Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CN Critical Nutrition Canine & Feline Formula (Canned) Review

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Review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CN Critical Nutrition Canine & Feline Formula (Canned)

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

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CN Critical Nutrition Canine & Feline Formula (Canned) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog And Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dog and cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CN Critical Nutrition Canine & Feline Formula (Canned), we'll examine all 38 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. Water is an essential ingredient in wet dog food, providing hydration and helping to maintain the proper texture of the food.

  2. Meat by-products are a source of protein and essential nutrients for your dog, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. They are derived from the non-rendered parts of animals, excluding meat, and can include organs, bones, and other tissues, providing a diverse range of nutrients.

  3. 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.

  4. Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat, high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to your dog's overall health and vitality.

  5. Poultry giblets are a nutrient-dense and protein-rich ingredient, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  6. Corn oil is a source of essential fatty acids which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat in dogs.

  7. Rice flour is a gluten-free carbohydrate source for dogs, providing energy and promoting healthy digestion. It is suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to common grains like wheat and corn.

  8. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  9. Artificial flavor is added to enhance the taste of the dog food, making it more appealing to your pet, though it does not provide any nutritional benefits.

  10. 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.

  11. Pork fat (preserved with TBHQ and citric acid) is a source of energy and essential fatty acids for your dog. It supports healthy skin, coat, and immune function, while also adding flavor to their food. The preservatives TBHQ and citric acid help maintain the freshness and quality of the fat, ensuring a longer shelf life for the dog food.

  12. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

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

  14. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

  15. Oat hulls are a natural source of dietary fiber, which can support healthy digestion in your dog, keeping them feeling full and satisfied.

  16. Calcium sulfate is a natural source of calcium, an essential mineral that helps maintain strong bones and teeth in your dog. Calcium is also important for nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

  17. Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.

  18. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

  19. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

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

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

  22. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

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

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

  26. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

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

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

  29. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

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

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

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

  35. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 9.50%: The crude protein content is primarily contributed by the animal-based ingredients such as meat by-products, beef, liver, poultry giblets, and salmon. These ingredients are rich in proteins that are essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues in both canines and felines. The minimum percentage indicates that the product contains at least 9.50% protein, which is important for pets requiring a protein-rich diet, especially during recovery or critical care.

Crude Fat (min) of 7.50%: The crude fat content mainly comes from ingredients like corn oil, pork fat, and the natural fats present in the meat by-products, beef, and poultry giblets. These fats provide a concentrated source of energy and are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The minimum of 7.50% fat ensures that the diet can support the energy needs of pets, particularly when they are in a critical state and may have higher energy requirements.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.50%: The crude fiber content is likely to be derived from ingredients such as oat hulls and rice flour. These ingredients contain indigestible plant material that aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health. The maximum limit of 1.50% indicates that the food is not too high in fiber, which is beneficial for pets that may have difficulty digesting large amounts of fiber or require a more easily digestible diet during recovery.

Calories of 1325.00 per kg: The caloric content is an aggregate measure of the energy provided by the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food. The high-calorie density is crucial for supporting pets in critical conditions who may need more energy for recovery but are often unable to consume large quantities of food. The combination of protein and fat sources, along with the carbohydrates from rice flour, contributes to the total caloric content of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CN Critical Nutrition Canine & Feline Formula (Canned) costs approximately $9.21 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog and cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $148.93
10 lbs $250.47
15 lbs $339.49
20 lbs $421.25
30 lbs $570.96
40 lbs $708.45
50 lbs $837.51
60 lbs $960.23
70 lbs $1077.92
80 lbs $1191.46
90 lbs $1301.50
100 lbs $1408.52

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many pet owners have seen remarkable improvements in their pets' health after switching to Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CN Critical Nutrition. One cat owner reported that their 18-year-old cat with hyperthyroidism and dental issues recovered well, gaining weight and showing better overall health. Another customer's 16-year-old dog, who had become lethargic and refused most foods, regained energy and enthusiasm for life after starting on this diet. Similarly, a senior cat that had stopped eating and was losing weight responded positively by gaining a pound within two weeks of starting the food.

Several reviews highlighted the food's effectiveness in critical care situations. A puppy with mobility issues made a full recovery, and a kitten needing a high-calorie diet to overcome illness gained weight rapidly and became energetic. Owners of senior pets, particularly those facing terminal illnesses or unexplained weight loss, found that their pets enjoyed the food and were able to maintain or gain weight, which they felt bought them more quality time together.

Despite some negative feedback regarding the food's ingredients or price, the majority of reviews focused on the positive outcomes for pets in need of special nutrition. One cat owner was able to successfully hide medicine in the food, and many noted that even picky eaters took to the diet well. A rescued Boxer saw significant health improvements in just two weeks, and a cat with Irritable Bowel Syndrome gained weight after starting the food. Overall, customers who used the product as prescribed by their veterinarians often recommended it highly for pets requiring critical nutritional support.