Purina Puppy Chow Classic Ground With Real Chicken Review

Review of Purina Puppy Chow Classic Ground With Real Chicken

According to our data, this Purina Puppy Chow 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 Puppy Chow Classic Ground With Real Chicken provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs and growing puppies.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Purina Puppy Chow Classic Ground With Real Chicken, we'll examine all 33 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. 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.

3. 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.

4. Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat, high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to your dog's overall health and vitality.

5. Soybean flour is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development and maintenance, as well as various vitamins and minerals that support overall health and well-being.

6. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

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

15. 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.

16. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

17. Carrageenan is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed that helps improve the texture and consistency of your dog's food.

18. 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.

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

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

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

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

23. 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.

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

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

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

27. 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.

28. 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.

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

30. Added color has no nutritional benefit, but is often used to make the food more visually appealing.

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

32. Red 3 is an artificial food coloring used to enhance the visual appeal of dog food. While it does not provide nutritional benefits, it is generally considered safe in small amounts.

33. Calcium chloride is a source of calcium, an essential mineral that supports strong bones and teeth, as well as muscle and nerve function in dogs.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 11.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the chicken and meat by-products, as these are animal-based proteins that are rich in amino acids. Soy flour, which is a plant-based protein, also contributes to the overall protein content. Salmon, listed further down the ingredients, would also add to the protein content, albeit to a lesser extent due to its lower position in the ingredient list, which suggests a smaller proportion in the formula.

Crude Fat (min) of 5.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the chicken, which naturally contains fat, especially if the skin is included. Meat by-products can also be a source of fat, depending on the specific tissues used. Salmon is another ingredient that would contribute to the fat content, as it is a fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.50%: Fiber in this pet food is likely to be relatively low since it is a wet food product and the primary ingredients are animal-based, which are typically low in fiber. However, soy flour can contribute some fiber, as well as any other carbohydrate sources that may be present but not explicitly listed in the ingredients, such as any grains or vegetables. The guar gum, used as a thickener, may also contribute a small amount of dietary fiber.

Calories of 1324.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food and comes from the macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. In this case, the chicken and meat by-products are significant sources of calories, primarily from protein and fat. The soy flour and salmon will also contribute to the calorie count, with soy providing calories from both protein and some carbohydrates, and salmon providing calories mainly from protein and fat. The overall caloric density is influenced by the combination of these ingredients and their respective proportions in the formula.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Purina Puppy Chow Classic Ground With Real Chicken costs approximately $4.00 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally find Purina Puppy Chow Classic Ground With Real Chicken to be a tasty and nutritious option for their puppies. Many highlight that their puppies love the flavor and eagerly consume the food. Some owners have successfully mixed it with dry food to entice pickier eaters or to add variety to their pet's diet.

Despite a few instances of gastrointestinal upset in some puppies, which is not uncommon when introducing new foods, the overall sentiment is positive. Owners appreciate the soft texture, which is ideal for young dogs, and many have reported their puppies experiencing healthy weight gain and showing excitement at meal times.

There are isolated reports of quality control issues, such as cans arriving damaged or with spoiled contents, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. In contrast, many reviews praise the product's quality and the fact that it's recommended by vets, indicating that when the food is received in good condition, it is well-received by both pets and owners.

While some concerns about ingredients and can sizes have been voiced, particularly for larger breed puppies, the majority of reviewers are satisfied with the product. They note that their puppies not only enjoy the food but also appear to thrive on it, with no adverse effects on their digestion or overall health.