Purina
From LoveToKnow Dogs
Over the years, the name Purina has become synonymous for dog food. From its humble beginnings as a grocery store brand, to its current status as one of dog breeders' favorite feeds, the manufacturers of this kibble and canned dog food have been at the forefront of canine nutritional research.
Purina Brand Dog Foods
Purina Dog Chow brand Dog Food was first introduced to grocery store shelves back in 1957. Nearly ten years later it was ringing in over one billion dollars in sales each year.
Today, this popular pet food is sold in markets and pet supply stores across the globe, with formulas designed to meet the nutritional needs of both cats and dogs at all different ages.
There was a time when owners wouldn't think of feeding their new puppies anything but Puppy Chow for the first year of life. Nowadays, due to so many advancements made in the field of pet nutrition, Purina has refined its formulas to meet the specific needs of dogs at any age or activity level.
Pro Plan
This division of the dog food giant offers two main formulas that are each further refined to meet the different nutritional needs of dogs at every stage of development. Additionally, each formula can be purchased in small, large, or giant breed kibble sizes. Flavors include Lamb & Rice and Chicken & Rice.
Original Pro Plan
Pro Plan Puppy is enhanced with DHA, a nutrient that supports a puppy's developing brain functions.
Pro Plan Adult is designed to support the average nutritional needs of healthy dogs aged one to seven.
Pro Plan Senior is formulated for the special needs of dogs aged seven and up. The formula provides extra support for the immune system, but is geared toward helping less active dogs avoid obesity.
Pro Plan Extra Care is a collection of formulas designed to meet specific health care needs. Selections include Weight Management and Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula.
Selects
Pro Plan Selects reflect the latest advancements in dog nutrition.
This division uses real turkey and lamb as the main protein sources. It doesn't include ingredients such as corn, animal by-products, chemical preservatives and artificial coloring. All of these ingredients may be less expensive for manufacturing purposes, but each poses its own problems to digestibility and health.
Purina One
This division of Purina offers nutrition formulas similar to Pro Plan, but also includes Purina One® Natural Blends.
Natural Blends contain white chicken meat for protein, oatmeal and brown rice to aid digestion, sweet potatoes for anti-oxidants, and Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coats.
Making the Right Choice
Clearly, Purina has tried to create formulas designed to be all things to all dogs, nutritionally speaking. Once you're faced with all the choices available, the task of picking just the right one seems a bit formidable.
- Begin by choosing an age appropriate formula.
- Decide whether your dog needs a standard formula or would benefit from one of the natural blends that leave out ingredients known to trigger dog food allergies in some pets.
- Keep in mind any other special health issues your dog may have.
Following these three steps should guide you to an acceptable Purina formula for your pet.
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