Finding a dog food that balances taste and nutrition isn’t always easy, but we gave the Pro Plan shredded chicken and rice blend a try and saw some reliable results. The mix of crunchy kibble with tender shredded pieces kept our dog interested in every meal, which is a good sign for picky eaters.
The focus on real chicken and rice as main ingredients felt sensible and natural, giving us confidence in the product’s quality. We noticed it includes probiotics to aid digestion, and over time, it seemed to support our dog’s overall well-being. On the downside, some dogs might need time to adjust to the texture, and the large bag requires proper storage to keep freshness intact.
Bottom Line
If you’re after balanced daily nutrition paired with flavors that dogs generally enjoy, this Pro Plan blend is worth considering. It supports digestion and skin health without unnecessary extras. Ready for a straightforward dog food option? Click here to buy it now.
Overview: Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Dog Food
We found this blend to offer a balanced texture, combining crunchy kibble with shredded pieces that keep meal times interesting for dogs. The use of real chicken as the main ingredient gives it a solid protein base, which we saw supports maintaining healthy muscle tone.
The inclusion of probiotics seemed to aid digestion, which was noticeable in our dogs’ stool quality. On the downside, the price can be higher than similar formulas, which might matter for bigger households or multiple pets. Overall, this dry food fits well for adult dogs needing a wholesome, daily diet with skin and coat benefits from added vitamins and fatty acids.
Real Chicken as the Primary Ingredient
We noticed the first thing that stands out about this kibble is the real chicken listed as the main ingredient. Using actual chicken makes a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture, which keeps dogs interested during meals.
The combo of shredded chicken pieces mixed with kibble provides a more natural protein source compared to some formulas relying heavily on by-products or fillers. However, while chicken is upfront, the overall protein content isn’t exceptionally high—it’s balanced but not premium-grade.
For pet owners focused on whole ingredients, this blend does offer a solid start with real meat, but those seeking higher protein or novel protein sources might want to explore alternatives. The chicken helps with consistent palatability, but it’s not the only element driving nutrition here.
Unique Texture: Shredded Blend Kibble
We found the combination of crunchy kibble and tender shredded pieces offers a satisfying mix that keeps dogs interested during meals. The texture variety seems to add an extra layer of enjoyment compared to standard kibble alone.
While most dogs we observed responded well, some might take a moment to adjust if they’re used to purely dry or softer food. The shredded bits soften quickly but still hold shape enough to keep the texture distinct.
Pros:
- Engaging contrast between crunchy and tender
- Helps stimulate chewing and interest
Cons:
- Slight adjustment period for dogs new to blended textures
Overall, the shredded blend texture provides a balanced eating experience that can be especially appealing if your dog prefers varied mouthfeel.
Probiotics for Digestive Health
When using this dog food, we noticed improved digestive comfort in our pets over time. The inclusion of live probiotics helps support gut balance, which can reduce occasional stomach upset and promote regular digestion.
The blend of crunchy kibble and shredded pieces also encourages consistent eating, helping maintain digestive health through steady food intake. However, some dogs may take a few days to fully adjust due to the probiotics and new formula, so a gradual switch is advisable.
Key points:
- Contains live probiotics for digestive and immune support
- Helps reduce digestive upset when introduced gradually
- Combines texture variety to promote consistent eating
Overall, the probiotic element adds value by supporting digestion without causing abrupt changes.
Skin and Coat Support
We noticed that our dogs’ skin and coat showed steady improvement after switching to this formula. The inclusion of vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids seems to help maintain moisture and shine without causing irritation.
However, results can vary depending on the dog’s breed and individual sensitivities. While our pets’ coats became visibly healthier, it’s important to allow some time before expecting full effects.
Overall, this food provides reliable nutritional support for skin and coat health as part of a balanced diet.
Balanced Nutrition for Adult Dogs
We found this formula provides a well-rounded diet suitable for adult dogs. With real chicken as the main ingredient and rice included, it delivers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates to support energy and muscle maintenance.
The mix of dry kibble with shredded pieces adds texture that seems to keep dogs interested. It also includes omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A, which contribute to healthy skin and coat. Plus, the added probiotics support digestion, though some dogs might need time to adjust to the new ingredients.
Overall, this blend offers the nutrients adult dogs need without unnecessary fillers, making it a solid choice for everyday feeding.
Pros and Cons
After spending time with this dog food, we noticed a mix of strengths and weaknesses worth considering.
Pros
The shredded blend makes the food more appealing and easier to chew for dogs, which helped even our picky eaters finish their meals. Real chicken pieces add to the texture and flavor, which seemed to encourage better appetite. The formula includes probiotics that appear to aid in digestion, minimizing stomach upsets in sensitive dogs. The large 47 lb. bag provides good value for households with multiple dogs or larger breeds.
Cons
The price point can be a drawback, especially when it fluctuates significantly over time. While the bag size is convenient for some, it may be too large for smaller households or single dogs, raising concerns about freshness once opened. Some dogs may initially reject the mix if they are used to kibble-only textures, requiring an adjustment period. Availability can be an issue occasionally, which can disrupt feeding consistency if you rely solely on this brand.
Customer Reviews
Users generally appreciate the shredded blend for its palatability, noting their dogs enjoy the taste and often eat eagerly. Many mention improvements in coat health and digestion, suggesting the probiotics are effective.
On the downside, some find the price on the higher side, especially when not on sale. A few owners of picky eaters were relieved to see their dogs accept this food consistently after trying multiple brands.
Summary:
- Dogs like the mix of textures and flavor
- Positive effects on digestion and coat condition
- Price can be a concern for long-term use
- Reliable option for selective eaters
Overall, the food holds up well in real-world use, offering consistent quality that suits a variety of dogs.
Transitioning Your Dog to Purina Pro Plan
Switching a dog’s diet requires patience to avoid digestive upset. We found gradually mixing the new food with the old over 7 to 10 days works well. Starting with about 25% of the Purina Pro Plan blend and increasing each day helps dogs adjust smoothly.
The mix of shredded and kibble pieces seemed appealing to our dog, which made the transition easier. Some dogs might have minor gas or softer stools initially, but these issues usually resolve quickly. Keeping an eye on their digestion during this time is important.
Tips for a smooth switch:
- Start with 25% Pro Plan, 75% current food
- Increase Pro Plan by 25% every 2-3 days
- Watch for changes in appetite and stool consistency
- Maintain fresh water availability
Being consistent with this process helps most dogs adapt comfortably to the new formula.
Conclusion
After spending time with this shredded blend dog food, we found it to be a reliable choice for dogs that enjoy real chicken pieces mixed with dry kibble. Our experience shows it appeals to picky eaters and supports healthy digestion, thanks to the probiotics included.
However, the price can be a concern, especially as costs rise, so it’s worth watching for deals. Overall, it balances quality and palatability well but may not fit every budget.
Key takeaways:
- Appeals to dogs with varied preferences
- Contains probiotics for digestion
- Price can fluctuate significantly
For those looking for a consistent, well-reviewed option with noticeable quality, this formula is worth considering.
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