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※ by PetsCareLab.com

Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend: Chicken & Rice Dog Food Review

Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice is a protein-heavy, probiotic-rich dry food with a 4.6/5 rating. It’s ideal for adult dogs of all breeds, especially picky eaters needing better digestion and skin health.

Key Features:

✔️ Combines hard kibble with tender, shredded pieces for appealing taste and texture.
✔️ High-protein formula featuring real chicken as the primary ingredient.
✔️ Fortified with live probiotics to support digestive and immune health.
✔️ Previously marketed as the SAVOR Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula.
✔️ Includes vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.

Comprehensive Review:

Table of Contents

Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Review: A Flavor-Packed Powerhouse for Your Dog

Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice is a protein-heavy, probiotic-rich dry food that combines crunchy kibble with tender meaty bits, making it a perfect match for adult dogs of all breeds who need a boost in digestion, skin health, and mealtime excitement.

If your dog usually snubs their bowl, this mix might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice isn't just another bag of boring brown circles; it’s a texture-rich meal that blends hard kibble with soft, chewy shreds that smell like actual food to your pup. Our team at Petscarelab took a close look at the label to see if the nutrition actually matches the hype.

Product Formula and Label Analysis

This formula is designed for maintenance and energy. By putting real meat first and backing it up with grains and probiotics, it targets the Complete Essentials that a typical active adult dog needs. Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown based on the guaranteed analysis:

Nutrient Estimated Content
Protein 26.0% (Min)
Fat 16.0% (Min)
Fiber 3.0% (Max)
Moisture 12.0% (Max)
Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) 1.4% (Min)
Glucosamine 400 ppm (Min)
Microorganisms (Probiotics) 600 million CFU/lb

Ingredient Analysis: What’s Really Inside?

When you flip the bag over, the first few ingredients tell the real story of what you're scooping into your dog's dish. Our research shows a focus on high-energy grains and animal-sourced proteins.

  • Chicken: The very first ingredient. This provides the essential amino acids your dog needs to keep their muscles lean and strong.
  • Rice & Whole Grain Wheat: These are the primary energy sources. Rice is gentle on the stomach, while wheat adds fiber to help keep things moving through the digestive tract.
  • Poultry By-product Meal: While some owners shy away from "by-products," our team at Petscarelab notes that this is a concentrated source of protein and a natural provider of glucosamine for joint health.
  • Beef Fat: Preserved naturally with mixed-tocopherols, this provides the "fuel" for active dogs and makes the kibble taste much better.
  • Dried Bacillus Coagulans: This is the live probiotic that helps keep your dog’s gut microbiome in balance, which is the secret to solid stools and a strong immune system.

Nutritional Analysis: More Than Just Calories

The 26% protein level is a solid "sweet spot" for most adult dogs—not so high that it causes issues for less active pups, but enough to support a dog that loves long walks or backyard fetch.

The fat content at 16% is also generous, providing that linoleic acid (Omega-6) which turns a dull, scratchy coat into one that feels like silk under your hand. We also appreciate the inclusion of Vitamin A, which works alongside those fatty acids to nourish the skin.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth

No dog food is perfect for every single pup. Here is how the Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice stacks up when you look at the big picture.

Pros Cons
Unbeatable Palatability: The mix of crunchy and soft pieces is a winner for picky eaters. Contains Grains: Not suitable for dogs with specific wheat or corn sensitivities.
Gut Health Support: Includes live probiotics to help with sensitive stomachs. Potential for Mess: The shredded pieces can crumble, leaving "dust" at the bottom of the bag.
Skin & Coat Shine: High levels of Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin A. Quality Control: Some owners have reported storage issues like moths if the bag isn't sealed tightly.
Joint Support: Naturally contains glucosamine from poultry and fish meals. Transition Period: The high protein/probiotic mix requires a slow 7-10 day switch to avoid runny stools.

PetsCareLab’s Rating for This Product

After analyzing the ingredients, nutritional profile, and thousands of real-world experiences from pet parents, we've given this formula our stamp of approval for everyday health. It’s a reliable, mid-to-high tier food that delivers on its promises.

Overall Rating★★★★★ (4.6/5)
Ingredient Quality★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Palatability (Taste)★★★★★ (4.9/5)
Digestive Health★★★★★ (4.7/5)
Value for Money★★★★★ (4.5/5)

If you want your dog to bound toward their bowl every morning and have the energy to keep up on the trails, Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice is a dependable choice. Just make sure you store it in a cool, airtight container to keep those "shreds" fresh and the water bowl sparkling nearby.