Purina ProPlan and NutriSource have been able to withstand the test of time, making them two of the most popular brands in the dog food market. These companies are backed by decades of experience and have perfected their manufacturing process and customer service to ensure that their customers remain satisfied. But is one better than another?
Purina Pro Plan is a better option for dog owners who are looking for an affordable and nutritious alternative. NutriSource, on the other hand is safer and better-regulated for dogs with preexisting conditions or sensitivities.
This article will compare the products of both brands. It will help you decide which product best suits your needs and budget. Next, I will go through Nutrisource and Purina Pro Plan’s pros and cons. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the return on investment of each company’s products. This guide will help you upgrade your dog’s diet.
Click here to see these two dog foods: Purina Pro Plan and NutriSource on Amazon.
Comparative General
It can be overwhelming to navigate today’s saturated dog food market. These brands have a long history and a large number of happy customers. What makes one brand better than the other for your (or your dog’s!) needs and preferences?
To make a fair comparison, you must first determine how Purina and Nutrisource compare using four equally important criteria.
Customer testimonials
It’s almost impossible to tell which brand’s product is best for your dog’s diet. I suggest you review the following sections.
Before you start reading this article, it’s a good idea to make a list. If your pet has health problems, the best option for them is the one that is safest and least allergen-laden.
If your pet is healthy and well, it might seem like a waste to spend so much money on something that will not make a difference to their health. This is where the price point may be a better criteria to use in making your decision.
Nutritional Value
Dog owners place a high priority on finding brands that provide great nutritional value. The quality of a dog’s life is directly related to its nutrition.
Even though pets may seem capable of surviving in harsh environments, it is clear that a healthy, balanced diet will improve their longevity and health. Isn’t that the ultimate goal of every dog owner?
As usual, I would like to start by pointing out that the federal and state regulations for dog food are very strict. This means that nutritional labels for most products will provide accurate information about their macro- and micronutrient contents.
The brands’ products look similar nutritionally at first glance. It might not be surprising that the two companies produce very similar products. In this example, I will compare the nutritional content of similar products from both companies in terms protein, fats and fiber.
Protein
Protein is the first macronutrient that I will be considering. It is, as you may know, the most important ingredient in a dog’s diet. Your pet will not survive if it doesn’t have enough protein. You will always choose a source of protein that is plentiful and high-quality.
Purina Pro Plan is the clear winner in this case. It’s not surprising that this result was achieved, since its products are known for their high protein content. Purina Pro Plan products are the only ones that offer such high levels of protein in their price range.
Although NutriSource isn’t far behind, there are differences in protein content between 1.5% and 3%. If this is a priority for you or your pet, Purina Pro Plans is the best option.
Fats
A healthy diet for dogs should include healthy fats. The macronutrient is not only the primary source for energy for your dog, but also offers a variety of health-related and appearance-related benefits.
Fat content can vary between products, but I believe NutriSource is the clear winner in this category. The definition of “winner” depends on the context. We’ll get to this later. Although most dry foods are similar in terms of their fat content, wet food is a whole different story.
NutriSource can provide up to 17% more fat in canned dog food than its counterpart. This is the biggest difference I have seen when comparing pet food brands.
However, beware. When it comes to your dog’s diet, there is such a thing called too much fat. Although pets are not likely to have any issues with their hearts like humans, excessive amounts of this nutrient can cause a host of other diseases.
Aim for less than 25% of your daily calories to come from fats. Your dog could be more at risk for obesity or pancreatitis if they eat too much fat. You should avoid high-fat food if you have a overweight dog.
Dogs with diabetes or a history of digestive problems will not be able to eat high amounts of fat.
NutriSource’s fat rich products would be a benefit to leaner and more active dogs. Additionally, pets who are pregnant or nursing will have a higher need for the macronutrient.
This concludes the section. Dogs require substantial amounts of fat in their diet. NutriSource products have more of this. The best option for your dog might differ depending on their age, health, and level of activity.
Fiber
Although most adult dogs do not require complex carbohydrates, fiber is important for their healthy digestion. The third macronutrient, fiber, is fairly comparable between the brands.
Although there may be slight differences between product lines, the advantages could be either way. NutriSource is the clear winner when it comes dry food varieties. Purina Pro Plan canned food has a higher fiber content than NutriSource.
If fiber intake is your primary concern, I recommend that you carefully review each product’s nutritional information prior to making a purchase. This comparison is not easy.
Micronutrients
Purina Pro plan seems to be the clear winner in terms of micronutrients. Purina Pro Plan’s nutritional labels include a variety of vitamins and minerals that can be added to their products.
Vitamin EZincManganeseVitamin CSulfurVitamin ACalciumVitamin B12Vitamin DBiotin
Although NutriSource lists a number of micronutrients on their nutritional labels, they are not nearly as extensive as Purina Pro Plan.
Purina Pro plan is the better option for your pet’s nutrition. They offer better macronutrient ratios as well as higher micronutrient contents.
Quality and Safety
The product’s quality is not only determined by its macronutrient content. When choosing the right food brand for your dog, it is important to take into account safety and source of these nutritional components.
In the next paragraphs, I will be looking at the ingredients of both brands and the possible health risks they could pose to your pet’s health.
Potentially harmful ingredients
Purina Pro Plan is often found lacking due to potentially dangerous ingredients and unsavory recall histories. This case is no exception.
Let’s say you want to be safe and avoid potentially harmful ingredients like colorings, corn oil, and animal fat preserved with citric acid. NutriSource is my recommendation.
However, this doesn’t mean that Purina Pro Plan products can be harmful. Purina Pro Plan is a healthy diet for adult dogs. This is why it has been recommended by FDA as one the best nutritionally-rich options available.
But what if your pet has a health condition that could be triggered or exacerbated by the ingredients I mentioned? To avoid potential problems down the line, it is best to invest an additional amount.
Pets with food sensitivities can also be affected by Purina Pro Plan products. These products may not be the best options for them.
If your dog is healthy and happy, the Purina Pro Plan may be a good option. These sections were written to highlight the fact that your individual circumstances will determine which plan is best for you.
Recall History
It is also important to consider each brand’s recall history. This can help you gain a better understanding about each brand’s overall credibility regarding safety.
Purina Pro Plan was recalled multiple times. The most recent recall occurred in 2021 after it was discovered that some cans containing wet food may have contained plastic traces. You can read more about the brand’s history of recalls here.
NutriSource, on the other hand has had an amazing recall-free record, at least until 2021. The company had to recall 1600 cases of one product in October 2021 due to elevated vitamin D levels.
Even with this incident, however, NutriSource is my safer bet.
Price
The strict manufacturing process comes at a premium, as expected. The NutriSource products are significantly more expensive than their PurinaPro Plan counterparts. The difference is not significant.
Consider the cost per calorie of comparable products from different brands. They can vary anywhere from $0.0001 up to $0.001.
As volume, weight and moisture levels can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish between brands, I would suggest that the price per calorie is the best way to do so. It’s likely that the Purina Pro Plan, which is more affordable than most other plans, won’t allow you to save as much as you’d like.
However, Purina Pro Plan is a better financial option if you are a tight budget.
If that is the case, you should consider a different criteria as price differences aren’t significant enough for a noticeable difference.
Testimonials from Customers
It’s important to consider customer reviews when choosing the best dog food brand for you and your dog. So I searched several forums including Reddit and Golden Retriever Forum to find recommendations that could give me some insight into which brand might be best for me.
Purina Pro Plan is a popular choice for puppy owners. Purina Pro Plan’s high levels of micronutrients and macronutrients provide a dog with the necessary nutrients to grow healthy.
NutriSource seems to be a better choice for dogs with food sensitivities than NutriSource. This is consistent with the predictions in the “Quality and Safety” section. It’s also easy to see why Purina Pro Plan wouldn’t be the best option for pets who are sensitive to food.
Pros and cons of Purina Pro Plan
After comparing the brands, you may have an idea of which brand will best suit your needs. It’s important to evaluate whether the brand that looks better on paper is actually worth the investment.
This is where the “Pros and Cons List” comes in.
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Pros
Excellent value.Great macronutrient content.Fortified with a wide range of minerals and vitamins.Budget-friendly.Can be found in almost any pet food store.Offers a wide range of product lines that cater to dogs of different ages, health conditions, etc.Recommended by the FDA.
Cons
Many allergens. Long recall history. Some cases of plastic particles being found in products.
NutriSource’s Cons and Pros
Although I have mentioned it many times in this article, the value of a brand’s products greatly depends on your needs and circumstances. It bears repeating.
Even though NutriSource has shown impressive stats so far, it is still important to weigh its benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.
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Pros
High in Omega 3s, probiotics.
Cons
Due to the high fat content, some of their products can cause gastrointestinal problems and obesity.
Last Thoughts
Two of the most popular dog food brands in today’s marketplace are NutriSource and Purina Pro Plan. Both offer excellent value for the price they are priced at. This is why each one could be a worthwhile investment, depending on your needs.
While NutriSource offers a higher-quality option that is better suited for dogs with food sensitivities and preexisting conditions, Purina Pro Plan provides a better nutritional profile at an affordable price.
