Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula Review

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Review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula

According to our data, this Purina Pro Plan recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for adult dogs and growing puppies. 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 Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs and growing puppies.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula, we'll examine all 54 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. Corn starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog. It's also often used as a thickening agent in wet dog foods.

  2. Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.

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

  4. Partially hydrogenated canola oil (preserved with TBHQ) is used as a source of fat and energy, contributing to a balanced diet and helping to maintain a healthy coat and skin for your dog.

  5. Glycine is an amino acid that plays a critical role in the synthesis of proteins and other vital compounds within your dog's body. It aids in collagen production, supports healthy joints, and helps maintain a strong immune system.

  6. L-glutamic acid is an amino acid that plays a vital role in maintaining your dog's immune system, muscle health, and brain function.

  7. Coconut Oil is a source of healthy fats which can support your dog's skin and coat health, and it also possesses some antimicrobial properties.

  8. L-alanine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in your dog's metabolism and energy production. It also helps to maintain a healthy immune system, supports muscle health, and aids in the synthesis of various proteins required for your dog's overall well-being.

  9. L-aspartic acid is an amino acid that plays a vital role in your dog's metabolism and helps support muscle growth and repair.

  10. Powdered cellulose is a natural source of dietary fiber that promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain your dog's weight by providing a feeling of fullness without adding extra calories.

  11. 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.

  12. L-arginine is an essential amino acid that promotes healthy blood flow, immune function, and overall vitality in dogs.

  13. L-leucine is an essential amino acid that aids in muscle recovery and growth, and it's crucial for dogs' overall health and vitality.

  14. Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, can help maintain a balanced pH in your dog's stomach, aiding digestion.

  15. L-proline is an amino acid that plays a vital role in collagen synthesis and overall connective tissue health. It can help maintain healthy joints, skin, and coat for your dog, as well as support muscle tissue repair and growth.

  16. L-serine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your dog's metabolism, muscle growth, and overall health. It helps build proteins and supports various physiological processes in your dog's body.

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

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

  19. L-valine is an essential amino acid that supports muscle growth, tissue repair, and immune function in dogs.

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

  21. L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.

  22. 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.

  23. L-isoleucine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in muscle development, repair, and recovery, supporting your dog's overall health and physical performance.

  24. 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.

  25. L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that helps support your dog's muscle growth, skin health, and overall well-being.

  26. Soybean lecithin aids in digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as promoting a shiny coat and healthy skin.

  27. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

  28. L-tyrosine is an essential amino acid that supports healthy brain function and helps regulate mood and stress response in dogs.

  29. L-histidine is an essential amino acid that plays a vital role in protein synthesis and overall health in dogs, supporting immune function and tissue repair.

  30. Inulin is a natural prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health and overall immune function.

  31. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.

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

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

  34. Magnesium oxide is a source of magnesium, which is necessary for many processes in your dog's body, including muscle function and nerve transmission.

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

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

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

  40. 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.

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

  42. 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.

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

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

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

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

  47. 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.

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

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

  52. 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.

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

  54. 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 19.80%: The crude protein content is a measure of the total amount of protein in the food. In this formula, the protein comes from amino acids like glycine, L-Glutamic acid, L-Alanine, L-Aspartic acid, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, L-Arginine, L-Leucine, L-Proline, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Threonine, DL-Methionine, L-Isoleucine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine, L-Histidine, and L-Tryptophan. These are all individual amino acids added to the diet to provide the protein content, rather than traditional protein sources like meat or fish meal.

Crude Fat (min) of 8.00%: The crude fat content is indicative of the amount of fats and oils in the food. The fats in this formula likely come from partially hydrogenated canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, soy lecithin, fish oil, and soybean oil. These ingredients contribute to the energy content as well as essential fatty acids that are important for the dog's health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: Crude fiber represents the portion of the food that is indigestible. The powdered cellulose and inulin are likely the primary contributors to the fiber content in this diet. Fiber is important for gastrointestinal health and regularity.

Calories of 3322.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. All the macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates - contribute to the total caloric value. In this case, the carbohydrates provided by corn starch and tapioca starch, along with the fats mentioned above, are the main contributors to the caloric content of the food.