Purina Pro Plan Vs. Eukanuba
When it comes to feeding our furry friends, we want to provide them with the best nutrition possible. Two popular options you may be considering are Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba. Both brands have an extensive history of delivering quality pet food, but which is the best choice for your dog? This in-depth comparison aims to provide clarity.
History and Reputation
Before diving into specifics, let’s understand the history of these two brands.
Purina Pro Plan
Purina is a brand with a long-standing reputation that extends back to its inception in 1894. The Pro Plan line, introduced in 1986, prides itself on being the first dry food brand to use real meat as the #1 ingredient. Purina Pro Plan’s reputation is solid; it’s often recommended by veterinarians and breeders alike, and is known for its extensive scientific backing.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba was established in 1969 and has carved out a niche in the pet food market. Mars, Inc., a global conglomerate known for its commitment to pet health, owns Eukanuba. Known for its breed-specific recipes, Eukanuba aims to deliver tailored nutrition.
Nutritional Value
Purina Pro Plan
One of Purina Pro Plan’s main selling points is its use of high-quality ingredients. The first ingredient is typically a named meat or meat meal, followed by various grains, vegetables, and supplements that contribute to a balanced diet. Purina Pro Plan offers a variety of products designed to meet specific life stages, lifestyles, and dietary requirements, such as grain-free or sensitive stomach formulas.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba similarly starts its ingredient list with a named meat or meat meal, providing a substantial protein source for dogs. The brand also includes a blend of fibers, prebiotics, and beet pulp, which aids in nutrient absorption and digestion. Eukanuba focuses on breed-specific nutrition, acknowledging that different breeds have unique dietary needs.
WSAVA Compliance
Both Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba are compliant with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines, meaning they meet high standards of ingredient quality, nutritional adequacy, and manufacturing processes.
Price Comparison
In general, Purina Pro Plan tends to be less expensive than Eukanuba. However, the price may vary depending on the specific product line, size, and where you purchase the food.
What Do Vets Say?
Veterinarians often recommend both Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba as they both have veterinary nutritionists on staff, and they conduct extensive feeding trials. These brands also provide specific diet options that cater to health issues like joint problems, kidney health, weight management, and more.
Ingredient Analysis: Purina Pro Plan vs. Eukanuba
Examining the ingredients of pet food is essential to assess the potential health benefits. Here, we delve deeper into what each brand packs in their bags.
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan uses real meat, fish, or poultry as their primary ingredient, ensuring a high-quality protein source. This can be followed by various grains like corn, wheat, or soy. While some pet owners may prefer grain-free formulas, grains can provide essential nutrients and fiber. For dogs with grain sensitivities, Purina Pro Plan offers grain-free options.
Purina also includes omega fatty acids in their formulas, beneficial for skin and coat health. They incorporate live probiotics in some recipes to support digestive health, reflecting their commitment to nutrition science.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba also lists real meat or meat meal as its primary ingredient. They too include grains in their formula, but they stress using “whole grains,” such as barley and sorghum, which offer sustained energy.
Eukanuba stands out with its inclusion of the “DentalCare System” in their formulas. This system, according to the company, helps reduce tartar build-up on teeth. They also include FOS prebiotics and beet pulp to aid digestion, and optimal levels of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat.
Specialized Formulas: Purina Pro Plan vs. Eukanuba
Both brands provide targeted nutrition tailored to specific dietary needs and preferences.
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan provides specialized lines targeting different life stages (puppy, adult, senior) and lifestyles (like Sport formulas for active dogs). They have the Bright Mind line for senior dogs to support cognitive health, Savor with high-protein and nutrient-dense formulas, and the Focus line that provides targeted nutrition for specific health needs, such as sensitive skin and stomach.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba shines in providing breed-specific recipes. Recognizing that different breeds have unique nutritional needs, they cater to them through tailored formulas. For example, they have a Yorkshire Terrier recipe with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids to support their long, silky coats.
Eukanuba also provides life-stage specific recipes, including those for puppies, adults, and seniors, as well as weight control and performance formulas.
Sustainability and Ethics: Purina Pro Plan vs. Eukanuba
In today’s age, many pet owners are concerned about the sustainability and ethics of their pet food brands.
Purina Pro Plan
Purina emphasizes sustainable practices, including responsible sourcing and waste reduction. They’re committed to sourcing a significant portion of their ingredients from local suppliers, which reduces their carbon footprint. They’re also working towards using 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. They focus on renewable energy use, reduced packaging, and partnerships with organizations working towards animal welfare.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Purina Pro Plan vs. Eukanuba
Both brands cater to dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan offers several formulas that cater to dogs with food sensitivities. Their Sensitive Skin and Stomach formulas are made with easily digestible ingredients and are devoid of common allergens. They also offer grain-free options for dogs with grain sensitivities.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba provides a Dermatosis FP formula designed for dogs with food allergies or intolerances. This prescription diet contains selected proteins and carbohydrates to reduce ingredient and nutrient intolerances.
Conclusion: Purina Pro Plan Vs. Eukanuba
Choosing between Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba ultimately depends on your pet’s specific needs. Both brands provide high-quality, scientifically-backed nutrition, but they shine in different areas. Purina Pro Plan offers a broad range of specific dietary options, while Eukanuba excels at breed-specific nutrition. Remember, each dog is unique, and what works best for one might not for another. Always consult with your veterinarian before making a significant change to your dog’s diet.
FAQs
How Do Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba Cater to Puppies?
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan provides a range of puppy formulas tailored to breed size—small, medium, and large. These formulas contain DHA from omega-rich fish oil to nourish brain and vision development, antioxidants to support a puppy’s developing immune system, and high-quality protein, including real chicken or lamb.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba also offers breed and size-specific puppy formulas. They have their unique “DHA from natural fish oil” system that supports brain function and learning in puppies. Their puppy formulas are rich in antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, and the tailored fiber blend, including beet pulp, helps maintain digestive health.
What Are Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba’s Senior Dog Food Options?
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan’s Bright Mind Adult 7+ formulas are designed with senior dogs in mind. They contain enhanced botanical oils shown to promote alertness and mental sharpness in dogs seven and older, with visible results within 30 days. The formulas also contain high-quality protein, including chicken as the first ingredient, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba offers Senior maintenance formulas for medium and large breeds, and a Senior Small Breed formula. These recipes contain high-quality animal proteins, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint health, and L-carnitine to help maintain an ideal weight.
How Do Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba Handle Food Sensitivities?
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan offers a Focus line that includes formulas for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. These formulas contain real salmon or lamb, along with oatmeal or rice, as easily digestible carbohydrate sources. These recipes are also fortified with live probiotics for digestive and immune health.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba’s Dermatosis FP formulas are crafted to address food sensitivities. They are made with a selected protein source (fish) and carbohydrate source (potato) to reduce potential ingredient intolerances. The blend also contains a patented fermentable fiber (FOS) to promote a healthy digestive system.
Are There Any Recalls Associated with Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba?
Purina Pro Plan had recalls in the past, the most recent being in 2016 due to inadequate vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, Eukanuba had its latest recall in 2013 due to potential salmonella contamination. Both brands responded promptly to these incidents and took corrective actions.
It’s crucial to note that recalls don’t necessarily reflect a brand’s overall safety. They can indicate that the company is proactive in ensuring the safety of their products.
How are Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba Reviewed by Actual Pet Owners?
Both brands generally receive positive reviews from pet owners. Purina Pro Plan is praised for its range of specialized formulas and the noticeable health benefits they provide, such as improved coat health and increased energy levels. On the downside, some pet owners express concerns over the use of grains in many of their formulas.
Eukanuba is appreciated for its high-quality ingredients and the health benefits they deliver, such as improved digestion and overall vitality. Some reviews indicate that their pets enjoyed the taste of Eukanuba’s food. However, Eukanuba’s pricing is a common critique, as it is slightly higher compared to other brands.
What Specialized Diets Do Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba Offer?
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan offers a wide range of specialized diets to meet unique dietary needs. They have a Focus line that includes formulas for puppies, small breeds, large breeds, sensitive skin and stomach, weight management, and more. The Sport line is for active dogs and has performance and active formulas. Additionally, the Savor line offers superior taste and nutrition, and the Bright Mind line supports brain health in adult and senior dogs.
Eukanuba
Eukanuba also provides an array of targeted nutritional formulas. Their Breed Specific recipes are designed to meet the unique needs of specific breeds. Eukanuba’s Premium Performance line offers nutrition for active and sporting dogs, while their Weight Control line caters to dogs needing help with weight management. They also have a Dermatosis line designed to help manage nutritional sensitivities.
Do Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba Use High-Quality Ingredients?
Both Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients.
Purina Pro Plan uses real meat, poultry, or fish as the #1 ingredient in all their dry dog food formulas. They also use a combination of protein sources to provide a broad profile of amino acids.
Eukanuba emphasizes the use of high-quality animal proteins as the primary source of protein in their formulas. They also use a variety of carbohydrate sources, including barley and grain sorghum, and include prebiotic fibers for digestive health.
How Do Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba Support Dogs with Health Conditions?
Both brands offer special diet options that can support dogs with specific health conditions, but these should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Purina Pro Plan’s Veterinary Diets include formulas for a variety of health issues, such as digestive issues, urinary health, skin and coat health, joint mobility, food sensitivities, weight management, and more.
Eukanuba offers a Veterinary Diets line that includes formulas designed to support dogs with dermatosis, joint mobility issues, intestinal problems, and weight control needs.
What is the Price Comparison Between Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba?
While prices can vary depending on the specific formula and where you buy it, generally, Purina Pro Plan is slightly less expensive per pound than Eukanuba. However, both brands offer a range of options that can fit into most budgets.
Are Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba Environmentally Friendly?
Purina has an ambition to be waste-free by 2025 and is making progress towards this with its operations. They are also committed to responsible sourcing and have initiatives to improve water efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Eukanuba, as part of Mars Petcare, also has a commitment to sustainability. They have a Sustainable in a Generation Plan, with a focus on healthy planet, thriving people, and nourishing well-being.
