Purina Pro Plan Small Breed (Specialized) Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula For Adult Dogs Review

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Review of Purina Pro Plan Small Breed (Specialized) Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula For Adult Dogs

According to our data, this Purina Pro Plan recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Unlike other AAFCO approved dog foods which rely in laboratory testing to substantiate nutritional adequacy, this recipe has undergone feeding trials. In the pet food industry, feeding trials are often considered to be the superior testing method.

Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Purina Pro Plan Small Breed (Specialized) Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula For Adult Dogs provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Purina Pro Plan Small Breed (Specialized) Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula For Adult Dogs, we'll examine all 44 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.

  2. Rice is a carbohydrate source that is easy to digest and provides quick energy for dogs. It can also serve as a dietary fiber, supporting gut health.

  3. Chicken by-product meal is a concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your dog's growth, maintenance, and immune system support. It's made from the clean parts of the chicken, such as the neck, feet, and viscera, which are rich in nutrients.

  4. Beef Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of energy and fat-soluble vitamins, and tocopherols help keep the fat fresh and rancid-free.

  5. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing that serves as an alternative protein source for dogs. It is rich in essential amino acids, and it can also provide energy and support healthy skin and coat for your pet.

  6. Soybean meal is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle growth and overall health, while also being highly digestible.

  7. Whole grain corn is a wholesome carbohydrate source that provides your dog with the energy they need to stay active and healthy, while also delivering essential nutrients.

  8. Whole grain wheat is a source of wholesome fiber, promoting good digestive health, and it also provides essential nutrients like protein and B vitamins.

  9. Corn germ meal is a source of protein and energy, providing essential fatty acids and fiber to support your dog's digestion and overall health.

  10. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  11. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  12. Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.

  13. Glycerin is a natural ingredient used as a humectant to help maintain the moisture content of dog food, keeping it fresh and palatable.

  14. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  15. Fish meal is a highly digestible protein source for dogs, providing essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. It supports skin and coat health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

  16. Wheat bran is a high-fiber ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain regular bowel movements in dogs. It also provides essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.

  17. Soybean oil is a plant-based source of healthy fats in dog food. Rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, soybean oil helps support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their immune system. It also provides energy for active dogs and assists in nutrient absorption.

  18. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  19. Monocalcium phosphate is a source of calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals that help support your dog's healthy bones, teeth, and overall growth. It also aids in proper nerve function and energy metabolism.

  20. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  21. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  22. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  23. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  24. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  25. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  26. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  27. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  28. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  29. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  30. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  31. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  32. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  33. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  34. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  35. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  36. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  37. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  38. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

  39. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  40. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  41. L-lysine monohydrochloride is an essential amino acid that is crucial for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and the production of antibodies. It's a beneficial supplement that supports your dog's overall health.

  42. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  43. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

  44. Garlic oil contains natural compounds that can help support your dog's immune system and may act as a natural flea and tick repellent.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 29.00%: The high protein content is primarily derived from beef, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and fish meal. These ingredients are rich in proteins and are commonly used in dog foods to ensure a high level of this macronutrient. Beef and chicken by-product meal are animal-based proteins that provide essential amino acids, while corn gluten meal and soybean meal are plant-based proteins that also contribute to the overall protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The crude fat in the diet comes mainly from beef fat, soybean oil, and the natural fats present in the beef and chicken by-product meal. Beef fat is a common source of animal fat in dog foods and is preserved with mixed-tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) to prevent rancidity. Soybean oil provides additional fat and essential fatty acids, contributing to the energy density and palatability of the food.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, which is typical for dog food designed for small breeds that may have more sensitive digestive systems. Ingredients contributing to the fiber content include whole grain corn, whole grain wheat, wheat bran, and dried beet pulp (if present, though not listed). These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to support healthy digestion without being too high to cause gastrointestinal upset.

Calories of 4191.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is a measure of its energy density. The calories are derived from the combined macronutrients in the food, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in the food come from ingredients such as rice, whole grain corn, and whole grain wheat, which provide energy as well as some vitamins and minerals. The high caloric content is suitable for small breeds, which often have higher metabolic rates and energy needs than larger breeds.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Purina Pro Plan Small Breed (Specialized) Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula For Adult Dogs costs approximately $3.25 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $16.64
10 lbs $27.98
15 lbs $37.92
20 lbs $47.06
30 lbs $63.78

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.