What food is better than Purina Pro Plan
Purina ONE vs. Purina Pro Plan: Whats The Difference?
Comparing Purina Pro vs. Purina ONE as the potential food for your pup, but arent sure what the differences are? We look at both types of food from Purina and walk through whats different but whats similar and what you can expect if you choose this food for your dog.
Youll find that because Purina is the manufacturer, there are many similarities between each food. But at the core, the nutritional content is very different. Youll find that each formula has different protein, fat, and caloric content, which is important when picking a food for your dog.
Many people have successfully transitioned their pups to grain-free food, which is important to think through because neither of these brands has a grain-free offering. You are better off sticking with other brands weve compared, like Acana vs. Orijen or Blue Buffalo and Nutro. With that being said, Purina has a very good reputation for dog food, and below we look at each so you can determine which is best.
At a Glance: Purina ONE vs. Purina Pro Plan
Sensitive Stomachs
Purina Pro Sensitive Stomach
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Purina Brand History
Purina is currently owned by Nestle, and they are a huge global company headquartered in St Louis, Missouri. They produce multiple lines of pet food products, not just these two that we are comparing. The sprawling campus has 16 buildings over 50 acres which include a dedicated four-story research facility.
Founder William H. Danforth entered the farm animal feed business by founding the Robinson-Danforth Commission Company with other partners in 1894. 8 years later, the name of the company is changed to Ralston Purina, and soon after, they expand into the pet food arena after acquiring several smaller companies. They set their focus on researching and developing tasty pet food that is full of nutrition for animals.
Through the years, Purina created many firsts, including pet food made with a then-new technology called extrusion, which is now widely known as kibble, specific puppy formulas that address the specific needs of puppies. Products in the Purina ONE line use natural ingredients and were the first line of natural pet foods. In 1986 Purina developed Pro Plan, which was the first dry food to use real meat as the number 1 ingredient. Purina also conducted a groundbreaking 14-year study to understand the dietary needs of dogs as they age, which lead to the creation of hypo-allergenic products.
The Purina ethos is simple and unchanged, responsibly sourced, expertly prepared and nutritionally essential. They list every single ingredient that is put into all of their pet food recipes and explain exactly why they include it.
Overall Comparison
Nutritional Value Comparison
The food choices we make for our pooches dictate what nutrients, vitamins, and minerals their bodies get and, ultimately, what state their health is. There is a common misconception that dogs need only meat and protein to get what they need because thats all a wild dog would eat. While domesticated dogs are loosely related to wolves in their DNA, their digestive system and metabolism have adapted through the years. Therefore, they require a wider range of ingredients and nutrition in order to be at their healthiest, which is where kibbles come in.
The table below compares the average nutritional components of Purina ONE and Purina Pro Plans size-specific most popular food:
The three major components of food products that are measured as nutritional content are protein, fat, and fiber. These are the most important for a healthy balanced diet for good reason, so lets just recap their importance in your pups diet.
Protein Content
In this category, it is evenly matched across the board with a good amount of protein in each, all above the industry-recommended standard. The only difference is the Purina Pro Plan small breed kibble adds a tad more protein. Both list real meat as the first ingredient, but one of the other top ingredients is a meat by-product for both brands. With that being said, Purina Pro is one of our favorite foods for smaller breeds like the Yorkie or the Shih-Tzu, due to that added protein.
Meat by-products are somewhat controversial as a food source, made from grinding rendered parts of poultry carcasses, and can contain beaks, bones, and offal. Although not necessarily harmful for your pet, they are not the purest of ingredients, and there is a growing number of pet owners that object to these by-products being present in dog food. They are often used to boost the protein content within. However, all the above products are highly rated online, having produced good results for their pups, so dont let this put you off them.
Protein supplies our pups with amino acids, and these are critical for energy, cellular regeneration, muscle production and repair, and healthy hair, skin, and ligaments. The required amount of protein must be provided through their regular feeding routine as they cannot produce these naturally. This is the reason why poor-quality food can lead to the deterioration of your poochs health, simply because nutritional deficiencies cause an abundance of health problems.
Fat Content
This component is also evenly matched in each size-specific food. It is no surprise that both Purina ONE and Purina Pro Plan have similar nutritional breakdowns for their size-specific recipes, as their research into what constitutes a healthy balance for your pooch has led them to these well-matched numbers.
Fat is an essential part of all dogs diets as it delivers a host of benefits, such as a strong body and healthy blood pressure, enables the delivery of fat-soluble vitamins, as well as adding a punch to the taste.
The advised protein-to-fat ratio and is advised at 2:1. So the ratio in this food is somewhat on the higher side of the AAFCO guidelines. Your pups metabolism needs to gain the nutrients from the protein before heading to the fat for extra energy, and food with too much fat will mean your dog will absorb more energy from the fat and fewer nutrients from the protein leading to them gaining weight, so this could be a concern for inactive pooches.
Fiber Content
Again, across the board, there is only a slight difference on the medium-sized products for fiber, so there is no clear winner here either.
Fiber is an essential ingredient to aid digestion and keep your poochs stools firm and their bowel movements regular. A lack of fiber in his diet can lead to constipation and sometimes problems with their anal glands, so your vet may recommend foods like these to help clear it up. Fiber also aids in the absorption of nutrients when the food is in the gut, so it is an all-around essential part of a healthy diet. The levels in these products are well within industry-recommended standards.
Winner
When it comes to nutritional content, Purina Pro is the winner here. This food line has better nutrient values and a wide variety of formulas for your pup. If you can handle the increase in cost, your dogs health may thank you for it later in life.
Flavors
As dog owners, there has come a time in most of our lives when our pooches have turned their noses up at their food. Well, like humans, dogs can sometimes become bored with the same food for every meal of every day. Luckily most foods come in a variety of flavors, and the ingredients will be slightly different, you can transition him slowly to offer him a variety of flavors if he becomes bored with his food.
Purina ONEs standard flavor is Chicken, peas, and corn, and the alternatives are Lamb and rice or Chicken and rice. Their dietary-specific kibbles for puppies, seniors, and sensitive dogs offer a Salmon and rice flavor or Salmon and Tuna with added peas and carrots.
The standard flavor of Purina Pro Plans range is Chicken, rice, and corn, but there are also other flavors for sensitive pooches, puppies, and seniors, such as Lamb and rice, Salmon and rice, and Chicken and egg recipes.
Having a wide variety of flavors can make a difference, and some flavors are specifically designed to resolve issues like bad breath.
Winner
Purina Pro has a better flavor lineup. They have multiple flavors that will allow you to test different options for your dog so they can find the perfect food. Again, theres a cost component here, but there are more options with the Pro food line, so we have to give them the win in this category.
Cost
The battle between what is affordable and what is high quality still rages on with most owners. There have been many reports or studies that have found that certain brands exaggerate or even purposely mislead consumers claiming to have the next best recipe, the best proteins, and sometimes containing miraculous healing ingredients.
So, the question is, what brand should we trust, and how do we know if we are buying the right food for the right price? Both Purina ranges meet the required standards set by AAFCO, but are they good value for money?
On a pound-for-pound comparison, it is a mixed bag with some kibbles coming out cheaper for Purina ONE and others cheaper for Purina Pro Plan. Across the board, it appears to be very similar in cost per calorie too. There is a slight anomaly with the Purina ONE small breed kibble, but I believe this is because it is only offered in a small 6lb bag rather than a 30lb+. Usually, the bigger the bag, the better the price, so if you are a small breed owner and like to buy in bulk, Pro Plan might be a better option for you.
Winner
Purina ONE wins in the cost category. They are lower-cost dog food and dont have as many high-quality ingredients as the Pro Plan formulas. If budget is your primary concern, Purina ONE is a great option compared to other lower-cost brands like Pedigree or Iams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Purinas product lines?
Essentially, not a lot. They both provide various recipes for life stages and health requirements, and they both produce good quality products that have been popular with pet owners for many years. The only real difference is that Purina Pro Plan has a larger range of health-specific recipes.
Which product line is the tastiest?
Now, this is a tough one. Both are very highly recommended by Purina. According to the reviews, dogs love both just as much, so the simple answer is that its really budget-dependent.
Which product line is a better value?
All Purina kibbles are made with science research-backed recipes, they both offer very good value for money, and as our cost comparison shows, they also draw on the price.
Final Thoughts
Both foods within this brand have an incredible reputation. They are still firm favorites for pet owners across the globe. Their caliber and dedication to research and expanding their range of products for all pets are clear to see.
Not only are the recipes tasty for your pooch, but they are also well-balanced. Like American Journey, they are great value for the money. This comparison is probably the closest you will see between two product lines, but that is no surprise given that they are produced by the same company and their scientists, so all in all, there is no clear winner.
If we had to choose one line, then Purina Pro Plan has the largest range offering, so we would crown them on that basis. However, whichever brand you decide on, you can be sure that both you and your pooch would be happy with their kibbles.
Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan Dog Food (2024)
Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan Dog Food
Both Blue Buffalo Basics LID Grain-Free and Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach are popular diets for dogs suffering from gastrointestinal distress, allergies, or other skin or stomach sensitivities.
Blue Buffalo, a company founded in the United States in the year 2000, makes it their highest priority to craft diets based on the most holistic ingredients possible. Each food is sourced locally with the entire diet manufactured in the United States. This food manufacturer found its start when the founding couples Airedale Terrier Blue was diagnosed with cancer, and a high quality diet was required to combat the effects of the disease.
As with many pet food manufacturers, Blue Buffalo has been subject to several recalls throughout the years. From 2010-2017, there were six recalls on the companys product lines. Since this time, there have been no further formal complaints or recalls.
Purina Pro Plan is one of many pet food lines produced by the Nestle Purina Petcare company. Among its other brands include Purina Dog Chow, Beneful, and Purina ONE. Nestle Purina Petcare also produces cat food, treats, and litter. Though the company traces its origins to 1894 as a farm feed manufacturer, Nestle Purina Petcare was born in 2001 through the amalgamation of the Nestle-owned Friskies PetCare Company with Ralston Purina.
Nestle Purina Petcare currently holds the title of the largest pet food manufacturer in America. Throughout the years, Nestle Purina Petcare has undergone several recalls on its various product lines, many of which were voluntary.
Blue Buffalo Ingredients
Blue Buffalo Basics LID Grain-Free is an excellent quality food to support the needs of dogs suffering from skin or stomach sensitivities. Because this diet contains no grains, it is also well-suited to dogs with allergies.
The primary ingredient in this Blue Buffalo offering is whole salmon, an exceptional quality protein that is high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to encourage good skin and coat health. Salmon is a highly flavorful meat, ensuring the taste of this food is of great appeal to dogs. The food is also enriched with a proprietary antioxidant blend known as LifeSource Bits to support a healthy immune system to help fight disease.
Blue Buffalo is free from corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, an important help for dogs struggling with digestive issues. Its emphasis on a limited list of ingredients ensures only the best quality foods that are known for their ease of processing are included in this food.
Though this formulation is grain-free, it is still quite rich in carbohydrates in the form of starchy vegetables and fruits. The second ingredient listed in this formulation is potatoes, a complex carbohydrate that contains a large percentage of dietary fiber to support digestion. Potatoes add bulk to a diet, helping dogs to feel full on fewer calories.
Peas, another starchy vegetable that belongs to the legume family, has also been added to this diet. While peas do contribute fiber, they also add to the protein, meaning not all of the protein content in this food is derived from meat. Peas have also been linked to lowered fertility rates in breeding dogs.
Salmon meal is also present in this diet, a rich and powerful concentrated form of protein. Flaxseed reinforces the omega 3 acids found in this food to encourage healthy skin and coat and to provide vital energy to allow dogs to enjoy an active lifestyle. In addition to this, flaxseed is fiber-rich. However, it is also a protein, thus meaning an additional plant ingredient contributes to the protein content found in this food.
The main healthy fat found in Blue Buffalo is canola oil. While this is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, an animal-based fat such as chicken fat or an oily fish is preferred. From canola oil, this food takes such important nutrients as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.
Natural fish flavor has been included in this recipe. Though fish will certainly increase a dogs interest in a food, natural fish flavor is a poor description of what this ingredient actually is, making its health benefits questionable.
Blue Buffalo has several dried probiotic strains included in this food. These ingredients provide a vital help for the development of healthy gut flora to promote good digestion and ease of stomach distress. Chelated minerals also feature prominently in this diet to ensure adequate absorption of critical nutrients to support optimal health.
Purina Pro Plan Ingredients
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach has been carefully formulated to provide relief for dogs that suffer from skin or stomach sensitivities. Its formulation is free from common allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, making it also well-suited to dogs with allergies. However, it is important to note that Purina Pro Plan is not a grain-free diet.
The primary ingredient in this Purina Pro Plan diet is whole deboned salmon. This powerhouse protein is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help repair damaged coat and skin and promote optimal health.
Barley has been included in this diet to form the basis of its carbohydrate content. Barley is a whole grain that is rich in fiber; however, it is insoluble fiber, meaning it is more difficult to process and utilize effectively. Ground rice and oatmeal have also been added to round out the carbohydrate profile from grain-based ingredients.
An ingredient that is the subject of some controversy is canola meal. This product is essentially a vegetable compound derived from rapeseed. Since rapeseed is often genetically modified, its health benefits are somewhat questionable. Canola meal is considered to be of lesser quality than canola oil but still contributes some important nutrients such as essential fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
To ensure an adequate amount of healthy fats in this diet, an ingredient labelled as animal fat has been added to this recipe. Healthy fats derived from animal origins are optimal sources of such powerhouse nutrients as DHA, linoleic acid, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. However, what is somewhat concerning about this ingredient is the fact that we do not know which animal the product was sourced from.
Fish meal, a highly concentrated form of protein, has also been added to this Purina Pro Plan formulation. This contributes valuable amino acids to help with the development of strong and healthy muscles. Fish meal is also naturally high in glucosamine, an important help in preserving good joint health.
For dogs suffering with digestive issues or skin sensitivities, both Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan have been proven to provide relief. Both of these diets are well-balanced though Purina Pro Plan does tend to be a little heavier on carbohydrates, most of which are derived from whole grains, making this diet perhaps more difficult for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest well.
Blue Buffalo contains 20 percent protein, 12 percent fat, and 6 percent fiber to Purina Pro Plans 26 percent protein, 16 percent fat, and 4 percent fiber. Blue Buffalo does include several plant-based proteins in its formulation, thus lowering the percentage of protein content allotted specifically to meat.
Both diets offer solid nutrition to support the needs of dogs with sensitive skin and/or stomachs.
In order for a dog to enjoy the maximum benefits from any food, they have to eat it! This means that the taste of a food is as important as the nutrients found within it.
Both Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan make whole salmon the basis of their formulation, a meat that is highly flavorful and that most dogs just love. Blue Buffalo enriches this flavor through the addition of natural fish oil. While this increases the flavor profile, it is unknown what ingredients make up this product, making its benefits somewhat questionable.
To enhance its rich flavor, Purina Pro Plan includes fish meal as one of its primary ingredients.
Blue Buffalos powerful antioxidant blend LifeSource Bits offer dogs great benefits; however, most dogs find these kibble pieces unpalatable and avoid them if possible.
Though both diets are flavorful and nutritious, Purina Pro Plan reigns supreme in this taste test.
