Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Specialized) Salmon & Rice Formula For Small Breed Adult Dogs Review

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Review of Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Specialized) Salmon & Rice Formula For Small Breed Adult Dogs

According to our data, this Purina Pro Plan recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Unlike other AAFCO approved dog foods which rely in laboratory testing to substantiate nutritional adequacy, this recipe has undergone feeding trials. In the pet food industry, feeding trials are often considered to be the superior testing method.

Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Specialized) Small Breed Formula For Adult Dogs provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Specialized) Small Breed Formula For Adult Dogs, we'll examine all 38 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  2. Rice is a carbohydrate source that is easy to digest and provides quick energy for dogs. It can also serve as a dietary fiber, supporting gut health.

  3. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  4. Canola meal is a high-quality protein source made from the byproduct of canola oil extraction. It provides essential amino acids and is also a good source of dietary fiber. Canola meal can support your dog's muscle growth, immune system, and overall health, while the fiber content can help with digestion and weight management.

  5. Fish meal is a highly digestible protein source for dogs, providing essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. It supports skin and coat health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

  6. Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.

  7. Beef Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of energy and fat-soluble vitamins, and tocopherols help keep the fat fresh and rancid-free.

  8. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  9. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

  10. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  11. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  12. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.

  13. Chicory root inulin is a natural prebiotic fiber that supports your dog's digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

  14. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

  15. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  16. L-lysine monohydrochloride is an essential amino acid that is crucial for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and the production of antibodies. It's a beneficial supplement that supports your dog's overall health.

  17. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  18. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  19. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  20. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  21. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  22. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  23. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  24. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  25. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  26. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  27. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

  28. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  29. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  30. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  31. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  32. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  33. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  34. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  35. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  36. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  37. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  38. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis of crude protein at a minimum of 28.00% is largely contributed by the first ingredient, salmon, which is a high-quality source of animal protein. Additionally, the canola meal, fish meal, and salmon meal further contribute to the protein content. Pea protein is another source that boosts the protein levels in the food. The high protein content is essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health in small breed dogs.

The crude fat minimum of 17.00% is primarily derived from the salmon, which contains natural fish oils that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols is also a significant source of dietary fat, which is important for energy, skin and coat health. Sunflower oil and fish oil further contribute to the fat content, providing additional essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a dog's skin and coat, particularly for those with sensitivities.

The maximum crude fiber content of 3.00% is relatively low, indicating that the food is not excessively high in indigestible plant material. The sources of fiber in this food likely include barley, rice, oat meal, and chicory root inulin. Fiber is important for digestive health, and while it is present in moderate amounts to aid in digestion, it is not so high as to cause issues for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

The caloric content of 3911.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. The salmon, barley, rice, and oat meal are all calorie-dense ingredients that contribute to the overall energy content of the food, making it suitable for the higher metabolic rates of small breed dogs.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Specialized) Small Breed Formula For Adult Dogs costs approximately $3.58 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $19.61
10 lbs $32.97
15 lbs $44.69
20 lbs $55.45
30 lbs $75.16

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have reported that Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small Breed Formula has been effective for their dogs with digestive issues. Many have noticed improvements in their dogs' stool consistency and overall digestive health. The smaller kibble size is appreciated, especially for dogs with dental issues or those that are smaller breeds.

Several dog owners have praised the formula for its positive impact on their dogs' skin and coat. They've observed their pets having shinier coats and less itching since switching to this food. The inclusion of fish oil and glucosamine is also noted as a benefit for joint health.

On the flip side, some dogs didn't take to the food, with a few experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. However, these instances seem to be the exception rather than the norm. It's important to gradually transition to new foods and consult with a veterinarian if adverse reactions occur.

A few customers have mentioned the price as a concern, but they feel the benefits to their dogs' health justify the cost. In cases where dogs were picky eaters or had allergies to certain ingredients, this formula has been successful for many, though not all, with some dogs refusing to eat it or having allergic reactions.

Some negative reviews have been mitigated by the overwhelmingly positive experiences of other dogs enjoying improved vitality and health benefits from the food. It's important to remember that each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Overall, the food is well-regarded for its positive effects on sensitive stomachs and skin conditions.