Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula (Canned) Review
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Review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula (Canned)
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 Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula (Canned) provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula (Canned), we'll examine all 35 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.
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.
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.
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.
Corn grits provide a source of carbohydrates for energy and dietary fiber, assisting in digestive health.
Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat, high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to your dog's overall health and vitality.
Chicken by-products are parts of the chicken that are not typically consumed by humans, such as organs and bones. These ingredients can be a cost-effective and nutritious source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. Chicken by-products can provide essential nutrients like amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus, supporting your dog's overall health, muscle growth, and bone strength.
Animal fat (preserved with TBHQ and citric acid) is a source of energy and essential fatty acids for dogs. It supports overall health and well-being, and the TBHQ and citric acid help preserve freshness.
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.
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.
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.
Potassium citrate is an essential mineral that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance, supports muscle function, and aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Additionally, it can help to prevent the formation of certain urinary stones in dogs.
Locust bean gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is often used in dog food to improve texture and consistency, and has been deemed safe for consumption by dogs. While it does not provide significant nutritional value, it can help create a more appealing texture for your dog's food.
Carrageenan is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed that helps improve the texture and consistency of your dog's food.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Natural smoke flavor adds a delicious, smoky taste to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and enticing. This ingredient encourages a healthy appetite, ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients for overall health and vitality.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
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.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
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.
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.
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.
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
The crude protein content of 3.80% is relatively low, which is typical for a kidney function diet as it helps reduce the workload on the kidneys. The protein provided in this formula likely comes from meat by-products, beef, liver, and chicken by-products. These animal-based ingredients are good sources of protein, but the low percentage reflects the specific dietary needs of dogs with kidney issues.
The crude fat content of 5.50% is contributed by ingredients such as animal fat (preserved with TBHQ and citric acid), beef, and fish oil. Animal fat and fish oil are calorie-dense sources of essential fatty acids and help make the food palatable. The moderate fat content supports the energy needs of the dog while considering the dietary restrictions for kidney health.
Crude fiber at a maximum of 2.00% indicates the presence of some indigestible materials that aid in gastrointestinal health. The fiber in this formula likely comes from ingredients such as rice, corn grits, and the various gums used as thickeners and stabilizers (guar gum, locust bean gum, and carrageenan). These ingredients help provide some structure to the canned food and support normal digestion.
The calorie content of 1282.00 per kg provides the energy value of the food. This is a measure of how much energy the food provides, and it is influenced by the combined macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. In this case, the energy is derived from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from ingredients like meat by-products, animal fat, rice, and corn grits. The calorie content is balanced to meet the needs of dogs with kidney issues, providing enough energy while maintaining a diet that is not too taxing on the kidneys.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula (Canned) costs approximately $4.81 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $80.40 |
| 10 lbs | $135.22 |
| 15 lbs | $183.27 |
| 20 lbs | $227.40 |
| 30 lbs | $308.22 |
| 40 lbs | $382.45 |
| 50 lbs | $452.12 |
| 60 lbs | $518.37 |
| 70 lbs | $581.90 |
| 80 lbs | $643.20 |
| 90 lbs | $702.60 |
| 100 lbs | $760.37 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have shared mixed reviews about the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula, with several positive experiences highlighting the product's benefits for dogs with kidney issues. Some dogs with picky appetites have successfully transitioned to this diet and are enjoying their meals, which is a relief for their owners. The food's palatability seems to be appreciated by many dogs, and some pet owners have noted improvements in their dogs' kidney function and overall energy levels after starting on this diet.
In cases where dogs did not initially take to the food, some pet owners have found creative ways to encourage their pets to eat, such as mixing it with other foods or adding broth. These strategies have often resulted in the dogs eventually accepting and even enjoying the food. The product has also been praised for its convenient packaging, such as the pull-top cans which make it easy to serve.
On the other hand, some negative reviews mention dogs refusing to eat the food or experiencing adverse reactions such as vomiting or lethargy. In response to these concerns, it's important to note that every dog is unique and may have different preferences and dietary needs. Some owners have been successful in gradually introducing the food or finding alternative methods to make it more appealing to their pets. It's also worth considering that a dog's initial reluctance to a new diet may not necessarily reflect the quality of the product but rather an adjustment period to a new flavor and texture.
Overall, while some dogs may not find the food to their liking, many have benefited from its specialized formula designed to support kidney health, as evidenced by the positive experiences shared by satisfied customers.
