Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare Canine Formula Review

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Review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare Canine Formula

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 NC NeuroCare Canine Formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs and growing puppies.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare Canine Formula, we'll examine all 43 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. 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.

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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Vegetable oil is a source of essential fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat, brain function, and overall wellbeing in your dog.

  8. Corn germ meal is a source of protein and energy, providing essential fatty acids and fiber to support your dog's digestion and overall health.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

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

  13. L-arginine is an essential amino acid that promotes healthy blood flow, immune function, and overall vitality in dogs.

  14. Wheat bran is a high-fiber ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain regular bowel movements in dogs. It also provides essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

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

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

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also supports your pet's immune system, skin, and coat health, making it an important component in a balanced diet.

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

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

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

  30. 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.

  31. Soybean oil is a plant-based source of healthy fats in dog food. Rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, soybean oil helps support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their immune system. It also provides energy for active dogs and assists in nutrient absorption.

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

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

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

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

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

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

  41. 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.

  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. 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 29.00%: The high protein content is primarily contributed by chicken and chicken meal, which are the first two ingredients and are excellent sources of protein. Other contributors to the protein content include corn gluten meal, fish meal, and dried egg product, all of which are protein-rich ingredients.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The fat content is likely coming from both the animal sources (chicken fat) and added oils such as vegetable oil and fish oil. These ingredients not only provide essential fatty acids but also increase the palatability of the food. The mention of medium-chain triglycerides from vegetable oil suggests a focus on certain types of fats that can be beneficial for brain health, which aligns with the NeuroCare branding.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00%: Fiber in this diet is relatively low, which is typical for canine diets focused on neurological health, as excessive fiber can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients. The fiber present probably comes from ingredients like brewers rice, ground wheat, wheat bran, and barley. These grains and by-products provide the necessary fiber to aid in digestion without being too high to disrupt nutrient absorption.

Calories of 3878.00 per kg: The caloric content is a result of the combined macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) in the food. The main contributors to the calorie count are the protein sources (chicken, chicken meal, fish meal), fats (vegetable oil, fish oil), and carbohydrates (brewers rice, ground yellow corn, ground wheat, corn germ meal, barley). Each of these ingredients has a specific caloric value, which adds up to the total metabolic energy of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare Canine Formula costs approximately $5.86 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $20.71$32.35
10 lbs $34.82$54.41
15 lbs $47.20$73.75
20 lbs $58.57$91.51
30 lbs $79.38$124.03
40 lbs $98.50$153.90
50 lbs $116.44$181.94
60 lbs $133.50$208.60
70 lbs $149.87$234.17
80 lbs $165.65$258.83
90 lbs $180.95$282.74
100 lbs $195.83$305.99

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have seen positive changes in their dogs with seizure disorders after introducing Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare Canine Formula. Many report a decrease in the frequency of seizures, and some dogs have even been seizure-free for extended periods. The food is often recommended by veterinarians and is appreciated for its beneficial effects on canine neurological health.

Some dogs with cognitive decline have also shown improvements after being switched to this diet. Pet owners observe less agitation and increased responsiveness in their senior dogs, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive function. The food seems to be well-accepted by most dogs, with many enjoying the taste and eagerly eating it.

Despite the success stories, there are reports of dogs that do not like the taste or have difficulty eating the kibble due to its size. Some owners have found creative ways to entice their pets to eat, such as mixing it with wet food or adding flavorful toppings. However, a few customers have noted that their dogs outright refuse the food or have experienced adverse reactions such as allergic symptoms.

Concerns about the cost of the food are common, as it is more expensive than regular dog food. While some owners find the price justified by the health benefits, others express a desire for smaller kibble sizes for small breeds or a wet food version that might be more palatable to picky eaters.

In summary, while most reviews are positive and highlight the food's effectiveness in managing seizures and cognitive issues, there is a subset of dogs that either do not prefer the taste or have difficulty with the kibble size. Owners are sometimes challenged by the higher cost but remain hopeful about the potential health benefits for their pets.