Purina Pro Plan Sport provides targeted nutrition to support strength and endurance in sporting dogs. Their high-performance dry formulas contain various ratios of protein to fat to meet metabolic needs, preserve lean muscle tissue and ensure good body condition.
These foods are produced domestically at multiple food-processing plants in the US. Their research and expertise is provided by their team of experts.
Contents
Protein
Although its label indicates otherwise, this food actually only has an average protein level in comparison with other Purina offerings. Furthermore, it boasts above-average fat and below-average carbohydrates for best performance.
This product line provides formulas tailored for every stage of life, from puppies to seniors. Some formulas contain higher protein contents than others and some include supplements such as glucosamine and EPA to enhance joint health and mobility.
Nestle Purina PetCare makes this brand in multiple locations throughout the US, and there have never been any recalls related to it. All ingredients are thoroughly tested for quality and safety before production of dry kibble is completed in their own US facilities – however some canned products contain carrageenan which has been linked with digestive upset as well as other adverse health impacts. Their foods also avoid artificial flavors and colors as well as GMO grains and potentially inflammatory seed oils such as sunflower or soybean oil.
Fat
Purina is one of the world’s leading pet food companies, boasting an excellent reputation for advanced nutrition. Their Pro Plan range of dog foods has become particularly well-regarded due to being tailored specifically to each stage in a dog’s lifecycle.
Put your canine athlete in their element with this high-protein, nutrient-dense food! Starting off with real turkey as the primary ingredient, this formula meets their protein needs while supporting muscle recovery after exercise. A 30% protein-to-fat ratio provides metabolic energy while glucosamine and EPA provide joint support.
This recipe is free from wheat, corn, soy and gluten ingredients; contains no artificial flavors or colors; and is low in saturated fat content. Unfortunately it does not disclose its omega-6:omega-3 ratio which is important as diets high in omega-6 fatty acids have been linked to cardiovascular disease; furthermore there’s no indication as to whether its seafood ingredients come from farmed or wild fisheries.
Carbohydrates
This food’s protein levels are above average while its carb content is high, indicating lower quality ingredients and potentially leading to an elevated insulin response for dogs. Furthermore, excess carbohydrates may contribute to weight gain while negatively influencing gut bacteria levels.
Chicken is the first ingredient, as it provides essential protein. Unfortunately, however, chicken contains up to 73% water which means its contribution will only make up a small part of the final product. Corn gluten meal, wheat, whole grain corn, corn germ meal and oat meal are plant-based items with lower biological values than meat that also boast an abundance of starches to increase carb levels in this food product.
Food products made with farmed fish instead of wild-caught species tend to contain less essential vitamins and nutrients, leading to an imbalanced fatty acid balance of omega-6 to omega-3 ratios that may contribute to chronic inflammation and disease.
Vitamins & Minerals
Purina Pro Plan SPORT recipes are designed to deliver energy for strength and endurance in dogs. Their high protein content and carefully calibrated ratio of fat help your pup burn calories more efficiently.
These customized formulas are tailor-made to provide small breed dogs with advanced nutrition throughout their lives – from puppyhood through seniorhood. Incorporating probiotics for digestive and immune support.
This food uses unidentified meat as its ingredient and uses a highly processed canning method, potentially leading to losses in vitamins and minerals during processing. Furthermore, carrageenan (a thickener and texturizer linked with intestinal inflammation in some dogs) has also been added in.
This Pro Plan product received a lower score than some of the others we reviewed, with higher carb levels than is ideal in an athletic-focused dog food diet. However, unlike many similar offerings from Pro Plan, this food does not use fillers such as corn or potatoes as fillers and does not include grains known to cause sensitivities in certain dogs.
