Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a dry puppy food designed for growth, including large-breed puppies, with chicken as the first ingredient and a blend of rice, grains, and by-product meal for additional protein and energy. It includes DHA from fish oil to support developing brain and vision, along with omega-6 fatty acids and added vitamins and minerals for overall growth. The formula has been validated in AAFCO feeding trials for all life stages, including large-breed puppy growth.
This is a well-formulated, research-based dry food that is very suitable for most puppies, including large breeds, and can even be used beyond puppyhood if needed. It offers appropriate protein and fat levels for growth, a good calcium-to-phosphorus profile, and includes DHA from fish oil for developing brains and eyes. The use of grains, multiple protein sources, and validation through AAFCO feeding trials make it a solid, evidence-based choice, though it may not suit puppies with chicken, beef, egg, soy, or fish allergies.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken as the first ingredient, supported by poultry by-product meal, fish meal, and corn protein meal to provide a robust amino acid profile for growing puppies.
- Backed by AAFCO feeding trials for all life stages, including large-breed puppy growth, which gives strong evidence that the diet supports healthy growth in real dogs.
- Balanced growth nutrients, with appropriate protein (28%), fat (18%), and controlled calcium and phosphorus levels, important for large-breed skeletal development.
- Includes DHA from fish oil plus omega-6 fatty acids to support developing brain and vision, as well as skin and coat health.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens (chicken, beef fat, egg, fish, soybean oil, wheat, corn), so it is not ideal for puppies with known food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Uses multiple grain and corn-based ingredients; while nutritionally valuable, puppies needing a grain-free or simplified-ingredient diet for medical reasons would need a different formula.
- Calorie density is relatively high at 456 kcal per cup, so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid overfeeding, especially in fast-growing large-breed puppies.
Full Ingredient List
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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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
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.
04
Corn Protein
Corn protein is a plant-derived concentrated protein (often from corn gluten meal or corn protein isolate) used in dry pet foods to increase crude protein content and aid kibble texture; it supplies digestible plant-based amino acids but is lower in certain essential amino acids, particularly lysine, compared with animal proteins. It is an economical and sustainable ingredient but should be balanced with complementary animal proteins or supplemented amino acids—especially for cats, which need high-quality animal-based protein—and some pets can be sensitive or allergic to corn.
05
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.
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.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
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
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 PlanWSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.
Manufacturer
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
Purina Pro Plan Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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.
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