Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food – Extensive Review

 

 

Yet another prescription diet up for review today is the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food. This is great for dogs with gastrointestinal issues, especially for adult dogs.

Overall though, from what we can see, we’d say that the product, on its own, is just about average or even slightly below. There are certain ingredients in this product which we don’t feel comfortable seeing in a dog food much more a prescription dog food.

What’s our final say on the product? Well, you’d have to find out at the end of this article. And since you’re here, why not check out this article on the importance of protein in a dog’s diet. It explains everything you need to know from all the angles and schools of thought possible.

Who Is The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food For?

First off, you must understand that the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food is a prescription diet. This means that you will be unable to purchase this product without express authorization from your vet whether online or at a physical store.

Also, this food is made for dogs with sensitive digestion issues ranging from gastroenteritis to gastritis, enteritis, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, as well as other intestinal diseases.

Purina does not mention anything about dermatitis for this product but it contains oils and fats which supply omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can help with such situations.

This caters to dogs of all breed sizes. Small breeds, medium breeds, and large breeds.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets 1 Count Gastroenteric Adult Dog Food, 32 lb       

 

 

Ingredients In The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food

Brewers Rice

As a first ingredient, this is quite troubling. Brewers rice is not a good grain at all. Rice is great, especially if it’s brown rice but brewers rice? No way. Yes, your dog needs carbohydrates for energy but not from this kind of grain. What your dog needs is whole grain, and brewers rice isn’t whole grain.

Brewers rice is actually more like leftovers obtained from the processing of white rice. Usually, pet food makers use this as a cheap filler. It’s terribly low in nutrients and does not really add much to any dog diet. Why it is the first ingredient worries us a lot as it means that it is the weightiest ingredient in this recipe.

See also  Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Senior Grain-Free Canned Dog Food – Detailed Review

 

Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal is still being debated currently in the pet food community. It’s not a consensus whether or not this is an ingredient that should be added to dog food. However, it is commonly added to dog foods because it is cheap and easy to get.

Besides that, corn gluten meal is also added as a way to increase the bulk in the food. So, as you can tell, corn gluten meal is commonly found in low-quality dog food. But here is the thing about corn gluten meal. It’s not as terrible as many are making it out to be.

First off, even though it’s a low-quality ingredient, corn gluten meal is generally okay for most dogs. It works as a great source of protein for dogs even though, for the most part, plant proteins are not great for dogs. They do not contain essential amino acids like animal proteins which is why animal protein is much more preferred to plant proteins.

There have been reports of grain allergies rising from the consumption of corn gluten meal in dogs as well as cats, mind you. Reports have also come concerning this ingredient as causing gastrointestinal discomfort in pets too. So, you want to keep a close eye on your pooch when feeding them this diet.

Of course, if your dog is allergic to corn, it’s best to avoid this product altogether.

 

Whole Grain Corn

So, generally, corn is okay for dogs as long as they are not allergic to the grain. The key is to ensure, though, that you only feed your dog corn in moderate amounts. Corn grains are quite popular among pet food manufacturers because they are quite inexpensive. But beyond that, corn is also quite rich in minerals and vitamins, depending on the corn type in question, though.

Although many tout corn as “just a filler,” we have it on authority that it isn’t just a filler. It does have its nutritional benefits which it grants to your pup. It not only provides carbohydrates that grains are known to do but also supplies the body with antioxidants as well as linoleic acid.

Besides that, corn also provides some fat. And the carbohydrate which it supplies the body can be a great source of fiber which is important for maintaining the health of the gut.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets 1 Count Gastroenteric Adult Dog Food, 32 lb       

 

 

 

Chicken Meal

Chicken meal is a great source of protein in a dog diet. Now, remember that, even when chicken or other kinds of meat are used as the first ingredient in a dog meal, they need to be supplemented.

This is because most meats have a really high moisture content. And so, in the process of making the pet food, the moisture gets cooked out. So, the volume of protein in the food ends up being a lot lower than the initial volume of protein in the meal.

For this reason, pet food makers have to support the protein content in the food with meat meals. Thankfully, in this diet, the meat in question is named – chicken. This means that it is a good quality meal we are looking at.

Making chicken meal is really about removing the moisture from fresh chicken in order to obtain a concentrated source of protein. This concentrated source of protein in the chicken meal is about 300 times higher in protein levels than fresh chicken.

In the actual analysis, chicken meal is about 65% protein, 12% fat and 10% moisture. Fresh chicken, on the other hand, has only about 18% protein, 5% fat, and about 70% to 80% moisture. So, in all ramifications, chicken meal is actually better for your dog than chicken.

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The higher fat content is also great as it contains the good kind of fatty acids which are important for maintaining the health of your dog’s coat and fur.

But besides fats and proteins, chicken meal also provides a good source of choline, vitamin B6 and B12, selenium, and phosphorus.

 

Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin)

Animal fats are great for dogs, whether or not they have dermatitis or not. They contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and these help to maintain healthy fur and coats. They also help to repair itchy and dry skin and coats.

The only problem with this ingredient though is that the animal is unnamed. And because it is unnamed, you can only guess what kind of animal was used in this diet. And sometimes when the animal is unnamed, they could even probably be sourced from euthanized or diseased pets.

 

Coconut Oil

Generally, coconuts are okay for dogs. However, the question is whether or not coconut oil is okay for dogs. Well according to a vet at the Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute, coconut oil has many benefits for your pooches.

Coconut oil relieves dogs from itchy, dry, as well as bumpy dog skin. But what’s more?

Coconut oil contains a high level of medium-chain triglycerides as well as saturated fat. It’s also been known to improve energy levels, improve digestibility in dogs, and reduce the rate of allergic reactions in dogs.

Additionally, experts say that it improves cognitive function in dogs, helps with gastrointestinal as well as physical ailments, and also gets broken down in the liver to release usable energy.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets 1 Count Gastroenteric Adult Dog Food, 32 lb         

 

 

 

Calcium Phosphate

This family of minerals is usually sourced from cow milk and then added to dog foods usually as a way to supplement the food with the needed phosphorus and calcium necessary for strong bones and teeth.

While this is all great, calcium phosphate has also been known to be a little unsafe for animals.

 

Calcium Carbonate

Found in rocks and shells of marine life such as coal balls, snails, and pearls, as well as non-aquatic life like eggs, calcium carbonate is a great source of calcium on dog diets. It’s also commonly used in antacids as well.

Primarily, calcium carbonate is used for dog food for 3 reasons. One, it is a cheap source of calcium which is an important mineral needed by dogs. It’s also important as a preservative and for color retention.

Calcium itself is important in a dog’s diet as it helps to build strong bones and teeth. It also helps to promote muscular growth, a regular heartbeat, as well as normal blood clotting.

 

Wheat Bran

The bran part of a grain is the outer shell which, most times, is taken out during the processing of grains. Typically, bran is really rich in dietary fiber which is important for colon health, constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, as well as weight management.

Bran is not a critical part of a dog’s diet and, should probably only be served if the dog in question is either a senior or has digestive issues. Also, bran is great if your dog has been suffering from diarrhea or if a bowel movement hasn’t been regular for a period.

 

Animal Digest

Don’t get disgusted. Nobody is going to take out something already digested by another animal and then make it an ingredient in your dog’s food. The digestion mentioned here is actually used in the production process.

So, what happens is that an animal protein is sourced and then hydrolyzed to break down the protein into peptides just like it would happen in a dog’s boy. This end-product is what is now known as the digest and it can either be in the powder or paste form.

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Now, why is animal digest beneficial for dogs? Well, it is really flavorful and makes the dog food palatable. So, it is often added in small quantities to make the food taste great. Plus, it is also an excellent source of protein as well.

 

Potassium Chloride

This is an excellent source of potassium in dog food.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets 1 Count Gastroenteric Adult Dog Food, 32 lb

       

 

 

 

 

Pros Of The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food

1. Most of the protein in this diet is obtained from an animal source. This means that the diet is rich in all the essential amino acids needed by dogs for their healthy growth.

2. Also rich in good fatty acids which keep your dog’s fur and coat healthy and non-itchy.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets 1 Count Gastroenteric Adult Dog Food, 32 lb      

 

 

 

Cons Of The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food

1. It contains some questionable ingredients such as brewers rice.

2. A few unnamed animals used in the making of this formula.

 

 

Alternatives To The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food

Hydrolyzed Formula Prescription Variant

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Dry Dog Food     Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets 1Count Hydrolyzed Adult Dog Food, 6 lb

       

 

 

 

This formula comes with a single protein source that is hydrolyzed to reduce the chances of causing a reaction. It is also a vegetarian dog diet as well.

 

Wet Dog Prescription Diet Variant

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Canned Dog Food

Purina Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Canned with Probiotics Dog Food 12/13.4 oz      

 

 

 

If you prefer a wet food formula to a dry food formula, then consider the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Canned Dog Food. It’s quite affordable as well.

 

Prescription Treats

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers Hydrolyzed Dog Treats

Purina Gentle Snackers Hypoallergenic Dog Treats (8 oz), Case of 8     

 

 

 

This is a healthy way to treat that special dog of yours on a special diet. It’s affordable and comes highly recommended.

 

 

Quick Comparison Table

Featured Product

Vegetarian Prescription Diet Variety

Wet Prescription Dog Food Variety

Prescription Dog Treats

Product

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets 1 Count Gastroenteric Adult Dog Food, 32 lb

 

 

Click here to get it from Amazon!

 

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina HA Hydrolyzed Dog Food 25 lb

 

Click here to get it from Amazon!

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Canned Dog Food

Purina Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Canned with Probiotics Dog Food 12/13.4 oz

 

 

Click here to get it from Amazon!

 

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers Hydrolyzed Dog Treats

Purina Gentle Snackers Hypoallergenic Dog Treats (8 oz), Case of 8

 

 

Click here to get it from Amazon!

Ingredient

Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Meal, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin of E), Coconut Oil, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Wheat Bran, Animal Digest, Potassium Chloride. Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Vegetable Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq, Powdered Cellulose, Corn Oil, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum. Meat by-products, Water Sufficient for Processing, Barley, Rice, Liver, Chicken, Soy Protein Isolate, Glycerin, Medium-chain Triglyceride Vegetable Oil, Guar Gum, Inulin. Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride. Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Vegetable Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Oat Fibeer, Powdered Cellulose, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Lecithin, Corn Oil.

Kibble/Canned

Kibble Kibble Canned Kibble

Sizes Available

6-pound, 18-pound, and 32-pound bags. 6-pound, 16.5-pound, and 25-pound bags 13.4 Ounces 8 Ounces

Best For

Prescription food for adults with sensitive digestion. Great for small, medium, and large breeds Vegetarian prescription diet for adult dogs of all sizes with sensitive digestion. Prescription food for adults with sensitive digestion. Great for small, medium, and large breeds Great for dogs of all sizes and life stages with food sensitivities.

 

 

 

 

What Customers Are Saying About The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food

Most dog owners like this product and many dogs seem agreeable with the diet. Of course, in some cases, there were dogs who didn’t show any sign of improvement but that was rare.

The cost of this food was also another small problem with dog owners who got the food, although we wouldn’t say it was a general problem.

Finally, from general observations, veterinarians like this product and recommend it a whole lot.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets 1 Count Gastroenteric Adult Dog Food, 32 lb     

 

 

 

 

Our Final Verdict

In our books, the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food is just below average. There are many cheap ingredients in the food, and considering the price and the fact that it is a prescription diet, it troubles us quite a bit.

Many dog owners and vets seem to like this product a lot, though.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets 1 Count Gastroenteric Adult Dog Food, 32 lb