef, Peas & Carrots In Savory Juices
First Five Ingredients
beef
meat by-products
beef broth
liver
dried pea

Purina Bella

Grain-Free Paté
With Chicken, Carrots & Potatoes In Savory Juices
Purina Bella
Grain-Free Paté With Chicken, Carrots & Potatoes In Savory Juices
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
meat by-products
liver
dried carrot

Purina Bella

Grain-Free Paté
With Lamb, Peas & Sweet Potatoes In Savory Juices
Purina Bella
Grain-Free Paté With Lamb, Peas & Sweet Potatoes In Savory Juices
First Five Ingredients
lamb
lamb broth
chicken
meat by-products
liver

Purina Bella

Wet Dog Food
Filet Mignon Flavor (Paté)
Purina Bella
Wet Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor (Paté)
First Five Ingredients
beef
beef broth
meat by-products
liver
chicken

Purina Bella

Wet Dog Food
Porterhouse Steak Flavor (Paté)
Purina Bella
Wet Dog Food Porterhouse Steak Flavor (Paté)
First Five Ingredients
beef
beef broth
meat by-products
liver
chicken

Purina Bella

Wet Dog Food
With Beef & Smoked Bacon Flavor (Paté)
Purina Bella
Wet Dog Food With Beef & Smoked Bacon Flavor (Paté)
First Five Ingredients
beef
beef broth
meat by-products
liver
chicken

Purina Bella

Grain-Free Paté
With Beef
Purina Bella
Grain-Free Paté With Beef
First Five Ingredients
beef
beef broth
meat by-products
liver
chicken

Purina Bella

Wet Dog Food
With Chicken & Smoked Bacon Flavor (Paté)
Purina Bella
Wet Dog Food With Chicken & Smoked Bacon Flavor (Paté)
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
meat by-products
liver
carrageenan

Purina Bella

Grain-Free Paté
With Turkey
Purina Bella
Grain-Free Paté With Turkey
First Five Ingredients
turkey
turkey broth
meat by-products
liver
chicken