Choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming. With so many brands and formulas available, it’s important to find one that meets your dog’s specific needs and provides them with optimal nutrition. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore Pure Balance Pro+ dry dog food to help you determine “Is Pure Balance Pro A Good Dog Food” for your furry friend.
Pure Balance Pro+ Dog Food: An Overview
Pure Balance Pro+ is a dry dog food line that emphasizes natural ingredients and veterinary-formulated recipes. The brand focuses on providing high-protein formulas with meat as the primary ingredient and added vitamins and minerals. They also claim to avoid fillers and artificial additives. But how does it stack up?
Pros and Cons of Pure Balance Pro+
Before diving into the specifics, let’s consider the potential benefits and drawbacks:
Pros:
- Vet-Formulated: The recipes are designed by veterinarians.
- No Fillers or Artificial Ingredients: The brand claims to avoid these additives.
- Protein as the First Ingredient: Each recipe prioritizes meat-based protein.
Cons:
- Controversial Ingredients: Some recipes contain ingredients that are subject to debate.
Available Recipes
The Pure Balance Pro+ product line includes several dry dog food formulas, each tailored to different life stages and dietary needs. Here’s a quick overview:
| Product Line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Balance Pro+ Chicken and Pea Small Breed | 4.5 | A (All Life Stages) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Brown Rice | 4.5 | M (Maintenance – Adult) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Salmon and Brown Rice Senior | 4 | M (Maintenance – Adult) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Chicken and Brown Rice Large Breed | 4 | A (All Life Stages) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Chicken and Oatmeal Weight Management | 4.5 | M (Maintenance – Adult) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Performance Beef and Brown Rice | 4.5 | M (Maintenance – Adult) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Chicken and Rice Puppy | 4.5 | A (All Life Stages) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Performance Chicken and Brown Rice | 4.5 | M (Maintenance – Adult) |
| Pure Balance Pro+ Chicken and Rice Large Breed Puppy | 4 | A (All Life Stages) |
Detailed Analysis: Pure Balance Pro+ Performance Chicken and Brown Rice
To provide an in-depth assessment of whether “is Pure Balance Pro a good dog food”, let’s examine the Pure Balance Pro+ Performance Chicken and Brown Rice recipe as a representative sample.
Ingredient Breakdown
The ingredient list is crucial for evaluating the quality of any dog food. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Chicken: A quality source of protein, providing essential amino acids.
- Chicken Meal: A concentrated form of chicken protein, containing a higher protein percentage than fresh chicken.
- Brown Rice: A complex carbohydrate source that is generally easy to digest when cooked.
- Oatmeal: A whole-grain ingredient rich in B vitamins and dietary fiber.
- Chicken Fat: A good source of linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid.
Controversial Ingredients
This recipe also includes ingredients that raise some concerns:
- Canola Meal: A byproduct of canola oil production that may be derived from genetically modified rapeseed. Although it adds protein, its source can be controversial.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on dry matter analysis, Pure Balance Pro+ Performance Chicken and Brown Rice contains:
- Protein: 33.3%
- Fat: 22.2%
- Carbohydrates: 36.5%
Compared to the overall product line, this recipe has a near-average protein content, carbohydrate level and fat level.
Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Chicken and Chicken Meal: Excellent sources of protein, vital for muscle development and overall health.
- Brown Rice and Oatmeal: Provide sustained energy and essential fiber for digestion.
- Chicken Fat: An important source of omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
- Dried Fermentation Products: Probiotics that promote gut health.
- Chicory Root: A prebiotic that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
- Chelated Minerals: Minerals that are more easily absorbed by the body.
- Taurine: An amino acid that supports heart health.
Pure Balance Dog Food Recall History
As of March 2025, Pure Balance dog food has not been subject to any recalls.
Overall Rating
Pure Balance Pro+ dry dog food receives a Dog Food Advisor rating of 4.5 stars. The vet-formulated recipes, inclusion of high-quality protein sources, and absence of artificial additives contribute to the positive rating. However, the presence of controversial ingredients like canola meal should be considered.
Conclusion
So, is Pure Balance Pro a good dog food? It appears to be a decent option, offering a balance of quality ingredients and essential nutrients. With a focus on natural ingredients and vet-formulated recipes, it provides a nutritious option for many dogs. However, pet owners should carefully review the ingredient list and consider their dog’s individual needs and sensitivities before making a decision. It’s also always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your pet.
