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 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.
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.
The dry kibbles also support dental health, which is important for senior dogs with a higher chance of oral health issues. This Purina dog food blend is rich in prebiotic fiber, so your little dog’s digestive system will continue to function properly. This is especially important for immune system function, which becomes even more vital as the dog ages. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help support healthy skin and coat so your dog will look its best.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Purina product. Although soybean meal contains 48% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat. The seventh ingredient lists soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production more commonly found in farm animal feeds. On the brighter side, by-product meals are meat concentrates and contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. The next ingredient is chicken by-product meal, a dry rendered product of slaughterhouse waste.
The meat, grains and produce ingredients alone should be enough for our pups, and most higher quality brands do not use these fillers. Iams also use meat by-products, which is a controversial pedigree adult dog food ingredient. Many say it is a lower-quality meat ingredient because it is the rest of the non-meat animal carcass. But the quality all depends on what goes into this ingredient.
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.
With so many high-quality dog foods available today, there is no need to compromise when it comes to what you feed your beloved pet. So do your research, read the ingredient labels carefully, and choose a brand that you can feel confident about giving your dog every day. So whether you’re looking for a food that will help your senior dog maintain muscle mass or food that will help your adult dog maintain a healthy weight, Pro Plan has you covered.
Iams offers seven adult options for adults across their entire range. There are three standard kibble recipes, catering to large breeds, small breeds, and all-sized pups who prefer smaller kibble bites. There are two healthy weight options, one for large breeds and the other for all other sizes. Like humans, all dogs are different and have different taste buds and dietary needs.A dog’s three different life stages have varying nutritional requirements.