Introduction
The Purina ONE True Instinct product line is a range of dry dog foods that aims to provide a diet inspired by a dog’s natural instincts. This review will delve into the ingredients, nutritional analysis, and overall quality of these formulas, with a focus on the dry kibble options. We aim to provide pet parents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their dog’s nutrition.
The Purina ONE True Instinct range includes six different recipes, each with varying ratings. The average rating across the entire range is 3 out of 5 stars. While the brand offers ingredient transparency and no poultry by-product meal, some recipes do contain added colors. Learn more about understanding dog food labels.
Pros:
- Ingredient transparency
- Added vitamins and minerals
- No poultry by-product meal
Cons:
- Some recipes contain added color
The table below outlines the recipes within the Purina ONE True Instinct line, their respective ratings, and their AAFCO nutrient profile suitability: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental, or Unspecified.
| Product Line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Purina One True Instinct High Protein with Real Beef and Salmon | 2.5 | M |
| Purina One True Instinct Lean Muscle Support with Real Beef | 3 | M |
| Purina One True Instinct with Real Turkey and Venison | 2.5 | M |
| Purina One True Instinct High Protein with Real Chicken and Duck | 3 | M |
| Purina One True Instinct with Real Salmon and Tuna | 2.5 | M |
| Purina One True Instinct with Real Chicken and Duck Puppy | 3 | G |
Recipe and Label Analysis: Purina ONE True Instinct with Real Turkey and Venison
For a detailed analysis, we will examine the “Purina ONE True Instinct with Real Turkey and Venison” formula.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content:
- Protein: 34.2%
- Fat: 19.6%
- Carbohydrates: 35%
Ingredients: Turkey, chicken meal, soy flour, beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, soy flakes, corn germ meal, glycerin, venison, natural flavor, oat meal, calcium carbonate, salt, mono and dicalcium phosphate, caramel color, vitamins [vitamin E supplement, niacin (vitamin B-3), vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (vitamin B-5), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B-1), vitamin B-12 supplement, riboflavin supplement (vitamin B-2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B-6), folic acid (vitamin B-9), vitamin D-3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (vitamin K), biotin (B-7)], potassium chloride, minerals [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], choline chloride.
Estimated Fiber (dry matter basis): 3%
Ingredients Analysis
The primary ingredient in this Purina ONE True Instinct formula is turkey. While turkey is a quality protein source, its raw form contains a high percentage of water. After the cooking process, much of this moisture is lost, meaning the actual meat content in the final product is less than it appears.
Following turkey is chicken meal, a concentrated source of protein, containing significantly more protein than fresh chicken. The third ingredient, soy flour, is a high-protein by-product of soybean processing. While it contributes to the overall protein content, soy-based proteins generally have a lower biological value compared to animal-based proteins.
Beef fat is listed as the fourth ingredient, a common and generally acceptable fat source in dog food. The subsequent ingredients include wheat and corn, both of which are cereal grains that offer energy but are considered less optimal in a dog’s diet due to their lower nutritional value for canines compared to meat-based ingredients.
Corn gluten meal and soy flakes are also present, further contributing to the protein count. However, similar to soy flour, the protein derived from these sources is less biologically valuable than meat protein. Corn germ meal, a by-product of corn processing, also adds to the protein content.
Ingredients further down the list are less likely to significantly impact the overall rating, with a few exceptions. Caramel coloring is added for visual appeal to humans, which is a disappointing inclusion as dogs do not perceive color in their food. While considered safe by the FDA, the use of artificial coloring is generally not preferred in high-quality pet foods.
Furthermore, this recipe does not explicitly mention the inclusion of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion. The minerals are not listed as chelated, which could potentially make them less absorbable compared to chelated minerals often found in premium dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredient list, Purina ONE True Instinct with Real Turkey and Venison appears to be an average dry dog food. The protein content on a dry matter basis is 34.2%, fat is 19.6%, and carbohydrates are estimated at 35%. Across the entire Purina ONE True Instinct product line, the average protein is 34.2%, and the average fat is 19.6%, leading to an estimated average carbohydrate content of 35%. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 57%.
Compared to typical dry dog foods, this range offers above-average protein and fat, with below-average carbohydrates. However, considering the inclusion of protein-rich ingredients like soy flour, corn gluten meal, and soy flakes, the actual meat content might be moderate rather than high.
Purina Dog Food Recall History
Purina has had dog food recalls in the past. For a comprehensive list of all dog food recalls since 2009, please refer to the dedicated recall history section on our website.
Our Rating of Purina ONE True Instinct Grain Inclusive Dog Food
Purina ONE True Instinct is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that utilizes a moderate amount of named meat meal as its primary animal protein source. Based on this assessment, the brand receives an average rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ☆ ☆
Recommended with Reservations.
About Purina
Purina was founded in 1894 by William H. Danforth. It is now owned by Nestlé and sources its ingredients from various global locations, including the United States, Europe, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand.
Compare Purina ONE True Instinct Dog Food
For a comparison with other highly recommended dog food brands, please explore our extensive database.
Sources
(#fn-1): Consumer Reports February 2014.
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