Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula (Canned) Review
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Review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula (Canned)
According to our data, this Purina Pro Plan recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for adult dogs and growing puppies. 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 Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula (Canned) provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs and growing puppies.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula (Canned), we'll examine all 34 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.
Meat by-products are a source of protein and essential nutrients for your dog, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. They are derived from the non-rendered parts of animals, excluding meat, and can include organs, bones, and other tissues, providing a diverse range of nutrients.
Water sufficient for processing is a necessary component in wet dog food recipes. It provides the required moisture to create a palatable texture and consistency, making it easier for your pet to consume and digest their food.
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.
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.
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.
Soybean protein isolate is a high-quality plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development and maintenance. It is easily digestible, low in fat, and can be a good alternative for dogs with sensitivities to certain animal proteins.
Glycerin is a natural ingredient used as a humectant to help maintain the moisture content of dog food, keeping it fresh and palatable.
Vegetable oil is a source of essential fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat, brain function, and overall wellbeing in your dog.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.
Inulin is a natural prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health and overall immune function.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Calcium sulfate is a natural source of calcium, an essential mineral that helps maintain strong bones and teeth in your dog. Calcium is also important for nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
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.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
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.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
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.
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.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 8.00%: The crude protein content is primarily derived from meat by-products, which can include various protein-rich tissues from animals, and chicken listed in the ingredients. Additionally, soy protein isolate is a highly concentrated protein source that would significantly contribute to the overall protein content of the food.
Crude Fat (min) of 2.50%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the meat by-products and chicken, as animal tissues contain fats. Vegetable oil, listed as a source of medium-chain triglycerides, is another direct contributor to the fat content. Fish oil is also a source of fat, particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may be included for their health benefits rather than their energy content.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.50%: Crude fiber refers to the portion of the food that is not digestible by the animal. In this formula, barley and rice are the primary sources of fiber. These grains contain varying amounts of fiber that help to regulate the digestive system. Inulin, a type of soluble fiber, also contributes to the fiber content and serves as a prebiotic to promote healthy gut bacteria.
Calories of 1139.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is a cumulative measure of the metabolizable energy provided by all the ingredients. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates all contribute to the total caloric value. In this case, the primary contributors to the calorie content would be the proteins (from meat by-products, chicken, and soy protein isolate) and fats (from meat by-products, vegetable oil, and fish oil). Carbohydrates from barley and rice also contribute to the overall energy content, albeit to a lesser degree given that fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula (Canned) costs approximately $4.87 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $58.68 | $91.69 |
| 10 lbs | $98.69 | $154.20 |
| 15 lbs | $133.76 | $209.01 |
| 20 lbs | $165.98 | $259.34 |
| 30 lbs | $224.96 | $351.51 |
| 40 lbs | $279.14 | $436.15 |
| 50 lbs | $329.99 | $515.61 |
| 60 lbs | $378.34 | $591.16 |
| 70 lbs | $424.71 | $663.62 |
| 80 lbs | $469.45 | $733.52 |
| 90 lbs | $512.81 | $801.26 |
| 100 lbs | $554.98 | $867.15 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have reported that Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula has been a game-changer for their dogs with gastrointestinal issues. Dogs who previously suffered from various digestive problems, including sensitive stomachs, pancreatitis, and colitis, have shown significant improvement and even enthusiasm for mealtime with this diet. Pet owners are relieved and grateful to find a food that not only their dogs enjoy eating, but that also supports their health and well-being.
Some pet parents have specifically mentioned that this food was the only option their dog could tolerate without experiencing gastrointestinal upset, and that it has been effective in managing conditions like diabetes and liver issues. The food's palatability is frequently highlighted, with dogs described as eagerly anticipating their meals or even "dancing" their way to the bowl. This positive feedback suggests that the formula is both tasty and gentle on the digestive system.
In response to concerns about the cost, many reviewers acknowledge that while the food may be more expensive than others, the health benefits for their dogs make it worth the investment. They have noticed their dogs' conditions stabilizing or improving, leading to a better quality of life. Some also mention successful strategies such as mixing it with regular food to make it more affordable while still reaping the benefits.
Regarding the negative reviews about the can's weight and condition upon arrival, it's important to note that the vast majority of customers are satisfied with the product itself. Issues with dented cans or incorrect weight are unfortunate but seem to be the exception rather than the rule. These isolated instances do not detract from the overall effectiveness of the food in supporting canine digestive health.
For those concerned about the long-term use due to cost, it's worth mentioning that some customers have found success in using the food as a supplement to their dog's regular diet, which may be a more economical approach while still providing digestive support. Additionally, the positive impact on dogs' health, as reported by many reviewers, suggests that the food may potentially reduce the need for other costly treatments or interventions.
In summary, the positive reviews for Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula are centered around its effectiveness in managing and improving dogs' gastrointestinal health, its palatability, and the peace of mind it provides to pet owners. While the cost is a consideration, many find it justifiable given the benefits. Issues with packaging and weight discrepancies are noted but are relatively rare and do not undermine the overall positive reception of the product.
