Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health (Small Bites) Canine Formula Review

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Review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health (Small Bites) Canine Formula

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.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health (Small Bites) Canine Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health (Small Bites) Canine Formula, we'll examine all 44 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

3. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

4. Ground Yellow Corn is often used as an affordable source of energy. It provides protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, although it's not as easily digestible as some other grains.

5. Ground wheat provides carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health. However, it's important to monitor your dog's reaction as some dogs may have a sensitivity or intolerance to wheat.

6. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing that serves as an alternative protein source for dogs. It is rich in essential amino acids, and it can also provide energy and support healthy skin and coat for your pet.

7. Animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a nutrient-rich energy source that supports overall health and provides essential fatty acids for your dog's well-being.

8. Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.

9. Powdered cellulose is a natural source of dietary fiber that promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain your dog's weight by providing a feeling of fullness without adding extra calories.

10. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

11. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

12. Animal liver flavor is a natural flavor enhancer that increases the palatability of your dog's food, encouraging them to eat and enjoy their meal.

13. Glycerin is a natural ingredient used as a humectant to help maintain the moisture content of dog food, keeping it fresh and palatable.

14. 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.

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

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. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

18. Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is a food additive used in dog food to help bind ingredients and maintain texture, while also contributing to dental health by helping to reduce tartar buildup.

19. Phosphoric acid is used in dog food as a pH stabilizer and a preservative, helping to maintain the freshness and quality of the product. It also aids in the absorption of essential minerals, promoting the overall health of your pet.

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

21. Monocalcium phosphate is a source of calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals that help support your dog's healthy bones, teeth, and overall growth. It also aids in proper nerve function and energy metabolism.

22. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

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

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

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

28. 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.

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

30. Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, is vital for your dog's proper functioning of the brain and enzymatic processes.

31. Potassium Sorbate is a safe preservative often used in dog food to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast, thereby extending the product's shelf life.

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

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

34. 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.

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

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

37. 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.

38. Garlic oil contains natural compounds that can help support your dog's immune system and may act as a natural flea and tick repellent.

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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.

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

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein minimum of 25.00% in this diet is primarily contributed by the chicken and chicken meal, both of which are rich in protein. Chicken meal, in particular, is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered from chicken parts and contains less water. The corn gluten meal and dried egg product also contribute to the overall protein content, as they are additional sources of protein.

The crude fat minimum of 14.00% is likely due to the inclusion of chicken fat and animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols. Fats are an essential part of a dog's diet, providing energy and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The animal fat used in this formula is a concentrated source of energy for dogs.

The maximum crude fiber content of 5.00% is influenced by ingredients such as dried beet pulp, powdered cellulose, and brewers dried yeast. These ingredients are less digestible and contribute to the dietary fiber content of the food, which is important for gastrointestinal health and function.

The caloric content of 3853.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is derived from the combined caloric contributions of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. Chicken and chicken meal provide calories from protein, animal fats contribute calorie-dense fats, and carbohydrates come from sources like brewers rice, ground yellow corn, and ground wheat. The overall caloric density of this food supports the energy requirements of dogs, particularly in the context of maintaining dental health, which may not require as high energy density as some other formulations designed for more active dogs or specific life stages.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health (Small Bites) Canine Formula costs approximately $5.66 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.