Why is Purina Pro Plan so popular

Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review

The Purina Pro Plan Adult product line includes the 26 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The second ingredient is rice. Is this whole grain rice, brown rice or white rice? Since the word rice doesnt tell us much, its impossible to judge the quality of this item.

The third ingredient is wheat. Like corn, wheat is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

For this reason, we do not consider wheat a preferred component in any dog food.

The fourth ingredient is poultry by-product meal, a dry rendered product of slaughterhouse waste. Its made from whats left of slaughtered poultry after all the prime cuts have been removed.

In addition to organs, this item can also include feet, beaks, undeveloped eggs and almost anything other than prime skeletal muscle.

On the brighter side, by-product meals are meat concentrates and contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh poultry.

The quality of this ingredient can vary, depending on the caliber of the raw materials obtained by the manufacturer.

We consider poultry by-products slightly lower in quality than a single-species ingredient (like chicken by-products).

The next ingredient is soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production more commonly found in farm animal feeds.

Although soybean meal contains 48% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The sixth ingredient is beef fat. Beef fat (or tallow) is most likely obtained from rendering, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Although it may not sound very appetizing, beef fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The seventh ingredient is corn gluten meal. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once corn has had most of its starchy carbohydrate washed out of it.

Although corn gluten meal contains 60% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The eighth ingredient is corn. Corn is another cereal grain and subject to the same issues as wheat (previously discussed).

The ninth ingredient is dried egg product, a dehydrated form of shell-free eggs. Quality can vary significantly. Lower grade egg product can even come from commercial hatcheries from eggs that have failed to hatch.

In any case, eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.

The tenth ingredient is fish meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.

Fish meal is typically obtained from the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.¹

Unfortunately, this particular item is anonymous. Because various fish contain different types of fats, we would have preferred to have known the source species.

Other Notable Ingredients

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Purina product.

With 6 notable exceptions

First, soybean oil is red flagged here only due to its rumored (yet unlikely) link to canine food allergies.

However, since soybean oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and contains no omega-3s, its considered less nutritious than flaxseed oil or a named animal fat.

Next, fish oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.

Depending on its level of freshness and purity, fish oil should be considered a commendable addition.

In addition, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Next, we note the inclusion of sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

Additionally, we find dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.

And lastly, this recipe includes menadione, a controversial form of vitamin K linked to liver toxicity, allergies and the abnormal break-down of red blood cells.

Since vitamin K isnt required by AAFCO in either of its dog food nutrient profiles, we question the use of this substance in any canine formulation.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients panel alone, Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food looks like an average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 30%, a fat level of 18% and estimated carbohydrates of about 44%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 31% and a mean fat level of 16%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 45% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.

Which means that this product line contains

Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods.

However, when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the soybean and corn gluten meals in this recipe, and the canola meal and pea protein contained in other recipes, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing just a moderate amount of meat.

What Do Others Say About Purina Pro Plan Dog Food?

At the time of this update

Chewy customers rate Purina Pro Plan 4.7 out of 5 stars and 96% say they would recommend it to others.

Heres an actual user review

Sample buyer review You cannot go wrong with Pro Plan, so many blends for so many dogs ! You have to find the right blend for your dog. This Shredded Blend is pretty good. You have the larger kibble mixed with the shreds.The kibble is hard and the shreds are soft. I have three German Shepherds and they love it ! However if they eat it too fast the shreds kinda make them choke a bit. Other than that This blend comes in a 47lb bag ! GREAT !! And at a sweet price of course Try it for your medium to large dog. they will like it.. You can even put warm water on it. they love that !

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

Purina Pro Plan Price Surge: What You Need to Know

In recent months, pet owners have been taken aback by the sudden increase in prices for one of the most popular pet food brands on the market, Purina Pro Plan. With changes in economic conditions, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, understanding this price surge can help pet owners make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Why the Price Increase? Economic factors and increased demand have pushed prices up.
• How to Mitigate the Impact? Explore alternatives, use discounts, and consider bulk buying.
• Where to Find the Best Deals? Online retailers and local pet stores often offer competitive prices.

Economic Tides Turning

The price hike is largely attributed to global economic pressures such as inflation, which has affected the cost of raw materials and transportation. Additionally, an increased demand for high-quality pet food has made Purina Pro Plan a hot commodity, further driving up prices.

Comparing Costs: Then and Now

As shown in the table, the average price increase hovers around 20%, a significant jump for regular buyers.

Finding Budget Relief: Tips and Tricks

Leverage Loyalty Programs: Most pet stores offer loyalty programs that provide discounts, coupons, or points that can lead to savings over time.

Consider Store Brands: Many pet stores have their own brands that offer similar nutritional value at a reduced cost.

Buy in Bulk: Larger bags often provide better value per pound and reduce the frequency of purchases.

Stay Alert for Sales: Keep an eye on both online and brick-and-mortar stores for sales and special promotions.

First-hand Experiences from Pet Owners

Several pet owners shared their strategies for coping with the price hike:

• Emily, Dog Owner: I started buying during sales and storing extra bags. It saves a good amount each month.
• John, Cat Owner: Switching to a store brand was tough at first, but my cat adapted well, and the savings are worth it.

Future Projections: Will Prices Stabilize?

Experts suggest that while the current economic climate continues to influence prices, there may be stabilization as supply chains recover and inflation rates potentially decrease. However, the timeline remains uncertain.

Conclusion: Staying Informed and Adaptable

The surge in Purina Pro Plan prices reflects broader economic trends affecting various consumer goods. By staying informed and adaptable, pet owners can manage these increases without compromising the quality of care for their beloved pets. Always look for the best value, consider alternatives, and take advantage of promotional offers to mitigate the impact of these price hikes.

Pet owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive in seeking out the best deals and nutritional options for their pets in this fluctuating market. Remember, a little planning and flexibility can go a long way in managing your pet care budget effectively.

Insights from Industry Experts

A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Hammond, Veterinary Nutritionist

Q: Dr. Hammond, what are your thoughts on the recent price surge of Purina Pro Plan?

Dr. Hammond: Its certainly a topic of concern among pet owners. The surge can be attributed to multifaceted pressures. Global commodity prices have soared, impacting the cost of ingredients like meat and grains. Moreover, energy prices have escalated, which affects everything from manufacturing to distribution. These factors combine to push pet food prices upward, with premium brands like Purina Pro Plan feeling the brunt.

Q: With rising costs, what nutritional advice would you offer to pet owners looking for alternatives?

Dr. Hammond: Its imperative to prioritize quality over price alone. Pets have specific dietary needs based on their age, health, and activity level. If switching brands, look for products that meet AAFCO guidelines. Consider recipes that use fewer but higher-quality ingredients. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to fillers and additives, which dont necessarily benefit pet health.

Q: Are there lesser-known impacts of these price increases on pet health?

Dr. Hammond: Absolutely. Theres a risk that pet owners might cut corners, potentially switching to lower-quality food or reducing portion sizes, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies or weight issues. Its crucial to discuss any dietary changes with a vet, ensuring any transition meets the pets nutritional needs without interruption.

Insights from Tom Sanders, Pet Supply Retail Manager

Q: Tom, from a retail perspective, how are you addressing customer concerns about pet food price increases?

Tom Sanders: Were very proactive in communicating with our customers. Education is keywe host information sessions and provide literature on understanding pet food labels and ingredients. We also negotiate with suppliers to offer promotions and bulk purchase discounts, helping alleviate some of the financial burden for our customers.

Q: What trends are you observing in consumer behavior since the price hike?

Tom Sanders: Theres a noticeable trend towards bulk buying. Customers are also showing more interest in our loyalty programs and in-house brands, which are priced more economically. Additionally, theres a surge in interest in natural and locally sourced pet foods, as some customers perceive them as more value-driven over the long term.

Q: Any final thoughts on what the future holds for pet food pricing?

Tom Sanders: Its a volatile market, but were hopeful for stabilization. We might not see prices drop back to previous levels, but we expect them to plateau as supply chain issues are resolved and market pressures ease. Our role is to keep finding innovative ways to deliver value to pet owners and ensure their pets are well-fed and healthy.

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