As a devoted cat owner, selecting the right food for your feline companion is paramount to their health and well-being. Purina Pro Plan, a brand with a long history in the pet food industry, positions itself as a high-quality, science-backed option. This review delves into the specifics of Purina Pro Plan cat food, examining its ingredients, product variety, customer feedback, and overall value to help you make an informed decision for your cat.
Purina launched the Pro Plan brand over sixty years after its initial foray into pet food, aiming to embody performance, excellence, and expertise. The brand boasts that each formula is developed through the collective knowledge of over 400 scientists, including veterinarians, pet nutritionists, and animal behaviorists. This article will explore Purina Pro Plan’s offerings to determine if the brand lives up to its promises of quality.
Purina Pro Plan cat food is manufactured in the United States within Purina’s own facilities, utilizing ingredients sourced globally.
Recalls and Product Lines
Purina Pro Plan has experienced recalls in the past. In 2016, a recall was issued for tubs of Purina Pro Plan wet dog food due to insufficient vitamin and mineral levels. Additionally, other Purina brands have faced multiple recalls.
The Purina Pro Plan brand offers a diverse range of both wet and dry cat food, categorized into five distinct lines:
- Savor: This line features a variety of textures, aromas, and tastes designed to appeal to discerning palates.
- Focus: Formulated to address specific health needs, including issues like hairballs and urinary tract health.
- Veterinary Diets: These prescription-only diets are created for cats with serious health conditions such as allergies, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, and urinary tract issues.
- True Nature: This line emphasizes meat-based formulas that cater to a cat’s natural instincts.
- Prime Plus: Specifically developed for senior cats aged seven years and older, focusing on age-related nutritional needs.
Top Purina Pro Plan Cat Food Recipes Reviewed
To provide a closer look, we’ve analyzed three popular Purina Pro Plan recipes:
1. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Urinary Tract Health Formula Chicken Entree in Gravy Canned Cat Food
This wet food formula is specifically designed to support urinary tract health. Key features include acidifiers to help maintain a low urinary pH and limited dietary magnesium, both crucial for reducing the risk of urinary crystal formation. The food presents as chopped-and-formed meat chunks in a gravy.
The primary protein source appears to be meat by-products, alongside chicken, wheat gluten, and artificial flavors and colors. For owners who prefer a strictly meat-based diet for their obligate carnivores, the inclusion of plant-sourced proteins and thickeners, as well as artificial additives, may be a concern. Despite these ingredients, many cats reportedly enjoy this food, and some reviewers note its positive impact on cats prone to urinary issues.
- Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Wheat Gluten, Corn Starch-Modified, Artificial Flavors, Soy Flour, Added Color
- Pros: Some users report improvement in their cats’ urinary tract health.
- Cons: High carbohydrate content, contains artificial colors and flavors.
2. Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult White Meat Chicken & Vegetable Entree in Gravy Canned Cat Food
This Savor line recipe features chunks of white meat chicken and vegetables in a gravy, with chicken listed as the primary protein source. The ingredient list also includes wheat gluten, liver, and meat by-products.
While meat by-products can be nutritious, their vague labeling can be a warning sign for cats with sensitivities or allergies. The gravy is thickened with modified corn starch, contributing to the overall carbohydrate content. The recipe also contains artificial flavors and colors.
- Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Turkey
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Wheat Gluten, Tomatoes, Carrots, Corn Starch-Modified, Artificial Flavors, Added Color
- Pros: Many cats find this food palatable.
- Cons: High carbohydrate content, contains artificial flavors and colors.
3. Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food
This dry food from the Savor line positions chicken as the first ingredient, adhering to Purina Pro Plan’s promise for its dry recipes. However, brewers rice and corn gluten meal follow closely, potentially making up a larger portion of the food’s calorie content. The kibble also includes poultry by-product meal, dried egg product, and beef fat as protein and fat sources, respectively, along with fish meal.
The formula is enhanced with “natural liver flavor” and includes added vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and probiotics to support digestive health. Similar to other Pro Plan foods, this recipe contains artificial flavors and colors, though the potential impact of artificial colors on health remains a consideration.
- Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Beef Fat
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Flour, Soy Protein Isolate, Added Color
- Pros: Contains added probiotics, slightly lower carbohydrate content compared to average kibble, utilizes animal-sourced fat.
- Cons: Contains artificial colors and flavors, high carbohydrate content, low moisture content.
Customer Feedback on Purina Pro Plan Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan generally receives positive customer acceptance, being considered one of Purina’s higher-quality brands. While many product listings show high ratings, reviews on platforms like Consumer Affairs present a mixed picture, leaning slightly towards negative feedback. Some complaints cite cats falling ill after consuming the food, though direct causation is not always clear. Isolated incidents of foreign objects, such as plastic pieces or maggots, have also been reported.
Despite these concerns, many customers praise the palatability and perceived health benefits of Purina Pro Plan, with some long-term users reporting positive experiences with their cats’ health and appetite. However, a recurring issue mentioned by some is inconsistency in product quality or smell, leading to cats rejecting the food.
Cost of Purina Pro Plan Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan is positioned at a slightly higher price point than other Purina brands. Daily feeding costs are estimated at around $3.55 for wet food and $0.58 for dry food for a 10-lb cat.
Conclusion: Is Purina Pro Plan a Suitable Choice?
While Purina Pro Plan is marketed as a premium, science-driven option, the ingredient composition in many of its formulas is comparable to other mainstream Purina products. Certain formulas, like the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, may offer specialized benefits for cats with specific health conditions, such as kidney disease. However, for the average cat owner seeking the best possible nutrition, Purina Pro Plan may not stand out as a top-tier brand compared to other market leaders. Careful consideration of ingredients and individual cat needs is essential when choosing any cat food.
Where to Purchase Purina Pro Plan Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan cat food is available at major pet retail chains and select independent pet specialty stores. Online purchasing options include Amazon, Chewy, and PetSmart. You can find a retailer near you by visiting the Purina Pro Plan website.
