Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula Review
$25.99 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.
Review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function 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.
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 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, we'll examine all 37 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.
Whole grain corn is a wholesome carbohydrate source that provides your dog with the energy they need to stay active and healthy, while also delivering essential nutrients.
Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.
Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.
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.
While sugar can be found in small amounts in some dog food recipes, it is not considered an essential ingredient for dogs. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and other health problems in dogs. It is essential to provide a balanced diet with limited added sugars.
Dried Whey is a by-product of cheese making and is rich in protein and calcium, supporting healthy growth and strong bones.
Sodium caseinate is a milk protein that provides a high-quality source of essential amino acids for your dog. This ingredient can help support muscle growth, immune system function, and overall health.
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.
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.
Vegetable oil is a source of essential fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat, brain function, and overall wellbeing in your dog.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
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 A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
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.
Garlic oil contains natural compounds that can help support your dog's immune system and may act as a natural flea and tick repellent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
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 12.50%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are likely to be the dried egg product, brewers rice, and whole grain corn. Dried egg product is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids. Brewers rice, although a carbohydrate source, also contains some protein. Whole grain corn contributes protein as well, but it is not as high quality as animal-based proteins. The sodium caseinate, a form of casein protein found in milk, also adds to the overall protein content.
Crude Fat (min) of 13.00%: The ingredients contributing most to the crude fat content are animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols and vegetable oil. Animal fat is a common ingredient in pet foods as a concentrated source of energy and helps with the taste and texture of the food. Fish oil is another contributor, providing essential fatty acids like omega-3s which are beneficial for a dog's coat and skin health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 2.50%: Crude fiber in pet food is derived from indigestible carbohydrates which aid in the digestive process. In this formula, the fiber likely comes from the whole grain corn and brewers rice. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to help with intestinal health and motility.
Calories of 4091.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of energy provided by the food. The main contributors to the calorie count are the macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this case, the high calorie count is likely due to the combination of fats (animal fat and vegetable oil) and carbohydrates (whole grain corn and brewers rice). The dried egg product and dried whey also contribute to the overall caloric content.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula costs approximately $4.14 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 | $21.67 |
| 10 lbs | $36.44 |
| 15 lbs | $49.39 |
| 20 lbs | $61.28 |
| 30 lbs | $83.06 |
| 40 lbs | $103.07 |
| 50 lbs | $121.84 |
| 60 lbs | $139.70 |
| 70 lbs | $156.82 |
| 80 lbs | $173.34 |
| 90 lbs | $189.35 |
| 100 lbs | $204.92 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally express satisfaction with Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula, noting that even picky eaters seem to enjoy the taste. Many dogs who have switched to this food due to kidney issues are reported to have improved health, with some experiencing better kidney function and increased energy levels.
Some dogs with early-stage kidney disease have taken to the food immediately, which owners find reassuring given the importance of a suitable diet for managing this condition. Positive changes in pets' health, such as weight gain and reduced symptoms, are often highlighted in these reviews.
Despite some negative feedback regarding the size of the kibble and the palatability for certain dogs, the majority of reviews focus on the improvements in their dogs' health and the fact that their pets seem to like the taste. Owners of dogs with kidney issues appreciate having a food option that supports their pet's health while still being enjoyable for them to eat.
In response to concerns about kibble size and palatability, some owners have found creative solutions, such as crushing the food or adding broth, to encourage their dogs to eat. The improvements in kidney health metrics and overall wellness reported by many owners suggest that the food is effective for its intended purpose.
