Today’s review is going to be on the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food. It’s a prescription diet for dogs with food sensitivities who might not be responding to normal, non-prescription dog diets.
The brand behind this product – the Nestle Purina PetCare is a strong one. The brand prides itself on its passion for pets and being forward thinkers in the pet care industry.
Indeed, Purina has blessed the pet care industry with a lot of wonderful pet food products. However, if we are being completely honest, most Purina products are just average at best. The good thing, though, is that they are affordable which is one of the reasons they are favored by many pet owners.
But before we delve in, we have this article that covers everything you need to know about antibiotics for dogs. If your dog has been experiencing some issues with infections, you might want to read this.
Table of Contents
Who Is The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food For?
This is a prescription diet for dogs with food sensitivities. Such dogs might be showing any range of symptoms from gastroenteritis to dermatitis.
Because this is a prescription diet, please keep in mind that you will be needing a vet’s authorization to be able to check out of the store with this product whether online or otherwise.
That said, this isn’t a product for all life stages. It’s meant for adults and, as such, should not be fed to puppies.
Good thing this product serves all sizes of breeds from small to medium to large.
Now, there’s corn starch here, so if your pooch is allergic to corn, this isn’t the product for them. Also, if your pooch is allergic to chicken, we will advise that you get another product.
Ingredients In The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Corn Starch
The corn controversy is not a new one. There is a lot of debate over whether or not dogs should be allowed to eat corn or not. Pet food makers insist that corn is nutritional, hence, the reason for its widespread use in the industry. Now, while a part of this is true, it, definitely, isn’t the whole truth.
Corn is quite nutritional, supplying the body with needed minerals and vitamins, depending on the corn type, actually. Even though many say corn is just a filler, corn is actually known to provide the body with linoleic acid, antioxidants, as well as a little fiber and fat in addition to carbohydrates which is known to primarily serve the body.
Now, that said, here is the part of the story that is not exactly true. Even though corn is quite nutritious, it’s not the most nutritious grain. And the reason it is sourced by most pet food makers is that it is easy to get and inexpensive as well.
Corn starch, a derivative of corn is also inexpensive. It is mostly used as a binding agent and is, in fact, a great binder. It holds all other ingredients in the meal together and gives a substantial feel to the meal, making it easier to serve.
Besides binding, corn starch can be used to bulk up a meal in low-cost food products as well.
Understandably, parents might be worried about corn starch being a filler and all. However, as long as your dog isn’t allergic to it, there shouldn’t be any foreseeable challenge in the nearest future for your dog.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate
Whenever we see soy in any pet food, our antennae stand up immediately. Soy is a well-known bad boy in the pet food industry known to cause some adverse effects on dog health.
The main problem stems from the fact that most soy we know and find in pet products these days are genetically modified. So, they are quite different from the soy we all used to know and love. There are many reasons soy worries us.
The first is that it comes with plant estrogens. These estrogens tamper with the endocrine system of the consumer when ingested. Plus, they also contain phytates as well. Phytates are substances that affect a dog’s ability to digest the needed minerals in the body.
Now, from what we know about hydrolysis in pet food, Purina has hydrolyzed this soy into its constituent parts and then obtained the protein isolate from it. This is what is included in this particular food.
While this seems safer, we much prefer that you avoid soy altogether in whatever form it comes. Better safe than sorry.
Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq
Canola oil is gotten from canola seed. Now, canola is great and has some benefits. But then again, there are times when canola seed can be a little dangerous. This is because, in some cases, canola is obtained from the genetic modification of rapeseed which is toxic to its consumers.
So, canola oil on its own could be toxic depending on the back story.
As for hydrogenation. Well, the purpose for this, in most cases, is to cut costs and to increase the shelf life of the food in question. The best way to go about this such that the food is still safe for consumption is to fully hydrogenate.
Sadly, in the case of this food, the oil is only partially hydrogenated. This leads to the development of trans fat which is dangerous for dogs and humans as it increases bad cholesterol and reduces the good kind.
The presence of a preservative is also quite disturbing as well.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is great for dogs as it helps to relieve the symptoms of dermatitis which often accompanies food sensitivity in dogs. From itchy to dry and bumpy doggy skin, coconut oil can help to bring in some relief to said dog.
There is a high concentration of medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil. Plus, coconut oil also contains a high amount of saturated fat. Together, these two help to boost energy in dogs, reduce allergic reactions, improve digestion, and help with gastrointestinal ailments in dogs.
Besides gastrointestinal functions, coconut oil can also help to improve cognitive function in dogs as well.
And lastly, in the liver, coconut oil gets broken down to release usable energy.
Dicalcium Phosphate
Here is another ingredient that should get you worried. It is mostly used as a filler and as a binder as well in dog food. But it is also used to supply the dog diet some calcium as well as prevent the formation of tartar on a dog’s dentition.
If the question is whether or not this ingredient does as mentioned above, then yes it does. But the problem is that it creates another problem while trying to solve one. Dicalcium phosphate has been known to pose some health risks to people who consume foods containing them.
Now, dicalcium phosphate is insoluble in water which is one red flag. Besides this, in some quarters, dicalcium phosphate has caused the calcification of soft tissue, even causing kidney stones to form in some.
Now, to be completely honest, dicalcium phosphate only poses a serious health risk if included in large quantities. Dicalcium phosphate is mostly harmless as long as it is consumed in limited quantities. But we’d rather avoid it altogether if it were up to us.
Senior dogs can’t digest it, and then there are drugs that are known to interact with calcium. This means that if your dog is currently on medication, this might be a bad idea for them.
Powdered Cellulose
The cellulose used in the making of dog food is usually obtained from pine trees before it is processed to powder. The process of doing this entails that the cellulose travels through a pulping mill. “Coincidentally,” this is the same pulping mill through which paper is made.
Powdered cellulose is usually added to food to increase bulk because it’s not just a good filler but it also has zero calories and so isn’t bad for the health. This is the reason some nutritionists believe that powdered cellulose is not a totally bad idea.
However, research has shown that powdered cellulose affects digestion in dogs, as well as the absorption of minerals. Besides that, if a large amount of powdered cellulose is consumed at a time, the dog might begin to pass large volumes of stool at a time.
Corn Oil
Just like coconut oil (and many oils), corn oil is great for relieving dermatitis symptoms. By moisturizing your dog’s skin from the inside out, corn oil helps to keep your dog’s coat shiny and bouncy.
It supplies the body with linoleic acid as well as polyunsaturated fat which keeps your dog’s coat in great shape and leaves him in perfect health.
Like we cautioned in the beginning, avoid this product if your pooch is allergic to corn.
Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
Liver is 100 times more nutritious than ordinary meat. It comes packed with many vitamins and minerals. Liver supplies the body a wide range of nutrients including vitamin A, proteins, fat, zinc, niacin, copper, iron, phosphorus, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin B. And, in addition to this, liver supplies the body with amino acids as well.
Now, for the sake of dogs who are allergic to chicken liver, the liver comes hydrolyzed which in order not to trigger any reaction in the dog. Still, we advise that dogs who are allergic to chicken avoid anything with chicken anything in it at all.
Hydrolyzed Chicken
Everyone loves chicken including dogs and for obvious reasons. It is tasty and comes with a lot of nutrients. It is one of the most commonly used protein sources in dog foods. This is one of the reasons it is the one animal protein source that dogs are most sensitive to.
To manage this, pet food makers often try to “disguise” chicken by hydrolyzing into constituent components. The idea is that, when broken down, chicken looks different than when it is whole and as such the immune system won’t recognize it and won’t be able to trigger a reaction.
But then again, there are other protein sources that are as good as chicken. So, we don’t see the need to go through the back door. If your dog has chicken sensitivity, get another product.
Potassium Chloride
Acts as a potassium source in the diet.
Guar Gum
The fantastic binding agent used in pet food, this ingredient is safe, affordable, and effective. It has a wonderful consistency and viscosity as well.
Besides binding and thickening, guar gum works as soluble fiber as well. This is helps to improve amino acid digestion in dogs.
Pros Of The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
1. Made to help relieve food sensitivity symptoms in dogs ranging from gastroenteritis or dermatitis.
2. Works for all breed sizes from small to large.
3. Loved and recommended by many dog parents and vets.
4. There are a few animal-based protein sources here.
Cons Of The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
1. A number of questionable ingredients listed here – corn starch, hydrolyzed protein isolate, powdered cellulose, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with Tbhq.
2. A little expensive when compared to regular dog food for food sensitivities.
Alternatives To The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Non-Chicken Variety
The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Dry Dog Food
If your dog is allergic to chicken, we would recommend that they go with the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Dry Dog Food instead. It’s about the same price as our featured product and comes in the same array of sizes.
Wet Food Variety
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Pate Adult Canned Dog Food
If a wet food formula is what you’re looking for, then the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Pate Adult Canned Dog Food might just be it. It’s also a prescription diet and is a little more affordable than our featured product.
Non-Prescription Variety/For Small Breeds
The Purina Pro Plan Focus Small Breed And Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food
Super affordable, this is a great option for small dogs with food sensitivities. This diet is for adult breeds and dogs under 20 pounds in weight.
Quick Comparison Table
| Featured Product | Non-Chicken Variety | Wet Food Variety | Non-Prescription/Small Breed Variety | |
| Product |
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
|
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Dry Dog Food
|
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Pate Adult Canned Dog Food
|
Purina Pro Plan Focus Small Breed And Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food
|
| Ingredients | Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq, Coconut Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Powdered Cellulose, Corn Oil, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Hydrolyzed Chicken, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum. | 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. | Water Sufficient for Processing, Pea Starch, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Powdered Cellulose, Coconut Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Carrageenan, Soybean Oil. | Salmon, Brewers Rice, Barley, Canola Meal, Fish Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Oat Meal, Salmon Meal, Pea Protein, Natural Liver Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Chicory Root Inulin, Fish Oil. |
| Kibble/Canned | Kibble | Kibble | Canned | Kibble |
| Sizes Available | 6-pound, 16.5-pound, and 25-pound bags available. | 6-pound, 16.5-pound, and 25-pound bags available. | 13.1 Ounces. Case of 12. | 5-pound, 16-pound, and 30-pound bags available. |
| Best For | Adult dogs of all sizes with food sensitivities. | Adult dogs of all sizes with food sensitivities. | Adult dogs of all sizes with food sensitivities. | Adult dogs of small breeds with food sensitivities (not more than 20 pounds). |
What Are Customers Saying About?
Well, it is a tad bit expensive is quite obvious. But it seems like the food is well worth its cost as it seems to be yielding results in the dogs who took them. It also seems to be doing that in a relatively short time too.
Of course, a few dogs could care less but this wasn’t the norm. The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food definitely got many 5-star ratings from purchasers.
Conclusion
In our opinion, the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food is a less than average product. Although it contains a good number of animal-based protein sources, it still packs a lot of questionable ingredients that worry us especially since this is supposed to be a prescription diet. And then again, for the price, Purina could have made an effort to use fewer cheap ingredients.
