Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food Review

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A whopping 65.1 million U.S. households share their home with at least one dog,(1)  a significant portion of which are sporting and active dogs. Whether purebred or mixed-breed, these on-the-go doggos are known for their endless energy reserves. But did you know active dog breeds often require a specialized diet like Purina Pro Plan Sport to keep them energized and thriving?

As a mom to three Cocker Spaniels, I’ve learned first-hand that this energetic breed, which maintains a puppy-like energy throughout life, thrives best on diets tailored for active dogs.  So I was excited to have the opportunity to share my review Purina Pro Plan Sport — a formula that has been meeting the nutritional needs of active dogs for over a decade.

Here’s everything you need to know about Purina Pro Plan Sport to help you decide which formula is best for your active dog.

What is Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food?

All dogs are unique. So it makes sense that energy needs and caloric requirements will vary from dog to dog. When it comes to optimal nutrition, sporting and working dogs are like high-performance cars. They require special fuel to perform their best. To fulfill that need, Purina Pro Plan Sport dog food provides energy-dense nutrition for dogs whose bodies are designed to excel.

Purina has shaped the pet food industry for over a century. And the brand brings the same high quality and ground-breaking innovation to Purina Pro Plan Sport dog food, which is backed by over 400 scientists, nutritionists, behaviorists, and veterinarians.

Made in the United States, each Pro Plan Sport line food promotes strength and stamina in active dogs — including puppies, adults, reproducing females, and seniors. The ratio of protein to fat varies in each formula because Purina understands that no two active dogs are the same. Each Sport formula contains vitamins, minerals, high-quality carbohydrates for sustained energy, and amino acids for muscle nourishment.

Available in wet and kibble formulas, the Sport line does not contain artificial colors or flavors, ensuring your dog receives only the ingredients needed to thrive. Dog moms and dads will appreciate these key benefits of Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food:

• A high-protein formula with meat as the first ingredient.
• Contains amino acids to nourish muscles, which is especially important in active dogs for post-exercise recovery.
• Contains fat fuel for metabolic needs (energy) and lean muscle maintenance.
• Helps nourish brain and vision development with DHA.

Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food Options To Consider

Purina Pro Plan Sport is designed for active dogs, sporting dogs, and those needing high-performance food. The dry food is available in four main categories:

• Sport Performance with high protein (30%) and high fat (20%) to support the needs of working, competition, and sporting dogs.
• Sport Active with moderate protein (27%) and moderate fat (17%) to support the needs of active dogs. There is also a 26/16 formula with 26% protein and 16% fat.
• Sport Performance Adult 7+ Senior with brain-supporting nutrients, glucosamine and EPA, antioxidants, and guaranteed live probiotics.
• Development for active puppies.

Here is a helpful breakdown of Purina Pro Sport formulas so you can start deciding which one is best for your dog:

Purina Pro Plan Sport High Protein Puppy Wet Dog Food

• Real chicken or beef is the first ingredient.
• Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
• Contains brain-nourishing nutrients, including DHA, for brain and vision development.
• Contains a blend of 23 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Available in two flavors:
  • Beef and Rice or Chicken and Rice

Purina Pro Plan Sport Development 30/18 Puppy Dry Dog Food

• Made for large-breed puppies with 30% protein and 18% fat.
• Chicken is the first ingredient.
• Supports healthy growth rate and age-appropriate endurance and strength.
• Promotes concentration, problem-solving ability, and trainability.
• Available in Chicken and Rice formula

Purina Pro Plan Sport Development 30/20 Puppy Dry Dog Food

• 30% protein and 20% fat support age-appropriate strength and endurance in active puppies.
• Made for athletic puppies.
• Chicken is the first ingredient.
• Formulated with antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
• Available in Chicken and Rice formula.

Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Dry Dog Food

• 30% protein and 20% fat fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle.
• Designed for dogs of all life stages.
• Real meat, poultry, or salmon is the first ingredient.
• Helps optimize oxygen metabolism for increased endurance
• Available in five formulas:
  • Chicken and Rice
  • Salmon and Rice
  • Beef and Bison
  • Turkey, Duck, and Quail
  •  Salmon and Cod

Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Small Bites Dry Dog Food

• 27% protein and 17% fat help fuel metabolic needs and help maintain lean muscle.
• Complete and balanced food fortified with guaranteed live probiotics.
• For dogs at all life stages including puppies and reproducing females.
• Nutrient-dense, bite-sized kibble for dogs who prefer eating smaller pieces.
• Available in Lamb and Rice

Purina Pro Plan Sport High Protein Adult Wet Dog Food

• 100 percent complete and balanced for adult dogs.
• Made with 23 essential vitamins and nutrients.
• Contains no artificial colors or preservatives.
• Available in five flavors:
  •  Salmon and Cod
  • Beef and Bison
  • Chicken and Rice
  • Turkey, Duck, and Quail
  • Turkey, Lamb, and Venison

Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/17 Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food

• Active dog food with 30% protein and 17% fat to help fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle.
• Real chicken is the first ingredient.
• Designed for senior dogs with joint care support, including glucosamine and EPA, an Omega-3 fatty acid.
• Includes Vitamin A and Omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy, shiny coat.
• Available in Chicken and Rice formula.

Putting Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food to the Test

My second Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, ate Purina Pro Plan Sport wet food, so I was very familiar with the brand. His breeder recommended the food, and we had an excellent experience.

I decided to use the Pro Plan Sport with my 2-year-old cocker spaniel, Alvin. Cocker Spaniels tend to be foodies, and Alvin is a very good boy who deserves only the best.

We chose the Salmon and Rice Performance 30/20 formula for all life stages. Alvin is working towards his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen title. We fed him the Salmon and Rice dry formula for several weeks to keep him performing at his best. Alvin enjoyed every last piece of kibble.

What We Liked

• Premium dog food designed for sporting and active dogs. Purina’s Pro Plan Sport formulas are tasty, nutritious, and made with energetic dogs in mind at every life stage.
• Kibble or canned formulas. Pet parents can mix and match or choose wet or dry food for their energetic dog.
• Food for all life stages. A proper transition of food is always recommended when changing formulas. Sensitive individuals would benefit greatly from this, especially if moving between formulas with more differences between them. Likewise, the benefit of an all-life-stages product is that you don’t have to transition; you can keep them on that food forever.
• Palatability factor. My dog ate the Purina Pro Plan Sport kibble and showed no stomach upset at all.

Things to Consider

• Purina Pro Plan Sport is made for certain dogs. The Performance line is ideal if your dog is involved in hunting, sporting, or competitive activities. The Active line is ideal for dogs who are energetic but enjoy regular, casual exercise.
• High in calories. The Pro Sport line has higher calories because active dogs need more fuel. This would not be a problem for sporting and super-active dogs. Overweight or less active dogs should eat another type of food.

Purina Pro Plan Sport: Our Verdict

Purina Pro Plan Sport is made for a specific type of dog and delivers a variety of textures, flavors, and protein/fat ratios. It contains high-quality protein and fat content for energy. Whether you have a super active dog or an active dog who gets regular exercise, I would highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Sport.

I consider my Cocker Spaniel active, as he gets regular indoor and outdoor exercise and daily walks. Here’s to active dogs everywhere!

Resources

1 https://www.americanpetproducts.org/research-insights/industry-trends-and-stats

The author received compensation from PetSmart for their services in writing this article.