It’s made from what’s left of a slaughtered chicken after all the choice cuts have been removed. For this reason, we do not consider corn a preferred component in any dog food. Formulated to support the nutritional needs of growing puppies. The Food and Drug Administration regulates food recalls keeping a record of when it happens and investigating if animals were harmed. We can detail the brand’s history of recalls by collating the info available on the FDA and American Veterinary Medical Association websites.
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews. The quality of this ingredient can vary, depending on the caliber of the raw materials obtained by the manufacturer. After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.
Although it may not sound very appetizing, beef fat is actually a quality ingredient. Although corn gluten meal contains 60% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat. As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, insurance expert, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. This is mainly a grain-inclusive brand, however, they also offer a handful of grain-free options.
One option is for small and toy pups, and another is for large and giant breeds. The final option is the original puppy recipe that caters to a general population of dogs, regardless of size. All of their recipes list added vitamin and mineral supplements that help support your pup’s immunity, which means the power to fight illness and disease. This is a sign of a quality product because many cheaper alternatives do not include these micro-ingredients.
Everything about this food supports high energy levels and strong, lean muscles. Not only is salmon rich in digestible amino acids, but it also contains high levels of omega-3 and omega 6-fatty acids, which is important for a healthy cardiovascular system. The Purina One Small Bites Beef & Rice Formula was specifically pedigree adult dog food designed for adult small breed dogs. To ensure that small breeds can properly chew the dry kibbles, they are much smaller than their general purpose and large breed dog food formulas. With that said, the kibbles are still dry and textured so they can scrape away plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth.
However, upon closer inspection, it’s clear that Purina Pro Plan is the better choice. Its recipes are made with superior ingredients that provide more significant nutritional benefits for your pet. For example, puppies require more calories and protein than older dogs to give them the energy and nutrition to grow and develop properly. Additionally, consuming foods with too much calorie or fat content can cause weight gain, interfering with their ability to run, jump, and play for extended periods.
So, let’s see how these brands compare in the final life stage. There are two lamb options, one for large breeds and the other for everyone else, which is improves on the puppy stage where all the options are chicken-based formulas. Meaning it is not suitable for those intolerant of chicken meat, just those who prefer more lamb over chicken. Although they have more options than Iams with their grain-free recipes, they also use more controversial ingredients.