Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, and ensuring they receive the best nutrition is paramount for their healthy development. Understanding the ingredients and nutritional profile of puppy food is crucial for making informed decisions. This review delves into Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy (Dry) dog food, examining its composition, potential benefits, and drawbacks to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your growing canine companion.
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy food is designed to support growth and development in puppies. The product line includes three varieties: Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy, Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed, and Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Small and Toy Breed. This review focuses on the standard Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy (Dry) formula, which is intended to meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth. The estimated dry matter nutrient content for this formula is approximately 31.1% protein, 18.9% fat, and 42% carbohydrates.
Ingredient Analysis
The ingredient list for Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy (Dry) is as follows: Chicken, corn meal, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, dried beet pulp, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), chicken flavor, chicken meal, fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), dried egg product, potassium chloride, brewers dried yeast, salt, caramel, choline chloride, fructooligosaccharides, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, potassium iodide, cobalt carbonate), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, vitamin A acetate, calcium pantothenate, biotin, thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, niacin, riboflavin supplement (source of vitamin B2), inositol, pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), calcium carbonate, dl-methionine, l-lysine monohydrochloride, rosemary extract.
The primary ingredient is chicken, a quality source of animal protein. However, it’s important to note that chicken in its raw form contains a high percentage of water, which is lost during the cooking process. This means that after processing, the actual meat content may be lower than initially suggested by its position on the ingredient list.
Following chicken is corn meal, which is a coarsely ground flour made from dried corn. While corn is not inherently bad for dogs, it can sometimes be problematic, especially if it’s of a lower grade similar to that used for livestock feed. Furthermore, corn is a common allergen for some dogs, which warrants consideration for puppies with sensitive stomachs or a predisposition to allergies. For this reason, corn is often not considered a preferred ingredient in high-quality dog foods.
The third ingredient is chicken by-product meal. This is a concentrated product derived from slaughterhouse waste, potentially including parts like feet, beaks, and undeveloped eggs, excluding skeletal muscle. While by-product meals are concentrated sources of protein, their variable nature and inclusion of less desirable components place them lower on the quality scale compared to whole meats.
Sorghum, a starchy cereal grain, is listed as the fourth ingredient. Sorghum has a nutritional profile similar to corn and is gluten-free, offering a potential alternative for dogs with gluten sensitivities. It is considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.
Dried beet pulp, the fifth ingredient, is a fiber-rich by-product of sugar beet processing. While some view it as a filler, others highlight its benefits for intestinal health and blood sugar regulation. Its inclusion in moderate amounts is generally considered acceptable.
Chicken fat, the sixth ingredient, is a valuable source of linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid crucial for canine health. Despite its unappetizing name, it is considered a quality ingredient.
Chicken meal appears further down the list. Similar to chicken by-product meal, it is a meat concentrate and contributes protein. However, its lower placement suggests it may have a limited impact on the overall protein content of the food.
Fish oil is included, providing beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Dried egg product is also present, offering easily digestible protein with high biological value.
However, a notable absence in this formula is the mention of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Additionally, the listed minerals do not appear to be chelated. Chelated minerals are generally more easily absorbed by the body, and their absence can indicate a lower quality formulation.
Nutritional Profile and Verdict
When analyzing the nutrient content on a dry matter basis, Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy (Dry) shows an average protein content of 31.1% and a fat level of 18.9%. Compared to the average dry dog food, these figures are considered above-average for protein and fat, with an estimated carbohydrate content of around 43%. This profile suggests a kibble that contains a notable amount of meat.
However, the inclusion of ingredients like corn meal and chicken by-product meal tempers the overall quality assessment. The brand’s decision to incorporate chicken by-products, which are considered lower quality ingredients, prevents it from achieving a higher rating.
Ultimately, Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy (Dry) is a corn-based kibble that relies significantly on chicken by-product meal as a primary animal protein source. Based on its ingredient composition and nutritional profile, it earns a three-star rating from DogFoodAdvisor. While it meets the basic nutritional requirements for puppy growth, owners seeking the highest quality ingredients might want to explore other options. For those looking for an adult food from the same brand, the Iams ProActive Health Adult dry dog food is also available for review.
Sources
White, S. (2001). Update on food allergy in the dog and cat. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, Vancouver.
