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Complete Essentials Adult Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan

Complete Essentials Adult Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 17, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a balanced, dry adult dog food featuring lamb as the first ingredient, supported by poultry by-product meal, fish meal, and plant proteins to provide a solid overall protein blend. It includes whole grains like rice, wheat, and corn for energy, plus added omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and probiotics to support skin, coat, and digestive health. The kibble combines crunchy pieces with soft shredded bits, which many dogs find appealing in texture.

Over-the-counter Meets WSAVA criteria AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.3 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a well-structured adult maintenance diet with good quality animal and grain ingredients, backed by AAFCO feeding trials rather than just formulation. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most healthy adult dogs, and the inclusion of probiotics, prebiotic fiber, and omega-6 fatty acids offers some nice added benefits. It does contain several common allergen sources, so it’s best suited for dogs without known food sensitivities who do well on mixed-protein, grain-inclusive diets.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Health Benefits
Probiotic Support Digestive Health Immune Support Skin Coat Health
Diet & Compliance
Meets WSAVA criteria
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Lamb as the first ingredient, with additional animal proteins (poultry by-product meal, fish meal, dried egg) providing a strong overall amino acid profile.
  • Backed by AAFCO feeding trials for adult maintenance, which is the highest standard we have for demonstrating real-world nutritional adequacy and digestibility.
  • Includes live probiotics (Bacillus coagulans) and prebiotic fiber from beet pulp and wheat bran to support digestive health.
  • Appropriate adult nutrient profile (26% protein, 16% fat as-fed) with added omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins A and E to support skin, coat, and general health.

Considerations

  • Contains several common allergens, including poultry by-product meal, egg, fish, soybean meal, and wheat, so it’s not ideal for dogs with known food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
  • Uses a mix of animal and plant proteins (soybean meal, corn protein meal), which is nutritionally acceptable but may not be the best fit for owners specifically seeking a primarily meat-based formula.
  • Calorie density is relatively high at about 390 kcal per cup, so portion control is important, especially for less active or weight-prone dogs.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Lamb, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, whole grain corn, soybean meal, corn protein meal, beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, natural flavor, dried beet pulp, mono and dicalcium phosphate, dried egg product, glycerin, soybean oil, fish meal, wheat bran, salt, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, MINERALS [zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), biotin (Vitamin B-7)], choline chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), garlic oil.

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
02
Rice
Rice is a common carbohydrate source and binder in dog and cat foods, supplying readily digestible energy and often used in formulations for sensitive stomachs or hypoallergenic diets. White rice is gentle and easy to digest while brown rice provides more fiber and micronutrients, but rice is low in essential amino acids, has a relatively high glycemic index, and can accumulate trace arsenic, so it should not be relied on as a primary protein and portions should be considered for diabetic or weight‑management pets.
03
Whole Grain Wheat
Whole grain wheat is used in pet foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates, fiber and some plant protein, and provides B‑vitamins and minerals to supply energy and help support stool quality—its nutritional contribution is typically more relevant for dogs than for obligate‑carnivore cats. While whole wheat retains more nutrients and fiber than refined wheat, it is calorie‑dense and can trigger gluten or grain sensitivities in a minority of pets, so animals with known wheat allergies or weight management concerns may be better served by wheat‑free or lower‑carbohydrate options.
04
Poultry By-Product
Poultry by-product is used primarily as a concentrated protein, fat and micronutrient source in pet foods and consists of rendered poultry parts such as internal organs, bones and connective tissues that supply amino acids, minerals (notably calcium and phosphorus) and B‑vitamins. It can be a cost‑effective source of bioavailable nutrients, but composition and quality vary by source and processing—owners of pets with poultry allergies or who prefer named-meat ingredients may choose alternatives, and safety depends on reputable rendering and adherence to regulatory standards.
05
Whole Grain Corn
Whole grain corn is commonly used as a carbohydrate and energy source in pet foods, providing digestible starch, dietary fiber, some protein, and B vitamins and minerals while retaining more nutrients than refined corn. It is generally economical and well-tolerated by most dogs and many cats, but because cats are obligate carnivores animal-based proteins are nutritionally more important, and pets with grain sensitivities, certain metabolic conditions, or requirements for low-carbohydrate diets may need alternatives; proper sourcing and processing also reduce mycotoxin risk and improve digestibility.

Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
26.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
16.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
3.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
12.00%
Low High
3933
kcal / Kg
390
kcal / Cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Shredded
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Feeding Trials
Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Pro Plan Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs.

Brand

Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pro Plan is Nestlé Purina’s flagship veterinary- and research-backed premium line, designed for pets with specific dietary needs and active lifestyles. It is supported by extensive nutritional science and AAFCO feeding trials.

Visit Purina Pro Plan
Price tier $$$$
WSAVA Meets criteria

WSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.

Manufacturer

Company name Nestlé Purina PetCare
Parent company Nestlé S.A.
Founded 2001
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Missouri
Manufacturing oversight

Nestlé Purina operates its own manufacturing facilities in the United States and globally with rigorous quality assurance programs. Facilities comply with FDA and USDA standards and implement HACCP-based food safety systems. The company conducts AAFCO feeding trials and employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Adult Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.3 /10 Grade A
Complete Essentials Adult Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Purina Pro Plan ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Purina Pro Plan. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.