A detailed review of Purina Van dog food, its composition, pros and cons

Ready-made diets for dogs are available in different forms. There are dry granulated food, pates, canned food. They differ in composition. As a rule, each manufacturer produces all types of feed. Today you can see many brands in the market. But which one should you choose? Dog walkers often get lost. After all, you want to buy the best dry dog ​​food so as not to harm the health of the animals. Purina food is considered to be quite advertised. All companies praise their products. But is Purina really a good nutrition? This article will tell you about this.

About the manufacturer

125 years have passed since the opening of the Italian company Ralston Purina. The company specialized in the production of feed for horses and cattle. In the 20th century, the first workshops for the production of ready-made food for cats and dogs appeared. Several decades later, the shares were sold to the famous company Nestle, which continues to produce food for pets. Purina entered the Russian market relatively recently and quickly gained popularity among dog lovers.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a premium balanced food for cats. It can be a good replacement for natural food, as it contains all the necessary nutrients for a pet. The disadvantages of Royal Canin include the presence of various types of chemicals: dyes, preservatives, flavor enhancers, etc. The line of medicinal food from this company is of higher quality. But if your pet tolerates this type of food well, then you can stop with it. It wins among food in its class with relatively good quality, price and availability in any pet store. But since Royal Canin production has been established in Russia, its quality has dropped significantly, so it is best to order European-made food, if possible.

Variety of feed types

Purina Van food is primarily developed for small breed dogs. The company's official website publishes data on chicken and rice-based nutrition for dogs of medium and large breeds weighing over 10 kg. The choice of products designed for decorative pets is more extensive. This includes dry food and pouch (wet) food in a variety of flavors.

The former consist of small granules that harden during long-term storage, and croquettes that retain their original appearance. Before feeding, they must be soaked in warm boiled water or in a small amount of low-fat kefir.

Dry ruler “Mini”:

1. “Adult.” For dogs from 1 to 6 years old who lead a quiet lifestyle. Consists of beef and rice.
2. “Active.” Suitable for animals with increased physical activity involved in sports (agility, frisbee dog). The product is based on chicken and rice.
3. “Healthy weight” with reduced fat content. Designed for dogs prone to gaining extra pounds, it contains rice and turkey.
4. “Sensitive.” Designed to meet the needs of pets suffering from gastrointestinal problems and prone to allergic reactions. Based on salmon and rice, the Purina One brand is sometimes purchased as a medicinal dog food. This product is not such.
5. “For puppies” based on chicken and rice.

Categories of wet food “Mini” (in gravy):

• “Adult” with the addition of chicken, carrots and green beans or beef, potatoes and peas.
• “Sensitive” based on salmon, rice and carrots.
• “Healthy Weight” with turkey, carrots and peas or chicken, brown rice and tomatoes.
• “Active” with duck, pasta and green beans or beef, potatoes and carrots.

The price starts from 30 rubles per pack. “Drying” is available in bags weighing 200, 600 grams, 1.5 and 3.8 kg for medium and large breeds. The cost varies from 120 to 340 rubles, depending on the weight of the package.

Arden Grange

Arden Grange is a super premium range of pet products. It is popular in European countries, as it is one of the highest quality in its class. The food does not contain artificial colors, enhancers and other chemicals that help the animal become accustomed to the food. Arden Grange consists only of natural and well-balanced ingredients, and also contains enzymes and prebiotics that promote better absorption of the product. Its quality is confirmed by European quality control and positive reviews from many veterinarians. In terms of quality, this line is close to the holistic class, which is also evidenced by the relatively high price of Arden Grange.

Composition of Purina One food

The manufacturer positions “Purina Van” as a super premium product. The composition looks like this:

• dry poultry protein;
• wheat;
• corn;
• beef (14%);
• animal fat.

The first five ingredients are enough to draw the right conclusions. In addition to the above, rice (4%), soy flour, flavorings, gluten, glycerin, propylene glycol, minerals and vitamins, and fish oil are noted.

Guaranteed performance:

• protein - 26%;
• fat - 17%;
• raw ash - 7%;
• crude fiber - 1.5%.

Let's look at the composition of the feed in more detail:

1. In first place is dry poultry protein. The product is the basis of good nutrition and helps maintain the central nervous system (CNS). Several years ago, there was a growing opinion about the danger of high amounts of the additive in animal nutrition, allegedly, it negatively affects the kidneys. Veterinarians have refuted this claim. In our case, obtained as a result of deep processing of carcasses, it loses its beneficial properties, turning into ordinary protein.
2. In super premium products, meat is the main product. The manufacturer must indicate the percentage amount, type (fresh or dehydrated), and from whom it was obtained. There is nothing like this in the composition of disassembled dry food. The mention of “poultry” seems too vague; the manufacturer is silent about what we are talking about. When the exact source of protein is not indicated, the owner should be prepared for the fact that it was obtained as a result of euthanasia, mortality, death or natural death of an animal or bird.
3. Next comes wheat and corn. Cheap feed fillers, the dog’s body is not able to absorb them. The number is unknown, but cereals are in second and third place. For a good food, this is completely unacceptable; the composition must contain vegetables and fruits instead of the declared carbohydrates.
4. Beef is in fourth place (14%). It remains to find out what is hidden under this word. This may include offal, leather, hooves, horns and other waste.
5. Animal fat closes the top five. Low grade lard, not useful for higher quality production.
6. Rice serves as a source of carbohydrates and is easily and quickly digested. There is negligible amount of it in Purina One food. Considering the presence of other cereals in the product, an excess of carbohydrates is guaranteed.
7. A flavoring additive is used to improve the taste and smell of food. This ingredient is comparable to a narcotic substance, because dogs become dependent on the product, refusing to eat anything else.
8. Gluten is a sticky substance found in cereal grains. Is dangerous to the health of pets. The fact is that the enzyme peptidase, which is absent in the intestines of adult animals, is responsible for its breakdown. Lingering in it, gluten makes it difficult for the villi to work, and the absorption of nutrients slows down. The food ceases to be absorbed due to damage to the mucous membrane, the four-legged animals develop diarrhea and abdominal pain. Regular consumption of the product will lead to disruption of basic intestinal function.
9. Food glycerin is a technological additive called E422. It consists of sugar alcohol, has no benefit, has a laxative effect, and leads to kidney problems.
10. Propylene glycol is a chemical that helps maintain moisture in feed and enhances flavor. Regular consumption of a product containing it provokes poisoning of the animal. Veterinarians strongly recommend avoiding this diet.
11. Fish oil is necessary for four-legged animals, it has a large amount of vitamin D, A, E, and fatty acids. Useful for puppies, serves to prevent rickets, helps a small pet grow and develop normally. Adult dogs that consume it have healthy skin, shiny coat, and rarely suffer from cardiovascular diseases. In products manufactured by Nestle, fish oil is almost in last place. It is unlikely that he is able to satisfy the needs of his pets in full.
12. Vegetables and fruits are the main source of vitamins in dry food. Due to the absence of these ingredients in Purina Van, the vitamin-mineral complex is added artificially, being chemical.
13. Ash content is the natural content of minerals in the feedstock. The required rate is from 5% to 14%. The disassembled brand has a sufficient amount of ash to saturate the body with everything necessary.
14. Fiber is a part of edible plants that dogs need. Helps normalize stool, prevent cancer, regulate blood sugar surges in animals suffering from diabetes. The optimal content in dry food is 2.5% -5%. The product contains insufficient quantities, which leads to health problems for the pet.

Based on the above, the conclusion is drawn that Purina One food is an economy class product, of low quality, and is not suitable for dogs for regular consumption.

Conclusions: Feeding an allergic dog. It's forever?

When switching your pet to a new dry hypoallergenic food, do not forget that this must be done gradually, over 5-7 days, adding an increasing dose of the new product to the usual menu. The dog should always have clean, fresh water freely available.

When choosing an anti-allergenic diet, it is necessary to take into account her individual characteristics, dietary preferences, age and lifestyle. Feed should be changed periodically. The diet must be followed daily to avoid exacerbation of the disease.

Are there any advantages over other foods?

Purina One is the best choice among economy products according to most veterinarians. The high amount of crude protein, relatively clear composition and low cost give advantages over other companies in this category. If we compare several manufacturers - Happy Dog, Chappi, Pedigree, Stout, Our Brand - the fat levels are lower than in Purina Van. A table is provided for comparison.

The product under review is the only one containing poultry protein in the first place. The rest are dominated by cheap carbohydrates - corn and wheat, there is no indication of their percentage. Meat meal comes in last place; it means waste from the food industry - leather, feathers or skin, hooves, bones. The quantity listed is unknown, because the manufacturers are silent about it. There are flavor enhancers and preservatives that negatively affect the health of pets.

Video: review of Purina Van dog food, its composition and reviews

Photo gallery

Photo 1. One line of food

Photo 2. One of the Pro Plan views

Photo 3. One of the types of Veterinary diets

Photo 4. One of the Pro Plan views

Photo 5. One of the types of One

Photo 6. Dog and Purina products

Reviews

Owner reviews of the food vary. Some are satisfied with the products, while other owners criticize them. The popular opinion goes like this:

Oksana, owner of a toy terrier

The pet runs as fast as he can to the kitchen, smelling his favorite food. The dog had no allergies or stool disorders. I am pleased with the appearance of the animal. It is active, cheerful and does not suffer from lack of appetite. The only drawback is the cost of wet food, since the male dog needs frequent feeding.

Marina, owner of the toy poodle

I fed my pet spiders. At first everything was fine, but over time the bitch began to shed heavily, the stool became more odorous, and constipation became more frequent. I had to give up this food. We switched to a better quality one, because the pet’s health is still more important than money.

Igor, owner of the chihuahua

Our Chihuahua developed allergies and problems with stool after switching to this brand. Personally, I am dissatisfied with the product; it has an unpleasant odor, poor composition and quite high consumption, despite the feeding recommendations indicated on the packaging.

Brit Premium

Brit Premium is a premium product line. The food has a well-balanced composition and is suitable for daily feeding. The product is manufactured in the Czech Republic, which can guarantee European quality control. The disadvantages include the presence of cheaper ingredients than in super premium food from the same company – Brit Care. Brit Premium, unlike higher grades, contains artificial colors and flavors. Also, these foods are not available in every pet store. The advantage of this line is its wide range: you can choose the right food for even the most picky pet at an affordable price.

Advantages and disadvantages

Of course, Purina Van is not an elite dog food, but it has its advantages.

Purina Van is one of the inexpensive foods that allows dog breeders and owners, even in difficult financial situations, to maintain the dog’s health and activity at the proper level.

Usually dogs do not feel the difference when they are switched from elite expensive food.

Purina Van is considered the most worthy economy class food.

You don’t have to worry about your pet’s health; if he likes the food, feel free to switch to it.

An excellent choice for dogs with an excellent appetite.

There is no point in looking for something more expensive, Purina Van contains all the vital ingredients, provides an accelerated metabolism, and is suitable for all types of small breeds of dogs.

The disadvantages include:

• artificial flavor additives and taste enhancers in the composition that are addictive;
• small ratio of meat to vegetables;
• Instead of meat, the food contains by-products.

Important! Make sure your dog always has access to water to drink. Ready-made food requires a lot of liquid to be fully digested.

Pets love to ask for food from your table, even when they are not hungry.

How to choose the best food, what should you pay attention to when buying it?

It is necessary to read on the front side of the package for whom the product is intended - a kitten, an adult animal, an elderly animal. On the reverse side there is information about the composition and nutritional content.

Be sure to read: What kind of porridge can be given to cats and at what age? You need to find out what percentage of meat and meat ingredients in the diet, what plant components and in what quantities are contained in the feed mixture. Conscientious manufacturers indicate which biologically active substances are added and in what quantities.

They inform you about it. what preservatives and antioxidants are included in the feed mixture. You should not purchase food that has no specific information about its composition.

1st Choice

1st Choice is a super premium food made in Canada. 1st Choice has a high-quality and balanced composition. It consists of one third animal protein, which is optimal for a healthy diet. The food contains dietary poultry meat, as well as chicken eggs and fish oil, which are sources of amino acids necessary for a balanced diet. The composition contains only natural flavors that promote better pet appetite. The 1st Choice line also contains hypoallergenic food, which is recommended by experts for the treatment of allergies in pets.

NOW Natural

The top three best foods include only holistic foods. NOW Natural line of products for cats belongs to . The main ingredient of the food is natural, boneless meat. NOW Natural does not contain by-products or grains, as the latter can cause allergies. The product contains a balanced amount of vegetables and fruits with gentle processing to preserve all the beneficial substances and deliver them to the pet. Like all holistic products, NOW Natural contains prebiotics for better absorption of nutrients. Veterinarians recommend holistic food of proven quality for proper and complete nutrition. These include NOW Natural. This line is not available in all pet stores, but it can be ordered online.