Choosing the right food for your canine companion is a critical decision for their health and well-being. Pure Balance Pro+, a brand owned by Walmart and sold exclusively in their stores, aims to provide an ultra-premium, veterinarian-formulated option. Launched in 2012, this line targets specific dietary needs, emphasizing high-protein formulas with meat as the primary ingredient. This review delves into the Pure Balance Pro+ dry dog food range, analyzing its ingredients, nutritional content, and overall quality to help you make an informed choice for your pet. Explore top-rated dog foods.
The Pure Balance Pro+ range encompasses eight distinct recipes, each designed to cater to different life stages and health considerations, from puppyhood to senior care, and including options for small breeds, large breeds, weight management, and sensitive systems. The brand proudly states that each recipe is vet-formulated and free from fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. This commitment to quality ingredients and veterinary science underpins the brand’s high ratings.
Recipe and Label Analysis
To provide a comprehensive review, we’ll focus on the Pure Balance Pro+ Performance Sport Dog Chicken & Brown Rice recipe as a representative of the entire product line. This analysis will cover the ingredient list, estimated dry matter nutrient content, and AAFCO profiles for each product within the range.
Pure Balance Pro+ Performance Sport Dog Chicken & Brown Rice: Ingredient Breakdown
The primary ingredient in this formulation is chicken, described as the clean combination of flesh and skin derived from the chicken carcass. Chicken is a high-quality protein source, naturally providing the essential amino acids necessary for a dog’s health.
Following chicken is chicken meal, a concentrated source of protein, containing significantly more protein than fresh chicken. The third ingredient, chicken fat, is rendered from chicken and is a good source of linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid.
However, the ingredient list also includes ingredients that warrant closer examination. Soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production, is present. While it contributes to the protein content, it is generally considered to have a lower biological value than meat-based proteins and is often found in farm animal feeds. Similarly, corn protein meal, wheat, and corn are listed. These are inexpensive cereal grains that offer modest nutritional value to dogs and are often considered controversial by pet nutrition experts.
The recipe does include commendable additions such as dried fermentation products, which act as probiotics to support digestion, and chelated minerals, which are more easily absorbed by the body. Salmon oil, rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, is also included, contributing positively to the overall nutritional profile.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content Analysis
For the Pure Balance Pro+ Performance Sport Dog Chicken & Brown Rice recipe, the estimated dry matter nutrient content is approximately 34.2% protein, 22.8% fat, and 31.7% carbohydrates.
Across the entire Pure Balance Pro+ dry range, the average protein content is around 29.4%, with a mean fat level of 16.6%. These figures suggest that the Pure Balance Pro+ dry range generally offers near-average protein, carbohydrate, and fat levels when compared to typical dry dog foods. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 56%.
AAFCO Nutrient Profiles
The table below outlines the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profile for each recipe in the Pure Balance Pro+ line:
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea | 5 | A (All Life Stages) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice | 5 | M (Maintenance) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Puppy Chicken & Rice | 5 | A (All Life Stages) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Large Breed Chicken and Brown Rice | 4 | A (All Life Stages) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Senior Salmon & Brown Rice | 5 | M (Maintenance) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Weight Management Chicken & Oatmeal | 5 | M (Maintenance) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Performance Sport Dog Chicken & Brown Rice | 5 | M (Maintenance) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Chicken and Brown Rice Large Breed Puppy | 5 | A (All Life Stages) |
Pure Balance Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, there are no recalls noted for the Pure Balance brand. This contributes to the brand’s trustworthiness and reliability. For a comprehensive history of dog food recalls, one can refer to the extensive list available online.
Our Rating of Pure Balance Pro+ Dog Food
The Pure Balance Pro+ dry dog food range is highly recommended, earning an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. This high rating is attributed to several key factors:
- Veterinarian Formulated: Each recipe is developed with input from veterinarians, ensuring a scientifically sound approach to canine nutrition.
- High-Quality Protein: The brand prioritizes meat as the first ingredient in its formulas, providing essential protein for muscle development and overall health.
- Absence of Fillers and Artificial Ingredients: Pure Balance Pro+ is committed to excluding unnecessary fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, offering a cleaner product for pets.
- Inclusion of Beneficial Ingredients: The use of probiotics and chelated minerals enhances digestibility and nutrient absorption, while salmon oil provides valuable omega-3 fatty acids.
- No Recalls: The brand’s history of no recalls further bolsters its reputation for safety and quality.
Despite the presence of some less-desirable ingredients like corn and wheat in certain formulations, the overall quality of the protein sources, the exclusion of artificial additives, and the veterinary formulation contribute to its excellent standing. For dog owners seeking a reliable and high-quality dry food option, Pure Balance Pro+ presents a compelling choice.
