Purina Pro Plan vs. Eukanuba: Which Dog Food is Better?

As a proud dog lover, I know how important it is to feed your furry friend the best possible food. That’s why I’m here to answer the age-old question: Purina Pro Plan or Eukanuba – which is the top dog in the world of dog food?

Let’s face it; there are more dog food brands out there than there are breeds of dogs, so choosing the right one can be a bit of a paw-scratcher. But don’t worry; I’ve dug up all the juicy details to help you make an informed decision.

That’s why I will pit two popular dog food brands against each other today in the ultimate showdown: Purina Pro Plan vs. Eukanuba. These two brands are known for their high-quality ingredients and commitment to pet health, but which reigns supreme?

Get ready to drool because I’m about to give you the inside scoop on everything you need about these two dog food heavyweights. It’s time to find out which will have your dog’s tail wagging delightfully!

Factors	Purina Pro Plan	Eukanuba
Owned by	Nestle, Purina	Mars, Incorporated
Launched In	1986	1969
Special Feature	High-Protein Real Meat With Probiotics	High-Energy Dog Food
Number Of Formulas	140+  recipes made with different meats and grains	35 recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors
Intended for	High-performance and competitive dogs,  sensitive skin and stomach, weight management, calm behavior	Active, athletic, professional, and growing dogs.

A Sneak Peak At the Winner: Purina Pro Plan

Pro Plan’s commitment to using real meat as the number 1 ingredient that they pioneered is what sets it apart from other brands.

Plus, every bag of Purina Pro Plan dry dog food is packed with 100% live probiotics that promote a healthy immune and digestive system.

Whether your furry friend prefers beef, lamb, poultry, or salmon, Pro Plan offers various formulas to cater to their tastes and needs. From pups to seniors, there’s a Pro Plan recipe for every stage of your pet’s life.

Pet owners worldwide trust Purina Pro Plan for its top-quality ingredients, dedication to pet health, and flavor.

History of The Food Brand

Eukanuba and Purina are two of the industry’s most well-known dog food manufacturers, boasting years of experience and a wide range of product offerings. Unlike many other companies producing animal food, these brands have built a reputation for themselves.

To fully understand the strengths and differences between these two brands, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of their respective histories. Therefore, before diving into an analysis of their products, let’s take a brief look at the origins and evolution of both Eukanuba and Purina.

Purina Pro

“4.7 Overall Editor Rating “

★★★★★

Purina Pro Plan

30 percent protein and 20 percent fat
Fine-tuned nutrition
High-quality dry dog food

Check Price

*We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Purina is a well-established brand that offers a diverse range of pet care products. Purina Pro is one of its most highly regarded product lines, which adheres to guidelines set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) due to Purina’s standard-tier partnership with the organization.

Purina’s origins date back to the early 1900s when it was known as Purina Mills and specialized in producing animal feed. However, the company gradually shifted its focus to pet food and care products. The Purina brand became synonymous with high-quality pet care.

In 2001, Nestlé, a leading multinational corporation, acquired Purina for a whopping $10.3 billion, solidifying its position as a major player in the pet care industry. According to Purina’s website, the brand’s Pro Plan line has been around for approximately 85 years and is distributed globally.

Eukanuba

“4.7 Overall Editor Rating “

★★★★★

Eukanuba

Supports Muscle Growth
High-Quality Protein
Healthy Brain Function

Check Price

*We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Eukanuba is a well-known pet food industry brand focusing on producing high-quality dog food products that cater to active lifestyles and specialized nutritional needs. The brand was founded in 1969 and has since established itself as a trusted name in the pet food market.

Interestingly, Eukanuba was founded by Paul Iams, who also created another well-known pet brand called Iams. The brand is owned by Mars Petcare, a global leader in the pet care industry, and owns several other popular brands like Whiskas, Pedigree, Royal Canin, and AniCura.

With its extensive range of products, Eukanuba is recognized as one of the major players in the pet food market. The brand offers a variety of formulations that cater to different breeds and dietary needs.

Overall, Eukanuba’s commitment to quality and specialized nutrition has made it a go-to choice for pet owners worldwide.

Purina Pro Plan vs. Eukanuba: 4-Factor Comparison

Are you curious about how Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba stack up against each other? Well, let’s find out! I will compare these two popular pet food brands in four categories: ingredients, recipes, nutrition, and recalls. Get ready to discover which brand comes out on top in each round. So, are you excited? Let’s get started!

1. Ingredients

Given the vast selection of recipes and ingredients offered by both Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba, I have chosen to focus my review on five common ingredients found in all of their recipes. This approach will allow for a more concise and informative analysis of the similarities and differences between these two popular pet food brands.

Purina Pro

Let’s delve deeper into the primary ingredients used in Purina Pro Plan dog food.

Real meat

Purina Pro Plan dog food uses a variety of meats and fish, such as salmon, tuna, beef, lamb, poultry, and duck, to provide a rich source of lean protein and essential fatty acids. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining muscle mass, supporting the immune system, and promoting healthy skin and coat.

Organs

Leaner meats, such as liver, are nutrient-dense components that give extra protein, vitamins, and elements to several Purina Pro Plan dog food formulas. Leaner meats can be a helpful addition to a dog’s diet when used in moderation, despite some pet owners’ reservations.

Grains

While some pet owners may be concerned about the use of grains in dog food, Purina Pro Plan uses a variety of high-quality grains, such as rice and barley, as a source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide dogs with energy and support their overall health and well-being.

Supplemental Materials

To improve the nutrient content of their diet, Purina Pro Plan dog food always contains additional ingredients, including beef fat, sunflower oils, beet fiber, pea proteins, and guar gum. These components offer extra amounts of protein and fiber to help with the growth of beneficial bacteria and appetite.

Eukanuba

When it comes to Eukanuba dog food, the specific ingredients used may vary depending on the product. However, here are some primary ingredients commonly found in their formulas and what they contribute to your dog’s nutrition:

Chicken

This is often used as the primary source of protein in Eukanuba dog food. Chicken is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.

It is important to note that the quality of the chicken used in pet food varies greatly. Hence, choosing a reputable brand like Eukanuba that sources its chicken from trusted suppliers is important.

Corn meal

This is a carbohydrate source that provides energy for dogs. While corn is often considered a lower-quality ingredient, it can still be a valuable source of energy and nutrients for dogs when properly processed. Eukanuba uses corn meal that has been ground into a fine powder to improve digestibility.

Brewers rice

This is a by-product of the rice milling process and provides a source of carbohydrates for dogs. While some may view this as a filler ingredient, brewers’ rice can still be a useful source of energy and nutrients for dogs.

Chicken by-product meal

This is a concentrated source of animal protein that includes organs and other parts of the chicken not typically used in human food. While by-products may have a negative connotation, they can actually be a valuable source of nutrition for dogs when sourced from high-quality suppliers like those used by Eukanuba.

Dried beet pulp

This dietary fiber source promotes healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation. Fiber is an important nutrient for maintaining digestive health and regularity in dogs.

Who Won?

Let’s get down to the meat of the matter and determine which brand is superior in terms of ingredients.

Overall, Purina Pro Plan is the clear winner when it comes to the quality and variety of ingredients used in their dog food.

Their use of real meats such as salmon, tuna, beef, lamb, poultry, and duck provides dogs with a rich source of lean protein and essential fatty acids that are crucial for maintaining muscle mass, supporting the immune system, and promoting healthy skin and coat.

When it comes to Eukanuba dog food, they do use some high-quality ingredients, such as chicken, which is a good source of protein, and dried beet pulp, which promotes healthy digestion. However, they also rely on ingredients like corn meal and brewers rice that some may consider lower quality.

2. Recipes

Hey there, friend! So, I spent some quality time looking through all of the recipes for both of these brands, and I gotta say, I’m feeling pretty informed on the matter. With so many options, I’m sure you’ll find something your pup will love.

Purina Pro

Purina Pro Plan offers a wide range of products that can cater to different requirements of your furry friend, whether they have food sensitivities or specific taste preferences.

There are more than 80 varieties of dog food
Options with and without grains
Puppy weight-control alternatives
Puppy formulas with increased protein and sports ingredients for high-calorie eaters
Remedies for dogs with irritable stomachs and skin
The three main unique food options are lamb, salmon, and chicken

They have an extensive range of products suitable for all types of canines, from small toy breeds to large ones, from fussy eaters to dogs with special dietary needs.

Eukanuba

Eukanuba offers a wide range of dog food products to cater to different age groups and the needs of your dog.

35 Different recipes available
Canned dog food options available
Recipes for puppies, adults as well as senior dogs
Treats with real meat as the primary ingredient
Weight Control, athletic, and High-protein performance options are available

With an extensive range of products, including treats with real meat and weight control options, Eukanuba can meet the dietary requirements of various dogs.

Who Won?

After some careful consideration, I’ve come to a conclusion about which brand offers a better range of products for their customers. But before I reveal my thoughts, let’s talk about what I discovered.

With more than 80 varieties of dog food, options with and without grains, and even remedies for dogs with irritable stomachs and skin, Purina Pro Plan has got a lot to offer. Not to mention the unique food options like lamb, salmon, and chicken that your pup will love.

Eukanuba’s 35 recipes and weight control options are nothing to sneeze at, but they can’t compete with Purina Pro’s extensive range of products.

It looks like Purina Pro has the upper hand when it comes to the range of recipes.

I’d recommend exploring the different Purina Pro options to find the perfect fit for your dog’s specific dietary needs and taste preferences.

3. Nutrition

Both the manufacturers offer comprehensive details about their products’ nutrient composition. This way, they allow for a straightforward comparison to assess their offer to the customers.

From the product details, customers can find the most appropriate balance of essential nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other crucial components for canine companions’ optimal health.

Crude Protein

Protein is a crucial nutrient for dogs, as it aids in developing and maintaining muscles, tissues, and cells.

Eukanuba’s dry matter basis contains a minimum of 22.5% crude protein. In comparison, Purina Pro Plan’s dry matter basis contains 26% crude protein, making it the better option for dogs who require a higher protein intake.

It’s important to note that factors such as breed, age, activity level, and health status should be considered when determining a dog’s protein requirements.

Crude Fat

Fat is another essential nutrient for dogs, as it provides energy, helps absorb vitamins, and supports healthy skin and coat.

Eukanuba’s dry matter basis contains a minimum of 12% crude fat. In comparison, Purina Pro Plan’s dry matter basis contains 16% crude fat, making it the superior choice for dogs who need a higher fat content in their diet.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that too much fat in a dog’s diet can lead to obesity and other health issues, so it’s essential to consider a dog’s specific needs and consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to their diet.

Who Won?

Hey, let’s be real here. We all know that protein and fat are like the Batman and Robin of dog food nutrients. I mean, protein is the muscle-building, body-maintaining hero that keeps our furry friends strong and healthy.

And fat? Well, it’s the energy-giving sidekick that supports healthy skin and coat. So, when it comes to choosing the right dog food brand, you need to consider the amount of protein and fat in it.

Sure, Eukanuba isn’t too shabby with its 22.5% minimum crude protein and 12% minimum crude fat, but if you want to go all out and get the real deal, then you need Purina Pro Plan. With its impressive 26% crude protein and 16% crude fat, your dog will feel like a superhero in no time.

So, if you want your furry friend to have the best of the best, Purina Pro Plan is the clear winner here.

4. Recalls

As pet owners, we understand the responsibility of caring for our beloved furry friends. We prioritize their safety and well-being above everything else, and rightly so. It’s heartbreaking to think that some pet food brands may not share our values and put profit over the health of our pets.

This is why we urge pet owners to do their due diligence when researching pet food brands. One crucial aspect to consider is the recall history of the brand. It’s important to know if the brand has faced any recalls in the past and how it handled the situation.

Purina Pro and Eukanuba have had their share of recall history, which may concern some pet owners. However, it’s crucial to remember that both brands have taken necessary steps to address any safety concerns and voluntarily initiated recalls when required.

Purina Pro

In July 2021, Purina Pro faced a recall of one of their wet cat food products, 3-oz. Pro Plan Complete Essentials Tuna Entrée, because of the risk of residues from plastic parts, causing concern among pet owners.

This wasn’t the first time Purina Pro faced a recall.For lack of nutritional value, the firm withdrew Pro Plan Savory Meals in March 2016. Although the company took swift action, the incident left pet owners questioning the quality control of Purina Pro’s products.

Moreover, in August 2013, Purina Pro Plan faced a large-scale recall of their pet food products, which also included Eukanuba. Salmonellosis, which can seriously harm both people and pets, was indeed the reason for the recall.

 Eukanuba

Over the years, Eukanuba has had multiple recalls of its dog food products due to potential contamination issues.

One of the more recent recalls occurred in August of 2013 when the FDA issued a report recalling several batches of Eukanuba dry dog food products due to possible salmonella contamination.

3 units of dry dog food by Eukanuba were again canceled in July 2010 because of a possible outbreak of salmonella.

While Eukanuba canned and wet pouch food items were withdrawn in 2007 owing to melamine exposure, there were some health and safety issues.

Who Won?

We have a tie. When it comes to product recalls, both Purina Pro and Eukanuba have had their fair share of issues over the years.

It is difficult to determine which brand has had more significant recall issues. Purina Pro and Eukanuba have faced multiple recalls over the years.

While Purina Pro has faced recent recalls, Eukanuba has faced multiple recalls over a more extended period, dating back to 2007.

Both brands have taken swift action to recall affected products and work towards resolving the issues. It is worth noting that the pet food industry is highly regulated, and recalls are taken seriously to ensure the safety of pets and their owners.

In conclusion, while both Purina Pro and Eukanuba have had their fair share of recall issues over the years, it is challenging to determine which brand has had more significant concerns.

Author’s notes: These recalls highlight the importance of careful production and safety protocols in the pet food industry to ensure the health and well-being of our pets. Despite these incidents, Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba remain trusted brands in the pet food industry, with many pet owners continuing to feed their pets with their products. However, pet owners should always remain vigilant, keep an eye on product recalls, and carefully examine the food they feed their pets to ensure their safety and well-being.

Highlights For the Food Brands

Before we proceed, let’s look at some of the most critical aspects of both of the competing brands, just in case you missed something.

Purina Pro

1. Purina Pro is a well-established brand that offers a diverse range of pet care products, including the Purina Pro Plan.
2. Purina Pro adheres to guidelines set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) due to Purina’s standard-tier partnership with the organization.
3. Purina’s origins date back to the early 1900s when it was known as Purina Mills and specialized in producing animal feed.
4. Nestlé cemented its position as a prominent participant in the pet care sector in 2001 by purchasing Purina for a staggering $10.3 billion.
5. Purina Pro Plan has been around for approximately 85 years and is distributed globally.

Eukanuba

1. Eukanuba is a well-known brand in the pet food industry, founded in 1969, with a focus on producing high-quality dog food products that cater to active lifestyles and specialized nutritional needs.
2. The brand offers a variety of formulations that cater to different breeds and dietary needs, ensuring that pet owners have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to feeding their furry friends.
3. Eukanuba is recognized as one of the major players in the pet food market.
4. Eukanuba is owned by Mars Petcare, a global leader in the pet care industry, holding several other popular brands like Whiskas, Pedigree, Royal Canin, and AniCura.

Purina Pro Plan Comes Out On Top

Well, folks, it’s time to reveal the winner of this showdown! After scrutinizing every detail of both brands, I’ve come to a decision.

From gourmet to organic, grain-free to raw, the choices seem endless. But there can only be one winner in the battle of the brands. And in the case of Purina Pro Plan vs. Eukanuba, the clear champion is Purina Pro Plan.

Pros

Wide variety of formulas for different life stages and health needs
High-quality protein sources, including real meat as the first ingredient
Uses only ingredients from trusted sources with rigorous quality and safety checks
Affordable pricing compared to some other premium dog food brands
Contains added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for optimal nutrition
Many dog owners report improved coat health, energy levels, and digestive health in their pets after switching to Purina Pro Plan

Cons

Contains some fillers and by-products, such as corn and chicken by-product meal
Some dogs may have sensitivities to certain ingredients in Purina Pro Plan formulas
Some formulas contain artificial colors and flavors, which may not be ideal for some pet owners
Not all formulas are grain-free, which may be a concern for pet owners looking to avoid grains in their dog’s diet
Some dog owners may prefer a more natural or organic dog food option, which Purina Pro Plan does not offer

I did some intense research and analysis on this brand, and I can confidently say that Purina Pro Plan is the better dog food.

From adorable little puppies to grizzled old-timers, a Pro Plan formula suits every stage of a dog’s life.

Why Did Eukanuba Lose?

So, I was doing some digging and found out that Eukanuba might not be the best choice for your furry friend.

They have a limited selection of dog food formulas, and their marketing tactics are questionable. And get this, the Federal Trade Commission actually sued them for making false claims about their dog food.

Apparently, they claimed that a 10-year study demonstrated that feeding Eukanuba to dogs might increase their anticipated lifetime by at least 30%. However, they couldn’t prove these claims, leaving many pet owners wondering about the validity of Eukanuba’s other claims.

I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty concerning to me.

It’s worrying when a company that has had legal trouble for false advertising and questionable marketing tactics is the one producing our pets’ food. It’s essential to do your research and choose a brand that is transparent, honest, and backed by scientific research.

Summary

After comparing Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba in terms of ingredients, recipes, nutrition, and recalls, Purina Pro Plan comes out as the better brand overall. The ingredients used in Purina Pro Plan’s dog food are of higher quality and offer more variety than those used in Eukanuba’s dog food.

Furthermore, Purina Pro Plan offers more options for dogs with specific needs or taste preferences. Both brands provide adequate nutrition, but Purina Pro Plan’s dog food is more likely to promote better health and well-being.

Lastly, neither brand has a significant history of recalls. Still, Purina Pro Plan has had fewer recalls than Eukanuba in recent years.

When it comes to selecting between the two brands, the final decision should be based on your companion’s unique requirements and your personal preferences. However, for the majority of pet parents, Purina Pro Plan emerges as the superior choice.

Check Out These Articles
Purina Pro Plan vs. Science Diet	Purina ONE vs. Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan vs. Eukanuba	Purina ONE vs. Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan vs. Kirkland Dog Food	Kirkland Dog Food vs. Blue Buffalo
Purina Pro Plan Vs. Taste Of The Wild