Pro Plan dog food review with veterinarian reviews

Every owner, regardless of the breed of the animal, wants their four-legged friend to be healthy and cheerful. Nutrition plays an important role in this. But how can you make the right choice among the variety of products?

Thanks to good quality, reasonable price and thoughtful advertising, Pro Plan dog food from Purina has become widespread.

This brand offers a line of concentrates that take into account the size, breed, age characteristics and physiological state of the animal. Depending on your taste preferences, you can purchase dry food or a wet preservative.

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Detailed composition

This food is positioned as belonging to the super premium class. However, judging by the structure, it would be correct to classify it as a Premium class, since the percentage of meat components in it is no more than 20%.

About 30 types of Pro Plan food are produced for all breeds with different tastes: beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, lamb. Depending on the variety, the composition also varies. As an example, one of the new options is Pro Plan Duo Delice with beef for adult dogs.

Judging by the description on the manufacturer’s website, the product is 100% balanced, has an excellent taste and has a positive effect on the health of the dog’s teeth and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it is mixed, that is, one package contains dry granules and soft pieces.

So, the composition of the feed:

1. Beef – 17%. Moreover, this does not mean that pure meat is used. By-products can also be used in production.
2. Dry poultry protein. The ingredient is obtained by chemically treating chicken waste, during which the beneficial properties are lost.
3. Wheat, corn. These crops increase the nutritional value of the product, but their nutritional value is zero. They are an inexpensive source of carbohydrates, which reduces the cost of feed.
4. Dry beet pulp is a good ingredient. Normalizes the amount of sugar in the dog's blood.
5. Wheat gluten, corn grits, and malt flour are sources of inexpensive vegetable protein. They add calories to the feed, but do not bring much benefit.
6. Rice – 4%. A carbohydrate that is easily absorbed by the body.
7. Animal fat. Nothing is said about the origin, so the quality is difficult to determine.
8. Egg powder is a food additive, a dry semi-finished product from chicken eggs. The set of microelements is identical to that observed in the raw product.
9. Vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants. They help strengthen the body, normalize digestive processes, and improve the condition of the coat.
10. Flavor enhancer. Makes dry food more attractive to dogs, but can cause allergies.

The manufacturer guarantees the following percentage of the main indicators of the product:

• protein – 25%;
• fats – 16%;
• ash content – ​​8%;
• fiber – 2%;
• Omega-3 and 6 acids – 0.3 and 1.6%, respectively.

The amount of carbohydrates in this product is about 40%. The coefficient is high, which once again proves that Purina food belongs to the Premium class.

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Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the product include:

• wide selection for all ages and breeds;
• medicinal, dietary, hypoallergenic food options;
• accessibility and affordable cost;
• the presence of meat and fish as the main source of protein;
• the presence of vitamins and minerals in the feed;
• the development of the composition is carried out under the supervision of professionals;
• granules are not of a hard consistency;
• packages of various weights.

Interesting article: Hypoallergenic dog food: rating of super premium food for puppies and large breeds

The Pro Plan food has some disadvantages. The most significant are:

• it is not indicated what ingredients are used, natural meat or offal;
• presence of flavoring additives;
• a large number of grain components;
• lack of berries and fruits, as in super premium food;
• the presence of components that do not provide any particular benefit to the dog’s body;
• similarity of compositions, despite diversity.

As you can see, the pros and cons are almost proportional. Product evaluation is controversial, however, reviews from veterinarians and buyers are in most cases positive. As a premium product, Pro Plan is quite good and is suitable for a dog’s daily diet.

Pro Plan food line

The range of food products of this brand is quite large. During production, age, body weight and breed characteristics are taken into account.

A veterinary line of food has also been developed - Pro Plan Veterinary diets for dogs with health problems.

For large breeds

The larger the animal, the more balanced food it needs. Therefore, he needs nutritious nutrition that allows him to maintain muscle mass and not gain weight.

The following types of dry food are available for large breeds:

1. Large Adult Optibalance with chicken - for adult dogs from one year old. Depending on the body type, this product is divided: Robust - with a powerful constitution, Athletic - athletic. The price of a package weighing 3 kg is 1390 rubles.
2. Medium & Large Adult 7+ with Optiage complex is suitable for both large dogs and medium breeds. The food is recommended for pets who have crossed the 7-year mark. It improves brain activity and keeps you active. Cost – 1200 rub. for 3 kg.
3. Medium Adult Optibalance with chicken – for adult pets of medium build. Price category within 1300 rubles.

For large breeds of dogs with vulnerable skin, Pro Plan Optiderma with salmon and rice is intended, and for those with a delicate digestive system, Adult Sensitive Digestion food based on a high content of lamb. Price – 1300 rub.

For small breeds

Small four-legged friends need a proper diet with a predominance of protein. For dogs of medium and small breeds, it is important that the food meets the daily requirements for essential microelements and vitamins.

Dry products for this category:

1. Small & Mini Adult Optibalance based on chicken (20%) and rice (7%) is produced for adult animals of small breeds. Helps maintain healthy joints, gastrointestinal tract, teeth and gums. A package weighing 3 kg costs 1350 rubles.
2. Small & Mini Adult 9+ Optiage. This food is suitable for small breed dogs aged 9 years and older. It allows you to maintain brain activity, gives you vigor, and slows down aging. Contains 14% chicken and 4% rice. Cost (700 g) – 390 rubles.
3. Small & Mini Adult Sensitive Skin with Optiderma complex containing salmon (20%) and rice (18%). The food is hypoallergenic because it contains no gluten. It improves the condition of the coat and minimizes the reaction of the skin to food components. Suitable for all four-legged friends, regardless of breed. Price – 390 rub. for 700 g.
4. Small & Mini Adult Optidigest with lamb for small dogs with vulnerable digestive systems. This product restores the microflora in the intestines, eliminates discomfort, and normalizes stool. The price category is the same.

Duo Delice food, the composition of which is discussed above, is suitable for pets of all sizes and breeds and differs only slightly in the ratio of components. The double texture of the pieces may appeal to picky eaters.

For puppies

Puppies need increased nutrition to stimulate normal growth and development. The first year of their life is fundamental and requires a scrupulous approach when choosing a diet.

Manufacturers competently approached the creation of Pro Plan food for puppies and released a line with the Optistart complex, the recipe of which includes colostrum. It is rich in antibodies, helps strengthen the dog’s immunity and reduce the risk of intestinal infections.

Product types:

1. Large Puppy with chicken and rice – food for large breed puppies. Robust or Athletic – depending on the dog’s build. Cost – 1390 rub. for 3 kg.
2. Medium Puppy is created based on the same components. Intended for feeding medium-sized puppies. The price is identical.
3. Small & Mini Puppy is suitable for babies of dwarf breeds. The composition and cost are similar to the above feeds, the difference is only in the percentage of components.

The company took care of cubs with gastrointestinal and skin problems, just like adults. Dry granules with Optiderma and Optidigest complexes also exist for this line.

Predisposition

The breed has an increased predisposition to congenital disorders of the structure of the upper respiratory tract, eye diseases, and heart pathologies.

French bulldogs are susceptible to heatstroke, so they should never be left in a poorly ventilated, stuffy area, even for a short time. Staying in a closed car in the summer can be especially harmful.

Remember: buying a puppy second-hand and without documents, even at a bargain price, is a high risk of getting a sick and mongrel animal. We advise you to familiarize yourself with the pedigree and pay attention to the puppy’s parents, because the appearance of your pet will depend on their external characteristics.

It is important to remember that when choosing a puppy, it is very important to contact a breeder you trust or a kennel with a good reputation. This way you will significantly reduce the risk of genetic diseases in your future pet.

Manufacturer

, which is a manufacturer of Pro Plan food from the USA. This major developer of food for cats and dogs is known all over the world. The company is also the owner of the Nestle brand, which is a sign of the quality of the product.

Purina branches are located in France, Italy and Russia. Products mainly produced in Russia are presented on the domestic market.

However, the highest quality food is considered to be French food, which is practically not available in pet stores. Alternatively, goods can be ordered online on specialized websites.

Origin

At the end of the 19th century in France, a breed standard with reduced size, a drier constitution and a graceful head was first developed.

It is believed that the historical homeland of French bulldogs is England. Then, in the first decades of the 20th century, English bulldogs were brought to France, where they were noticed by the French aristocracy. For a long time it was believed that French bulldogs were the dogs of the wealthy nobility.

The new breed came to Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. Here she quickly became popular among the elite: Chaliapin, Mayakovsky and other representatives of creative professions kept French bulldogs.

After the revolution of 1917, the breed was lost in Russia. In the 1960s, domestic French bulldog lovers began restoring the breed. Currently, French bulldogs are very popular in Russia.

Why is Pro Plan better than other foods?

One of the main advantages of this premium product compared to others is the wide selection. Depending on the individual characteristics and breed of the dog, the developer has selected the optimal daily diet.

And the feeding table on the package will help you avoid making mistakes with the dosage. Another advantage is the reduced phosphorus content, which reduces the load on the kidneys.

A huge advantage is the presence of a treatment line. You can choose nutrition in accordance with the existing disease, and thereby improve the condition of your pet.

Medicated food should be given to a dog only after consultation with a veterinarian.

An undoubted advantage is the availability of the product. It is available in any pet store, and packages of different weights will help you make a choice in favor of one product or another at the lowest cost.

Care

Undoubtedly, French bulldogs are companion dogs, ideal for living in an apartment or private house. They do not require high loads or long walks, but they do need off-leash runs.

Like all brachycephalics, they are contraindicated for prolonged exposure to heat and heavy physical activity.

French Bulldogs are not washed often. The wool is cleaned with a soft brush or cloth. Dogs of this breed require regular care of the folds on the face and the skin between the toes, as well as the ears and eyes.

Feeding table

Each package contains a table in which the manufacturers indicate the dosage of the Pro Plan food. It details how much food to give your dog depending on weight, breed and activity.

As you grow, your diet should change. When reaching a year, you need to use food for adult dogs, after 7 years - for aging dogs.

Approximate dosage:

For puppies, regardless of breed, slightly different food intake requirements are needed. A growing body requires nutrients, so its daily need for food is greater than that of an adult dog.

Amount of feed, g/day, divided into 5-6 doses:

• for young dogs of small breeds – 200-450;
• average kids – 450-600;
• large – 600-900.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Puppies should only be given food formulated for their age group.

Dimensions, weight. Appearance

The height and weight of the German Spitz dog breed varies: the height of the giant Spitz (Keeshond or Wolfspitz) is 55 cm, and the weight is about 20 kg. The height of dwarf Spitz does not exceed 22 cm, weight - no more than 3.5 kg.

In life and in photos, the Spitz dog is distinguished by its proportionality and relatively long limbs. The head is small, the frontal part is developed, the ears are pointed, the muzzle is not wide, slightly shortened. The body, shoulders, hips and tail thrown over the back are abundantly covered with fur, represented by guard hair and undercoat.

The color of Spitz dogs is very diverse. In the United States, the recognized colors of the breed are blue, chocolate and sable, blue and tan, Biewer, and tricolor.

Adviсe

When feeding dry granules, it is important to adhere to the drinking regime. On average, an animal needs 50 g of liquid per 1 kg within 24 hours. You should not force your dog to drink water. It is enough to provide her with constant access to clean water.

It is advisable to soak dry food for babies whose teeth are not yet strong, pets with gastrointestinal problems and aging dogs. It is diluted with clean warm water to a pasty state.

You can use low-fat kefir, and for puppies up to 5 months old - boiled milk. Uneaten food remains are immediately disposed of to avoid souring.

Disease susceptibility

The following genetically determined anomalies and pathologies occur in Spitz dogs: false polydontia, tracheal collapse, patent ductus arteriosus, medial luxation of the patella, cryptorchidism, portosystemic shunts; puppies often have sensitive digestion.

With age, Spitz dogs may develop: heart valve disease (endocardiosis), tartar, chronic rhinitis and laryngotracheitis. The Spitz is prone to heat stroke and skin inflammation.

In any case, it is worth remembering that there is no breed of dog whose representatives never get sick. It is important to buy puppies only from trusted breeders from parents with healthy pedigrees. This minimizes the likelihood of genetic pathologies. To prevent diseases, it is necessary to carry out a general medical examination of your pet at least once a year.

Reviews from veterinarians

Nikolay Sergienko: “As a doctor, I can say that Pro Plan food can be confidently classified as premium. A balanced composition will keep your pet active.”

Olga Zaitseva: “This food should be given with caution to animals prone to allergies, as it contains grains. The answer is gluten-free food for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.”

Makarov Pavel: “Regarding this food, questions arise regarding the quality of meat products. In addition, it contains flavoring and a high percentage of carbohydrates. It cannot be said that Pro Plan food belongs to the super premium class, however, if it is not possible to buy elite food, this option is temporarily suitable.”

As you can see, reviews of the product are mostly good. By purchasing it, you can be sure that it will not harm the dog. But when purchasing, it is better to give preference to an imported manufacturer in order to get a quality product.

brief information

A medium breed of dog, it belongs to the group of brachycephals (dogs with a short muzzle).