Purina Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy With Real Beef & Rice Review

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Review of Purina Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy With Real Beef & Rice

According to our data, this Purina Puppy Chow recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. 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 Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy With Real Beef & Rice provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Purina Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy With Real Beef & Rice, we'll examine all 47 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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Poultry by-product meal is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development and overall health.

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

  5. 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.

  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. Ground rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps maintain your dog's optimal body condition.

  8. Meat and bone meal is a concentrated source of animal protein and essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. This ingredient can help support strong muscles, bones, and teeth in your dog.

  9. 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.

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

  11. Egg Flavor enhances the taste of the dog food, making it more palatable and enticing for dogs to eat.

  12. Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.

  13. Poultry digest is a concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients that supports your dog's muscle development, immune system, and overall health.

  14. Pork digest is a palatability enhancer derived from pork, providing additional flavors to the food.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

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

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

  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. 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.

  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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  33. 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.

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

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

  36. 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.

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

  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. 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.

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

  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. 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.

  44. Red 40 is an artificial colorant that is added to some dog foods to make the product more visually appealing.

  45. Yellow 5 is a synthetic dye used in dog foods for aesthetic purposes. It has no nutritional value.

  46. Blue 2 is an artificial colorant that is used to give dog food an appealing appearance. While it does not provide any nutritional value, it is generally considered safe for use in pet food when used within the recommended limits.

  47. 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 27.50%: This value indicates the minimum percentage of protein in the food. The primary contributors to this value in the ingredient list are the corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, meat and bone meal, and the actual beef. Corn gluten meal and soybean meal are high in plant-based protein, while poultry by-product meal, meat and bone meal, and beef provide animal-based proteins, which are crucial for the growth and development of puppies.

Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: The minimum fat content is largely provided by beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, soybean oil, and fish oil. These ingredients not only contribute to the overall fat content but also provide essential fatty acids that are important for a puppy's skin and coat health, as well as cognitive development.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: Fiber is an important component for digestive health. The ingredients contributing to the fiber content include whole grain corn, whole grain wheat, and ground rice. These grains contain varying amounts of fiber which help to ensure the food maintains a balanced level of digestible and indigestible fiber, promoting intestinal health.

Calories of 3754.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The calories in this puppy food come from a combination of the macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in all the ingredients, with the primary calorie-dense components being the fats (beef fat, soybean oil, and fish oil) and carbohydrates (whole grain corn, whole grain wheat, and ground rice).

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Purina Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy With Real Beef & Rice costs approximately $0.96 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $3.51
10 lbs $5.90
15 lbs $8.00
20 lbs $9.92
30 lbs $13.45
40 lbs $16.69
50 lbs $19.73
60 lbs $22.62
70 lbs $25.39
80 lbs $28.07
90 lbs $30.66
100 lbs $33.18

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have expressed satisfaction with Purina Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy With Real Beef & Rice, noting that their puppies eagerly consume the food and seem to enjoy the taste. The product has been praised for contributing to healthy weight gain in underweight dogs and is often used by rescue groups and breeders. Positive changes in puppies, such as increased energy and strong bones, have been attributed to this food.

Several owners have reported that their puppies have had no digestive issues with Purina Puppy Chow, with some noting that it has been gentle on their puppies' stomachs and has resulted in good stool quality. The kibble size is appreciated for being suitable for puppies' small mouths, and some have even used the food as treats due to their puppies' fondness for it.

While there are some negative reviews concerning digestive upset and ingredient quality, these seem to be less common. Some negative experiences with the product may be specific to individual dogs' sensitivities or dietary needs. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the chosen food meets the nutritional requirements of a specific pet.

The product has been commended for its convenience and value, with some customers appreciating the availability of larger bag sizes and the promptness of delivery. The brand loyalty to Purina is evident, with several customers sharing that they have consistently chosen Purina products for their pets over the years.